Three Decades of Mastering Tobacco Logistics: Driving Security and Sustainability in a Demanding Industry
When global tobacco producers expanded into Eastern Europe and Central Asia in the late 1990s, they needed logistics partners who could combine international standards with local expertise in complex, fast-evolving markets. Ahlers was among the few European companies equipped to meet those demands.
«It started when one of the world’s leading tobacco companies asked if we could support their expansion into the CIS region», recalls Daniel Van der Donck, Account Manager, who was part of the early project team. «We already had an office and team in Saint Petersburg, so we said yes ─ we’ll follow.»
That «yes» marked the beginning of Ahlers’ long-standing specialization in high-value logistics. Within a few years, offices were established in Kazakhstan and Ukraine to provide on-the-ground support, and a simple forwarding service grew into a full-service network capable of managing complex tobacco supply chains across challenging regions.
Security at the Core
As the tobacco industry evolved, so did Ahlers’ team. What began as forwarding soon expanded into Control Tower, warehousing, factory logistics, and other value-added services, supporting every stage of production and distribution.
Each step built on years of on-the-ground experience handling high-value, highly regulated commodities, creating a competitive edge that became a core part of Ahlers’ identity.
In 2014, Ahlers also became actively involved in TAPA (Transported Asset Protection Association), which helped us align our internal procedures and lessons learned with international security standards. «During the years this cooperation developed further, when our specialists got TAPA certifications and held special logistics trainings to spread the best practices and standards among logistics peers in the CIS region», ─ says Daniel.
Security has always been central to Ahlers’ approach. High-value goods require more than standard transport, and the company has consistently innovated to mitigate risks.
In the mid-2010s, a spate of thefts using the Romanian modus operandi ─ where criminals target trucks while in motion ─ prompted Ahlers to develop an in-house security device. The solution, that didn’t exist on the market back then, had door opening sensors, GPS tracking, alert button and a dedicated monitoring center.
Today, Ahlers continues to lead in transport high-value and theft-sensitive cargo managing over 10.000 shipments to 30+ countries per year. Our smart security solution reduces the dependency on human interaction (armed guards) while realizing significant cost savings.
«Our goal is maximum protection with minimal costs. Ahlers solution is based on TAPA TSR 2023 standards and allow our customer save over 30% on their transport security costs», ─ says Anatoliy Zelenov, Account Manager at Ahlers Ukraine.
Reliable Partner in Complex Markets
Two decades on, Ahlers is a trusted logistics partner for international tobacco producers, managing production and distribution across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
«We are one of the most reliable service providers in these markets», says Bart Van der Weken, Global Key Account Manager. «If a route passes through challenging regions like Mongolia, Iraq, Afghanistan or others, our customers know we can manage it. We know the risks, we have the network, and we know how to deliver safely.»
These new markets are full of opportunity, but also unpredictability. Roads open and close, customs regimes evolve, security conditions change overnight. For Ahlers, that’s where our value lies. With teams on the ground across the region, we see changes as they happen, not after. We anticipate the risks, adapt the routes, and keep supply chains steady when others hesitate.
Adapting to a Transforming Industry
The tobacco industry itself is evolving. Traditional products are increasingly complemented by reduced-risk devices, which introduce stricter transit rules, limited access in certain countries, and higher security requirements.
«These products often can’t transit through specific regions due to local regulations», Bart explains. «Every shipment has to be evaluated individually ─ routes, permits, customs. It’s complex, but it keeps us agile and proactive.»
Alongside product diversification, customers are demanding digital visibility, transparency, and sustainability ─ areas where Ahlers has embedded capabilities into daily operations.
Sustainability as Shared Progress
Sustainability is not optional in high-value logistics. Ahlers has been active in this area well before it became a market expectation, and continues to innovate in partnership with customers. «We started tracking CO₂ emissions before anyone asked for it», Daniel recalls. «Our analytics team developed an internal system based on the GLEC framework, allowing us and our customers to make informed, greener decisions.»
Today, Ahlers’ dedicated sustainability team drives joint initiatives with customers: optimizing routes, shifting modes of transport, and implementing monitoring and reporting tools. The company is actively pursuing EcoVadis and CDP certifications, ensuring its operations meet the highest standards.
Looking Ahead
From following customers into new markets in the 1990s to co-developing innovative security and sustainability solutions today, Ahlers’ journey in tobacco logistics is defined by adaptability, expertise, and trust. «Partnership for us means moving forward together», Bart concludes. «We make sure our customers can focus on their business while we take care of every logistics challenge, wherever that may be.»
The industry keeps changing: new products, new rules, new expectations. For Ahlers, that only means new challenges to master. We keep raising the bar in secure transport, digital visibility, and sustainable logistics. The goal is simple: make every shipment safer, smarter, and more responsible. That’s how we’ve earned trust and how we’ll keep it.
