New Logistics Service Dedicated to Wines and Spirits

With 144.7 million hectolitres in 2019, Europe produces 2/3 of the world’s wines. The total turnover represents 137 billion euros; Europe’s share is around 70 billion euros, so half is exported. Exports from France, Italy, Spain, Germany and Austria represent more than half of world wine exports. Accelerated by electronic commerce, the share represented by top-quality bottled wines with indication of origin is steadily increasing compared to bulk wines without a geographical indication. At the same time, the demand from producers for transparent, fast supply chains with a single controlling operator, including customs clearance and payment of excise duties is increasing. With ‘Wine & Spirit’, the European logistics network ASTRE has responded with a new service made up of more than 30 partners specialized in this segment, led by six international experts, based in the main production and import countries. Those are Gamba & Rota in France, Avanzini in Italy, Allied Express in Spain, A+M Transitarios in Portugal, KLG in the Netherlands, and Sachsenland in Germany.

The ASTRE Wine & Spirit solution includes optimal management of aspects specific to the sector and emphasizes E-Commerce, while relying on existing quality transport solutions like the pallet distribution channel and the Astre LTL and FTL network solutions. This includes local collection and grouping of pallets directly in the heart of each wine-growing region, a European network of certified logisticians, rapid and simple distribution both inside and outside the ASTRE network, including the services of customs and tax representation. The presence of members of the network in the main European ports also makes it possible to cover important foreign markets such as the United States and China. In addition, all specific logistics services beyond storage are available such as special packaging, the application of fiscal stamps or transport in special palletized containers. In addition, the shipment path is transparent for all users thanks to in-house tracking, with prices known in advance and short transport times.

Bettina Wietzel-Skakowski, responsible for the international network at ASTRE, explains the aim of the system: “Europe is the centre of production but also of consumption in the wine and spirits trade. With ASTRE Wine & Spirit, we are implementing a logistics system that meets the needs of the industry and considers the growing importance of electronic commerce. Faced with increasing quantities of high quality wines and spirits, we have created a transparent and fast logistics solution for both winegrowers and traders or importers, from independent wine merchant retailers, to mass distribution including all the players in the HoReCa sector (Hotels, Restaurants and Catering). Our goal is to position ASTRE as an indispensable and trusted partner of the European wine and spirits industry. ”

The solution is being tested since early July 2020. According to Julien Garioud, International Business Development ASTRE, 5,000 pallets are planned in the first months of the first year, which will be transported not only as part of the Wine & Spirit program, but can also be freely combined with the ASTRE Palet System and ASTRE LTL International distribution channels for part and complete loads. ASTRE thus strengthens its position as a versatile and reliable partner in Europe for its customers’ transport and logistics services.