In a market environment shaped by capacity bottlenecks, rising freight rates, and supply chain disruptions, Hellmann was able to secure additional capacity for its customers as well as offer tailored logistics solutions. As a result, the number of shipments increased by 25 % compared to the prior year (16.2 million to 20.3 million). Consolidated sales increased by EUR 1.5 billion, representing an increase of 61 %, and crossed the EUR 4 billion mark for the first time in company history.

In addition to the increase in volume and the significant industry-wide rise in freight rates, the main growth drivers were future-oriented acquisitions executed during the reporting period. In terms of products, growth in the areas of air and sea freight, in particular, contributed to the increase in revenue. As for the result by geography, the Hellmann regions Latin America, Asia-Pacific and North America achieved organic above-average growth.

Hellmann on track for growth

Despite a significant increase in investment activities, liquidity was enhanced by a total of EUR 69.9 million due to an improved cash flow from operating activities of EUR 117.5 million. EBIT for the year 2021 amounts to EUR 160.1 million (vs. EUR 74.2 million during the prior year). To cover market-related additional expenses and ensure the maintenance of first class service levels for customers, Hellmann also invested in its workforce during the reporting period, increasing staff by more than 16 % to a total of 12,348 employees by the end of the year 2021.

The strategic development of the company has also been marked by many successful milestones during the past year. In addition to the openings of several new country offices in Asia and the Middle East, the expansion within France, as one of Europe’s largest markets, was also of strategic importance. Throughout 2021, Hellmann finalized numerous strategically critical acquisitions including the purchase of the joint venture Rhenus & Hellmann, acquisitions made by the Hellmann East Europe Group, and the procurement of minority shares of the Hellmann company in Australia.

Reiner Heiken, Chief Executive Officer, Hellmann Worldwide Logistics:

“Not only was 2021 our anniversary year, but also an exceptional year in many ways: Our employees showed once again that Hellmann is a reliable partner and proved that we can generate record growth even during a challenging time, in which we also successfully managed through a cyber-attack. Despite all political and economic uncertainties, we want to continue this positive development in 2022. Among other things, the focus for us as the Management Board is on the continuation of our digitization roadmap and the development of a long-term sustainability strategy. At the same time, we will continue to emphasize the targeted development of our employees and expand our Sales and Customer Service departments.”