What Delanchy Group does

Delanchy Group is a family-owned French transport and logistics company founded in 1968 by Joseph Delanchy in Brittany, structured today as SAS DEFITRANS with administrative headquarters in La Gravelle, France. The group specializes in temperature-controlled (cold-chain) road transport and platform logistics for perishable food products — primarily seafood (~40% of activity) and fresh produce including fruit and vegetables, meat, and dairy (~60%) — serving food producers, distributors, foodservice operators, and retailers. Operations run through 51-55 directly owned agencies across France, Italy, Spain, and Switzerland, plus dedicated air and sea export services (BSA International) and a customs brokerage (COPROMER, OEA-certified) supporting worldwide shipment of fresh and frozen goods with no subcontracting of core transport.

The underlying operating model combines a fleet of approximately 1,000 refrigerated vehicles running on a multi-energy mix (Euro 6 diesel, biomethane, B100 biodiesel, 100% electric Renault Trucks D ZE, and a CHEREAU hydrogen-powered refrigerated semi-trailer) with group-owned logistics platforms representing 35% of activity. A proprietary digital platform, D'Livery, plus a real-time traceability system capture temperature, delivery time, and cold-chain telemetry across the network; this stack was extended in 2024 with MICHELIN QuickScan automated tire-monitoring integration.

Revenue is generated through B2B contract-negotiated transport fees, managed logistics services on owned platforms, international air/sea freight forwarding (transaction fees on containerized and consolidated shipments), and customs brokerage professional services. Customer segments are diversified across hypermarkets and supermarkets, foodservice and out-of-home catering, seafood producers and fisheries, fresh produce (fruit and vegetable) industry, and international exporters. Geographic expansion has been pursued through a combination of greenfield subsidiaries (Italy 1997-2005, Spain 2016) and acquisitions (GUIFFANT 2022, BMR 2023, a 49% stake in KOTRA Logistics 2023, joint acquisition of Oslo Seafood Center A/S in 2024), giving the group presence in France, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Denmark, Austria, and Norway, with worldwide reach via air and sea freight.

Name

Delanchy Group

Legal name

SAS DEFITRANS

Website

https://delanchy.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1968

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

Delanchy Group is a family-owned French cold-chain transport and logistics operator founded in 1968, serving food producers, distributors, and retailers through 51+ owned agencies across Europe with just-in-time temperature-controlled road, air, and sea freight services.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Cold Chain Logistics

NAICS

Refrigerated Warehousing and Storage (493120), Transportation and Warehousing (48-49), Local Messengers and Local Delivery (49221)

SIC

Trucking & Courier Services (No Air) (4210), Public Warehousing & Storage (4220), Arrangement Of Transportation Of Freight & Cargo (4731)

akta.pro primary industry

Expedited Cold Chain / Temperature-Controlled Expediting (TLADANAJ)

akta.pro secondary industries

Meat, Poultry & Seafood Refrigerated Warehousing (TLALABAC), Restaurant & Catering Cold Delivery (TLAAAJAB), Value-Added Cold Storage Services (Pick/Pack, Kitting, Repacking, Labeling) (AFAOAFAL)

Keywords

• Cold chain logistics
• Temperature-controlled transport
• Fresh produce logistics
• Food freight forwarding
• Seafood logistics services

Headquarters

HQ city

La Gravelle

HQ country

France

HQ region

Europe

Offices8 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Temperature-Controlled Road Transport: Core transport services delivering fresh, frozen, and chilled products (seafood, meat, dairy, fruit & vegetables) across France, Europe, and internationally via a fleet of refrigerated trucks and semi-trailers. Operates on just-in-time delivery schedules (day A to day B in France, day A to day C in Europe). Revenue generated through freight charges per delivery.
2. Logistics and Warehousing: Logistics operations on group-owned platforms covering 35% of group activity: receipt, order preparation, cold storage, and distribution. Full supply chain control for perishable food products with real-time traceability.
3. Air and Sea Export Services: International freight forwarding for fresh, frozen, and seafood products worldwide. Includes air freight (isothermal shipping boxes, consolidation, customs), sea freight (20' and 40' containers, LCL/FCL, personalized pallets), and customs brokerage.
4. Customs Services (COPROMER): Customs representation and brokerage through COPROmer subsidiary, handling import/export formalities, sanitary documentation, and fiscal obligations for non-EU trade (incl. Brexit).

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Delanchy Group provides temperature-controlled road transport, cold-chain logistics, warehousing, and international air/sea freight forwarding for perishable food products (seafood, meat, dairy, fruit, and vegetables). Services span a network of 55+ owned agencies across France, Italy, Spain, and Switzerland, supported by in-house customs brokerage, real-time traceability, and just-in-time delivery schedules.

