TASIA TASSOVA: THE FUTURE OF LOGISTICS NOW

Tasia Tassova is an expert and consultant with over 20 years of experience in many industries, from media and design to infrastructure and construction. Tasia is currently completing a Master's degree in Transport and Logistics at the Sorbonne University.

"The outlook for the logistics sector is excellent. After real estate, the sector is attracting the most investor interest in Europe, according to CBRE's 2025 European Investor Survey. It measures the investment appetite in the main European markets," says Tasia Tassova. "For Bulgaria, Statista predicts an annual growth in logistics costs (CAGR 2025-2029) of 2.99%, resulting in a projected growth of $14.20 billion by 2029. The container port traffic in Bulgaria is expected to reach 243.50k TEU in 2025. Bulgaria plays a crucial geographical role, while the political will to support infrastructure development is essential for the sector to show the best of its results".

What is logistics?

Logistics is the process of planning, implementing and controlling the flow of raw materials, semi-finished products, finished products and all related information from the point of origin to the point of consumption. It encompasses three underlying flows within: financial, physical and information.

What is the difference between a logistics centre and a distribution centre?

Logistics centres are operated by an independent 3PL agent that offers business opportunities to at least two logistics companies in a competitive environment. It also relies on at least two different modes of transportation, while for a distribution centre there is usually only one mode of transportation and only one company integrated with the distribution centre, usually used for its own purposes, not for those of third parties.

How does it look from a broader perspective, for example in CEE?

Encouraging. According to Mordor Intelligence, the freight and logistics market in the region will reach $132 billion by 2025 and is expected to reach $160 billion by 2030. Demand for modern distribution centres and relatively low costs are some of the factors behind this growth. The market is relatively young, but the countries in the region are among the fastest-growing economies in Europe. However, with Germany dominating the logistics market, CEE countries have a lot of work to do to increase their market share. They need to address issues such as poor infrastructure, corruption, lack of competitiveness, and labor shortages. Bulgarian politicians need to create the best conditions for foreign investment.

How do we know that Bulgaria's progress in logistics is inevitable?

Because of the regional conjuncture. Bucharest is an example of an interconnected logistics hub, emerging as a strategic regional hub. Its growing industrial and logistics (I&L) market is a critical distribution platform linking Eastern and Western Europe, while extending its logistical reach to Turkey. There is no way Bulgaria can be left out of all this. This sector in Bulgaria is thriving now and will continue to boom as all road transport passes through our country.

How is real estate developing in Bulgaria in terms of logistics parks and distribution centres?

Prime yields for Class A logistics assets (10,000+ sqm) remained stable at 7.50% at the end of 2024. Prime rents increased by 2% per quarter to €5.40/sqm, with forecasts for stable or slightly increasing rental trends. For example, a warehouse in Plovdiv is currently waiting to be rented for 33,150 euros/month.

What is the digital logistics market and what are Bulgaria's prospects in it?

The digital logistics market includes venture capitalists, digital vendors and digital service providers. Its global market size is expected to grow from $40 billion in 2025 to $110.33 billion in 2030. Bulgaria's digital logistics market is also growing as companies adopt technologies such as real-time tracking, automated inventory management and data analytics to improve supply chain efficiency. As digital tools reduce costs and improve decision making, advancements in logistics technology along with increasing emphasis on supply chain visibility are further supporting its accelerated adoption. On the other hand, Bulgaria's IT sector is well known internationally, so we have everything we need to develop new digital projects and products.

Any challenges?

We still struggle with high implementation costs and the need for continuous system upgrades. Companies need to balance advanced functionality – such as real-time analytics and route optimisation – with affordability and seamless integration.

What are the key drivers for logistics data centres in particular?

Logistics data centres are transforming massive amounts of data at a single point in time. The key drivers are the mandatory real-time tracking of freight required by EU regulations and the increasing e-commerce demands that are transforming the market. What is the potential? In Bulgaria, we are facing a steady 30% annual growth in e-commerce, as well as the need for automation and robotisation of various warehouse activities that can be improved. Smarter and smarter solutions are the new business reality to come.

Do you see opportunities in the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT)?

Yes, definitely. The Internet of Things (IoT) enables the seamless connection of machines and devices across logistics and industrial operations, driving greater efficiency and performance in these processes. By integrating IoT solutions, companies can quickly identify inefficiencies, minimise errors, and optimise their industrial operations to achieve peak productivity. In addition, IoT enables significant cost savings in logistics, reducing both time and financial expenditures while streamlining operations.

Do you see a future in reverse logistics?

The question today is how to combine two almost incompatible concepts: ecology and logistics. Reverse logistics is a new and relatively unknown topic. However, it is important because it helps preserve the environment by recycling materials that threaten terrestrial ecosystems. It requires not only the commitment of the company, but also the full awareness and cooperation of all stakeholders: suppliers, human resources, distribution, transportation, and end users. I see its future as an important part of how business will be perceived in the next 20 to 30 years.

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