JF Hillebrand wins Waitrose supplier award for supply chain efficiency
JF Hillebrand has won the Waitrose supplier award for improved efficiency for its contribution to supply chain management solutions.
The award was presented by Mark Williamson, Commercial Director at Waitrose at their annual supplier awards ceremony on Tuesday 28th June 2011.
Mark Williamson said “JF Hillebrand are a highly specialised supplier of wine transportation and supply chain solutions. They have worked collaboratively with Waitrose in the past year to develop an improved supply chain management system.This will allow our many suppliers around the world to ship optimal volumes for us at lower costs per case, whilst reducing stockholdings and improving forecast accuracy for both Waitrose and our suppliers.
The awards were presented to the top performing suppliers across every aspect of the Waitrose business including product and service supply.
In total, 11 Suppliers were awarded across 5 categories however JF Hillebrand was the sole winner for ‘Improved Efficiency’.
“Rob Turvey, Managing Director of JF Hillebrand’s Supply Chain Management Division, said: “It is extremely gratifying to have our customer recognise our work with them in such a manner.When forming a new supply chain management operation we immerse ourselves into the customer’s world to ensure we understand fully what they need, and then work in partnership to deliver an enhanced supply chain.
Although the JF Hillebrand Supply Chain solution has received many accolades for the tangible benefits it delivers, this Waitrose supplier award is particularly valued by the team as it is based purely on customer recognition and the evaluation of the exceptional contribution made to the Waitrose business.
JF Hillebrand named "Logistics Company of the Year"
18th May 2011
Once again we have raised our own glass in celebration after being adjudged Logistics Company of the Year in the annual Drinks Business Awards 2011 ceremony held in London on Wednesday 18th May.
As winner of the prestigious award in 2010 and in five of the past seven years we continue to be recognised for creation of a highly responsive supply chain, from harvesting to the high street, encompassing a wide range of specially adapted transport solutions for differing client requirements.
The 2011 entry caught the imagination of judges with its citation of tangible gains; the judges said “The winner has consolidated its position as a leader in its field, has demonstrated a “competitive, professional and friendly service.” And as one judge commented after reading their entry, “They know what they’re doing. They’re constantly adapting to meet the needs of our industry and their work with environmental issues sets them head and shoulders above the competition.”
“To receive such recognition from the beverage industry again in 2011 is a tremendous accolade and is a tribute to the people in JF Hillebrand who, day in, day out, ensure that our valued clients’ products reach the shelf on time and in peak condition - and in a professional and value-for-money manner.” said JF Hillebrand UK Managing Director David Mawer.
“However, wining in five years out of seven does not mean resting on our laurels. The company will continue to explore and adapt the range of services and technology operated to ensure that it remains in the forefront of wine supply chain logistics development.”
JF Hillebrand at the London Wine Fair 2011
10th May 2011
Come and join the JF Hillebrand team on stand L22 at the London International Wine Fair (LIWF) at London’s ExCel. This year will make it the 12th year we have taken a stand there and are still getting excited about it!
The show will be held from 17-19 May 2011, and, as the organisers say: “No other trade event has the same diversity of wine and spirits...It's as if the global wine business has come together for three days.”
David Mawer will be explaining the effect of temperature changes in the distribution chain in a seminar entitled ‘Bottle variation: the dirty secret of the wine trade’. It will give him a chance to talk about the benefit of using one of our VinLiners, which protect valuable cargo from temperature fluctuations in transit. This presentation on wine quality will be held in the O2inWines™ Panel Discussion, 17 May, 16:00–17:30 (Stand Q75).
We hope that you’ll be able to join us. To register for your visitors pass, please visit www.londonwinefair.com where online registration is available.
JF Hillebrand enhance Italian Services
29th March 2011
JF Hillebrand has strengthened its wine and beverage logistics services in Italy, and across Europe, with the acquisition of logistics specialist Ferry International SRL.
Based in Milan, Ferry International was founded in 1978 and employs 17 staff. The company provides door-to-door logistics services by road, rail and sea to exporters and importers across Italy. With their skill set and track record, the Ferry International team will play a pivotal role in supporting our ongoing investment in European door-to-door movements.
JF Hillebrand and Waitrose strengthen partnership with new long-term contract
27th January 2011
JF Hillebrand, the world’s leading specialist logistics provider to the global beverage market, is delighted to announce that it has been awarded a new contract to manage all wine imports for Waitrose.
The new three year contract builds upon a pre-existing relationship the two companies have successfully maintained and developed for more than 10 years. JF Hillebrand is now the strategic solus partner for Waitrose and will provide full Supply Chain Management solutions for its global import trade lanes.
