Foreword by the Management Board

Anyone who thought that the "normality" of the pre-COVID years would return in 2022 was quite wrong. As a result, the reporting year was also characterized by turbulent conditions. The development of the COVID pandemic and Russia's war against Ukraine had a significant impact on the logistics industry worldwide: While the first half of the year continued to be characterized by capacity bottlenecks, particularly in the air and seafreight sectors, demand for transport services declined significantly from the third quarter onwards due to subdued consumer spending worldwide. This in turn led to overcapacity in almost all product areas during the second half of the year and correspondingly falling rates on the global trade lanes. Despite this unsteady and challenging environment, the Hellmann Group managed to conclude the reporting year extremely successfully. As a result, total revenue increased to EUR 5.04 billion, accompanied by an increase in shipping volumes. 

In times like these, which are characterized by operational challenges and constant change, it is more important than ever to define clear strategic goals and thus also create the conditions for future growth. The issue of sustainability is a decisive success criterion with regard to the company's strategic orientation. While Hellmann has always aspired to act sustainably, we have now taken the next logical step and elevated the issue of sustainability to the next level as a central component of our corporate strategy. Our goal is to further expand our corporate performance with regard to the three dimensions of environment, social responsibility and governance in the coming years and to take on a pioneering role. Thus, the topic of sustainability is not only central to our corporate strategy, but is also reflected in many places in our corporate culture, the "Hellmann Promise." With this approach, which sees sustainability as an integral part of all our activities, we as a logistics service provider not only want to secure our company’s long-term profitability, but also join forces so we can contribute to overcoming the social and ecological challenges all of us face worldwide.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all our employees and partners for their extraordinary commitment and the passion with which they make Hellmann what it is – a successful global family business with sustainable ambitions for the future. At the same time, we would also like to thank our customers for their loyalty and excellent cooperation.