Order volumes remained stable at around 20m shipments, bucking the market trend and enabling Hellmann to expand its market position in 2023, particularly in the airfreight and seafreight product areas. The company also experienced international growth in its contract logistics division, acquiring new customers and establishing new warehouses, for example in the US, Germany, India, and Singapore. With total sales of 3.5b euros (2022: 5.0b euros), Hellmann achieved a solid result in 2023, topping pre-pandemic levels. The anticipated decline in total sales represents the result of an expected normalization of the previously above-average freight rates during the pandemic.

Global sustainable expansion strategy

Hellmann also successfully executed strategic measures for sustainable international growth in 2023: In addition to a continuation of its extensive investment in IT infrastructure and digitalization measures, the company executed new important milestones in its global growth strategy with the establishment of a new country organization in Ireland and further strategic acquisitions, such as in Italy, Slovakia, and the Baltic States.

“In the past financial year, Hellmann has not only gained market share, but has also strengthened its financial position. This will enable us to continue to invest in strategic and technological developments. The focus is on digitalization, promoting innovation, especially in the area of environmental sustainability, and investing in our more than 12,000 employees worldwide,” says Martin Eberle, Chief Financial Officer, Hellmann Worldwide Logistics.