The decision by Waitrose to extend the use of JF Hillebrand’s Supply Chain Management solution to cover the entire business follows the successful implementation across a selection of trade lanes over the last four years.
Andrew Shaw, Buying Manager (Wines), Waitrose said: “The JF Hillebrand solution will result in a responsive and robust supply chain which will reduce our stockholding - a critical factor in enabling our network to absorb the tremendous business growth we have planned for the future. By entering this agreement we have established a mutually beneficial partnership with our suppliers and JF Hillebrand and look forward to further developing this in coming years.
David Mawer, Managing Director of JF Hillebrand UK says: “These are really exciting times for our joint businesses. We are extremely proud to be appointed as Waitrose’s solus partner and are very much looking forward to this next stage of growth and development of Waitrose’s global wine beverage supply chain.”
The two companies will be working in even closer collaboration alongside all the supply chain stakeholders to further develop the best possible system of collaborative planning, forecasting and replenishment. This will ensure a greater variety of choice, better availability, shorter lead times, and lower inventory all at reduced costs.
JF Hillebrand acquires Lagena Distribution AB
10th November 2010
JF Hillebrand has strengthened its capability to provide dedicated wine and beverage logistics services in Sweden with the acquisition of Stockholm-based Lagena Distribution AB, the leading distributor of alcoholic beverages in Sweden.
Since its formation in 1994, Lagena Distribution AB has been a wholly owned subsidiary of Systembolaget AB, the Swedish Alcohol Retail Monopoly. In April 2010, Systembolaget’s Board took the decision to sell Lagena Distribution, as part of an effort to increase the focus on core operations.
“Lagena is an important strategic acquisition for our expansion in the Nordic countries,” said Gérard Desbois, CEO JF Hillebrand Group. “The sales process has taken just under six months and attracted the attention of numerous potential purchasers, so naturally we are delighted to have reached an agreement.”
“We believe that JF Hillebrand is the ideal future owner of Lagena Distribution,” said Anders Söderlund, Vice President of Systembolaget AB. “It is a very exciting development thanks to JF Hillebrand’s long-term plans for operations, combined with their extensive expertise in integrated beverage logistics.”
The acquisition underpins JF Hillebrand’s market-leading position in Sweden and across the Nordic and Baltic countries, which are seen as an evolving beverage market with high potential for growth and development.
“The acquisition presents both companies with a unique opportunity to further enhance levels of specialist service in Sweden,” said Soren Nymann, JF Hillebrand’s Area Manager for Northern Europe. “The combination of Lagena Distribution’s local logistics expertise, alongside JF Hillebrand’s global forwarding network, means we are now perfectly positioned to serve the needs of our customers with two Swedish companies.”
Lagena Distribution will keep its current brand and management team and will continue to focus on warehousing and distribution in Sweden. JF Hillebrand Sverige AB will focus on the existing freight forwarding business in Sweden.
“We are truly delighted to welcome Lagena to the JF Hillebrand Group,” said Pierre Bonel, JF Hillebrand’s Global Sales and Marketing Director. “The combined expertise and organizational skills of both companies will enable us to enhance our own service offering, and in so doing, capitalize on growth opportunities in the global market for beverage logistics. The addition of Lagena Distribution’s know-how and expertise is strategically important to our organisation.”
"We very much welcome this acquisition, which we see as both an interesting development opportunity and an excellent fit between the business models. The new owner has been very well received by the management team and all staff, and we believe that we have a bright future ahead of us," said Per Öhagen, Managing Director of Lagena Distribution.
JF Hillebrand wins Customer Care Award
29th October 2010
JF Hillebrand SCM has won a prestigious Customer Care Award for its cutting edge supply chain management system and solutions. The Award was presented at the IFW Awards ceremony at the Hilton Hotel, Park Lane yesterday evening (October 28, 2010). The IFW Awards, in their 14th year, are recognised as one of the leading accolades in the European freight and logistics industry.
JF Hillebrand won over tough competition from CMA CGM, Framptons Transport Services, Hellmann UK, OOCL Logistics and SCF Group.
According to the judges, “the winner used its Supply Chain Management system to benefit customers by cutting lead times by at least 50-60%. And in doing so they integrated both the supply side and customer service side of their business and integrated them into a remarkable intercontinental operation”.
