Zotter Schokoladen Manufaktur, founded in Austria in 1999, is a bean-to-bar chocolate producer and creator of the hand-scooped chocolate bar. When the chocolate manufacturer opened its “Chocolate Theatre” in Shanghai in 2014, the company required an experienced logistics provider for its regular shipments from Austria to China.

International transport and info-logistics provider cargo-partner has been handling the export of Zotter’s chocolate products since 2014. The chocolate manufacturer’s portfolio includes more than 400 different varieties of chocolate products, all of which are organic, fair-trade and EMAS-certified. Zotter distributes its products to around 4,000 retail locations around the world, 80% of which are in Austria, Germany, and Switzerland. In addition to its location in Styria, Austria with 180 employees, the company has been operating a “Chocolate Theatre” in Shanghai, China with 30 employees since 2014. This combination of chocolate factory, specialty store, café, movie theater and museum offers visitors a range of interactive chocolate experiences. To secure a reliable and efficient logistics solution for this new venture, Zotter required an experienced logistics provider.

Temperature-controlled door-to-airport solution from Austria to China 

cargo-partner created a door-to-airport solution for Zotter Shanghai, including pick-up of the gourmet chocolates in Austria and air transport to China following a strictly defined schedule. To ensure that the exclusive delicacies retain their quality and taste all the way to their destination, Zotter’s products are transported in temperature-controlled containers at a constant temperature of 25°C. Transport is especially challenging in summer, when temperatures can rise to well above 30°C in both Austria and China. As soon as the goods arrive at the airport, cargo-partner immediately moves them to the warehouse to maintain an unbroken cold chain. Since all Zotter chocolate is handmade and organic, the products have a short shelf life and sometimes expire within only a few months. This is why cargo-partner always chooses the fastest flights and ships as quickly as possible. 

15,000 kg of chocolate per year 

Alex Shen, Admin Manager of Zotter Shanghai, appreciates the reliable cooperation: “cargo-partner provides a fast and cost-efficient solution for our imports to China. Careful handling, strict schedules and temperature control throughout the entire transport ensure that our exclusive chocolates retain their quality all the way to their destination.” cargo-partner transports around 15,000 kg of chocolate for Zotter Shanghai per year. Thanks to cargo-partner’s reliable PRIORITY service, the fast delivery and careful handling of Zotter’s sensitive products are guaranteed.