“Decline in total sales represents the result of expected normalization of above-average freight rates during the pandemic.”
Hellmann Worldwide Logistics shipment volumes remained stable at around 20 million in 2023, bucking the market trend and expanding its market position, particularly in the air freight and sea freight product areas. “The company also experienced international growth in its contract logistics division, acquiring new customers and establishing new warehouses in the U.S., Germany, India, and Singapore,”
With total sales of €3.5 billion (2022: €5 billion), down 30 percent, Hellmann achieved a solid result in 2023, topping pre-pandemic levels, the release added. “The anticipated decline in total sales represents the result of an expected normalization of the previously above-average freight rates during the pandemic. In addition, equity was strengthened by 4.4 percent to €405 million (2022: €388 million) and the equity ratio increased from 28 percent to 35 percent.”
Reiner Heiken, Chief Executive Officer, Hellmann Worldwide Logistics says: “Last year was characterized by a massive decline in rates across the industry and overcapacity in many product areas. Despite these challenges, we were able to maintain the number of shipments and gain market share. This success is a clear sign of our strength and adaptability in a dynamic market environment. It is also important to me that Hellmann is strategically very well positioned and that I can hand over the reins to Jens Drewes with great confidence at the end of the month.”
Drewes will assume the responsibility as CEO on June 1 from Reiner Heiken who is retiring. “Reiner Heiken has positioned Hellmann very strongly over the past five years and set the course for the future,” says Drewes. “I look forward to building on this solid foundation with our international management and the entire Hellmann team to further develop the family business and expand our market position.” In addition to a continuation of investments in IT infrastructure and digitalization measures in 2023, Hellmann executed its global growth strategy with the establishment of a new country organization in Ireland and acquisitions in Italy, Slovakia, and the Baltic states.