Rob Turvey says: “Our SCM solutions and system have already won numerous supply chain and logistics awards for the significant benefits it brings to our customers, and we are delighted that it has now also won this Customer Care award. We know that our standards of service is second to none, but it is always gratifying to have this verified by independent industry experts. We are regularly recognised for the sophistication of our supply chain solutions and system and the benefits they bring, but this Award helps demonstrate that we are also dedicated to the highest levels of customer care. We make sure that we understand what individual customers need and then we work with them to deliver that.”
JF Hillebrand at the HKIWSF
19th October 2010
JF Hillebrand will be exhibiting at the Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair, which takes place at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre on the 4th-6th of November.
The Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair is Asia's most exciting wine & spirit event, attracting global market-leaders in wine and spirits distribution. Australia will be the partner country in 2010, guaranteeing that the fair will be a remarkable and multicultural event.
We hope you will be able to join us at booth 3D – C31, where our team of logistics experts will be on hand to showcase our industry leading range of specialist logistics services, and discuss any enquiries you may have.
To register for your visitors pass, please visit www.hktdc.com where online registration is available.
JF Hillebrand strengthen Australian network through acquisition of John Crack Freight Services
7th October 2010
JF Hillebrand has strengthened its capability to provide dedicated wine and beverage logistics services with the acquisition of another specialist forwarder, John Crack Freight Services (JCFS). The acquisition underpins JF Hillebrand’s position in the Australian market.
Strategically located at the port of Adelaide, JCFS has been in business for 18 years, providing expert forwarding services to a number of wineries throughout Australia. The company also operates an 8000sq m warehousing and container packing depot.
“We are truly delighted to welcome JCFS to the Hillebrand Group,” said Michael Frogbrook, JF Hillebrand’s Managing Director / Area Manager for Australia & New Zealand. “The acquisition presents both companies with a unique opportunity to further enhance levels of specialist service to customers across Australia“.
After the acquisition and due to their excellent reputation throughout the world, JCFS will retain its own identity and existing structure, and all customer contacts will remain unchanged. However, JCFS will be able to draw on the synergies and global networking opportunities provided by the Hillebrand Group; ensuring that customers enjoy the benefits of an enhanced service offering.
“Since 1993, JCFS has gained a reputation for supply chain efficiency and personal service,” said John Crack, Managing Director of JCFS. “Becoming part of the Hillebrand Group will provide business development opportunities and enable us to better serve our customers‘ future requirements. Our clients will enjoy a wider selection of route options and improved access to space and equipment, supported by JF Hillebrand’s global network and information management systems.”
Constellation endorse Trans Ocean’s innovative solutions
29th July 2010
Trans Ocean, Hillebrand Group subsidiary and global leader in wine bulk liquid logistics, is delighted to announce that it has been awarded a new contract to handle all wine imports into Constellation Europe’s UK facility – the largest of its kind in Europe.
Building upon our existing working relationship, this new contract is a major step forward to take advantage of the considerable supply chain savings and environmental benefits that Trans Ocean can provide.
Trans Ocean will manage both bulk and cased wine movements from Europe and the New World into the Constellation Park, Avonmouth, with the majority moving by rail from various UK ports.
Both Constellation and Trans Ocean are dedicated to reducing carbon emissions. The new services will utilize a dedicated rail connection to transport containers from South/East UK Ports to Bristol, eliminating over one million road miles in removing thousands of truck journeys from already congested roads.
A three-year contract, signed between Freightliner subsidiary Logico and Trans Ocean, initially involves seven trains a week from the South East ports. These are the first services operated on these routes for Trans Ocean and carry an equivalent of 8.96 million bottles each week into the Constellation facility via our VinBulk Flexitanks. With 24/7 secure terminal operations, the rail service ensures an efficient, streamlined supply chain to Constellation Park, eliminating potential demurrage costs and allowing Constellation to utilise faster shipping services into ports which connect to the rail network.
Trans Ocean, as part of the total supply chain solution is also providing Constellation with two mechanical Mobicon straddle carriers to simplify bulk container handling at Constellation Park. The straddle carriers will be used to move containers from chassis on arrival to the holding area and discharge points within Constellation Park.
Hillebrand Group's, Tom Yusef said “We are delighted that Constellation, one of the largest premium drinks companies in the world, have the confidence in the quality and value of our services and solutions to their business, to make this level of commitment”.
JF Hillebrand strengthen European network through Bulgarian Acquisition
20th July 2010
JF Hillebrand has strengthened it’s global network by acquiring Bulgarian logistics specialist Bora Shipping Ltd. The acquisition underpins JF Hillebrand’s position in the expanding Eastern European market.
Headquartered in Sofia, Bulgaria, beverage logistics specialist Bora Shipping was founded in 1998, and has been working in partnership with JF Hillebrand for a number of years.
“We are delighted to welcome Bora Shipping to the JF Hillebrand Group.” said Bernd Jordan, JF Hillebrand’s Area Manager for Northern Europe. “Eastern Europe is an emerging wine market with huge potential for growth and development. The combination of Bora Shipping’s local expertise, alongside JF Hillebrand’s global network, means we are now perfectly positioned to serve the needs of this market.”
Boris Christov, manager of Bora Shipping with over 40 years experience in freight forwarding, will manage JF Hillebrand’s activities in Bulgaria, Romania and Serbia.
JF Hillebrand win Best Logistics Company 2010
18th May 2010
JF Hillebrand, the leading logistics provider in the global wines and spirits industry, has been named the Logistics Company of the Year at the Drinks Business Awards 2010. The awards were announced at this week’s London International Wine Fair.
The judges were impressed by JF Hillebrand’s commitment to continuous improvement and said that the company has consolidated its position as a leader in its field, demonstrating a “competitive, professional and friendly service.”
And as one judge commented after reading the entry: “They know what they’re doing. They’re constantly adapting to meet the needs of our industry. They get what the wine industry is all about and work hard to be a part of it.”
This is the fourth time that JF Hillebrand has won the award in the last six years. Managing Director David Mawer says it is the dedication and expertise of the global team that makes the company an award-winning one.
“We offer a service to the wine and spirit industry that the general logistics companies cannot match. And to then win an award ahead of other finalists who also specialise in the drinks industry is especially gratifying. ”
JF Hillebrand is able to offer specialist wine logistics services whether customers are shipping a full container load or just a few cases. This ensures quality control (for example through the use of specially designed foil linings, VinLiners, for the containers) while giving importers and retailers the flexibility to ship exactly what they need, when they need it.
JF Hillebrand sponsor World Wine Tour 2010
20th May 2010
JF Hillebrand is this year sponsoring and supporting a project called World Wine Tour, a charity event whereby 2 people will travel the globe collecting wine bottles from participating wineries.
All bottles will be shipped back to California via JF Hillebrand, where an auction will be held at Robert Mondavi Winery in 2011. All proceeds from the auction will be donated to the Lao Rehabilitation Foundation Inc, helping change lives in Laos. The Charity works on a variety of projects, from caring for a school for blind children, to operating medical missions in remote areas, to building schools, building clinics, and bringing medical supplies into the country.
The charity is currently supervising the construction of an aquaduct to bring water to a village of over 500 inhabitants whose fresh water supply has dried out. The funds raised by the auction in 2011 will go to help rebuild a school destroyed by massive flooding of the MekongRiver in 2008.
To find out more about the project, please visit their website at www.worldwinetour2010.com
JF Hillebrand at ProWein
11th March 2010
JF Hillebrand will once again be exhibiting at ProWein in Düsseldorf, March 21 – 23, 2010.
ProWein is one of the leading trade fairs for the global wine and spirits industry, with around 3500 exhibitors and 35000 visitors.
Exclusively for trade visitors, ProWein allows professionals from all areas of the industry meet up in order to discuss trends, perspectives and what‘s on offer – and, of course, to do business.
As in previous years, JF Hillebrand has a booth, and members of our German team and international colleagues will be present. You will find us in Hall 6, Booth 6N41.
We look forward to welcoming our customers, colleagues and friends at ProWein. For more information on ProWein, please visit www.prowein.de
JF Hillebrand secures three year global deal with William Grant & Sons
JF Hillebrand is delighted to have been awarded a three year logistics contract with William Grant & Sons, providing in-house management, logistics and distribution services within several of their key global locations, including the majority share in volume from their global headquarters in Bellshill.
William Grant & Sons will benefit from JF Hillebrand’s total commitment to the beverage industry. With efficient and cost-effective transport solutions and state of the art order management technology, all supported through the global network of the Hillebrand Group they can ensure William Grant & Sons products will be handled with the upmost care and attention along every step of the supply chain.
William Grant & Sons core brand portfolio includes The Balvenie, Grant’s, Glenfiddich, Sailor Jerry, Hendrick’s and Tullamore Dew.
JF Hillebrand’s Area Director for UK & Ireland David Mawer said: ‘We are extremely proud to have enhanced our position with William Grant & Sons as one of their strategic and logistical service partner. It reinforces our position as market leader within the beverage sector and endorses the service excellence that we consistently deliver to our clients. Our global network of offices specifically concentrating within the beverage sector will ensure that William Grant & Sons will experience the highest quality of service, at all times.’