Product overview

Delanchy Group is a family-owned transport and logistics company founded in 1968 in Brittany, France, specializing in temperature-controlled transport and logistics of fresh products. The company operates a platform-plus-services model with core offerings including Transport Services (temperature-controlled road transport), Logistics Services (35% of activity on their platforms), Grand Export (air and sea international shipping), and Customs Services (through COPRMER agency). The portfolio includes acquired brands GUIFFANT and BMR Transports that strengthen their seafood division, plus the digital tool D'Livery for client and employee support. With over 3,500 employees across 55 agencies in France, Italy, Spain, Switzerland and partnerships worldwide, Delanchy serves food producers, distributors, and restaurants with just-in-time delivery capabilities.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• GUIFFANT By Delanchy: Specialized seafood transport brand acquired in 2022, operating under the Delanchy Group umbrella.
• BMR Transports
• Fargier by Delanchy
• LFP by Delanchy
• COPROMER
• BSA International

Products and services

• Temperature-Controlled Road Transport

Quantifiable outcome

• 98% of vehicles at Euro 6 standard (as of December 2021), moving toward full fleet compliance
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Partnerships

17 partnerships are on record, tiered major, minor and core.

• INDO TransportesmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 March 2026European transport partner co-exhibiting with DELANCHY at SEAFOOD EXPO GLOBAL Barcelona 2026 (stand 3II201, Hall 3). INDO is a Spanish transport company specializing in refrigerated transport. Partnership strengthens cross-border Iberian transport services.
• HOPI CEE HubminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 March 2026Central and Eastern European logistics partner co-exhibiting at SEAFOOD EXPO GLOBAL Barcelona 2026 on DELANCHY's stand. Extends group coverage into CEE markets.
• Racing Club de VannesminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025DELANCHY is a partner of Racing Club de Vannes (rugby club), reinforcing local community presence in Brittany.
• KOTRA LogisticscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 26 June 2024DELANCHY acquired a 49% stake in KOTRA Logistics, a Dutch family-owned company founded in 1870 in Yerseke, Netherlands, specializing in seafood logistics. KOTRA remains majority shareholder. The alliance enables joint European expansion covering Benelux, Germany, France, Denmark, Austria, Switzerland, Spain, and Italy. In June 2024, together they acquired Oslo Seafood Center A/S at Gardermoen, Norway's most modern seafood terminal.
• Oslo Seafood Center A/ScoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 26 June 2024Norway's most modern seafood terminal located at Gardermoen airport. Acquired jointly by DELANCHY (via its 49% stake in KOTRA Logistics) and KOTRA Logistics in June 2024. Gives Norwegian exporters and importers access to a tight-knit European logistics network and digitalization.
• KOTRA LogisticscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 February 2023Alliance formalized in February 2023 when DELANCHY acquired its 49% stake in the KOTRA group. Both family businesses share values around customer service quality, sustainable transport, and long-term identity. Joint objective to consolidate and develop European networks with a more complete and competitive customer offering.
• OCEAN ExhibitionminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2022DELANCHY is transport and logistics partner for the OCEAN Exhibition, a traveling exhibition on marine environments and ocean protection, supported by the French Ministry of the Sea and under the French Presidency of the EU Council.
• CHEREAUmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021Ongoing co-development partnership with CHEREAU (trailer manufacturer) to test and develop innovative refrigerated trailers. First hydrogen semi-trailer ('Hydrogen Power H2') delivered February 2020 and put into operation. Second 'New Energies' semi-trailer prototype with solar panels and energy-recovery axles tested from December 2021. CHEREAU and DELANCHY also co-sponsored Energy Observer. Both companies are partners in hydrogen road transport development.
• ALTENSminorOthers · 1 January 2021B100 (pure biodiesel from French rapeseed) fuel supplier for DELANCHY's fleet. First trucks with exclusive B100-only engines (Renault Trucks) integrated into the group fleet of approximately 1,000 vehicles.
• CARRIER TRANSICOLDminorOthers · 1 January 2021Refrigeration unit supplier for DELANCHY's 100% electric Renault Trucks D ZE 16t truck. Provides the cooling system integrated into the electric vehicle's battery pack.
• LAMBERETminorOthers · 1 January 2021Bodywork/cab supplier for DELANCHY's 100% electric Renault Trucks D ZE 16t truck used for urban delivery from Rungis to Paris.
• MICHELINminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021DELANCHY was MICHELIN's first customer to integrate the MICHELIN QuickScan tire monitoring system (installed at Frigo Transports 53 – Mayenne). Automated tread depth measurement via floor plates when trucks enter the facility, combined with alignment, balance, and alarm forecasting for maintenance scheduling.
• YZOTRUCKminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2020DELANCHY was the first customer of YZOTRUCK, an electric or alternative-fuel truck solution provider, demonstrating early adoption of innovative transport technology.
• Energy ObservermajorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2017Principal Partner and Logistics Partner of Energy Observer, the world's first hydrogen-powered vessel, since 2017. DELANCHY provides logistical support for the vessel's international tour and village setup. In December 2024, DELANCHY also supported the launch of Energy Observer Developments (industrial hydrogen solutions company). Partnership aligns with DELANCHY's commitment to hydrogen and renewable energy in transport.
• RENAULT TRUCKSmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2017Partnership for electric and alternative-energy truck deployment. DELANCHY was first customer for the 100% electric Renault Trucks 13t (2017) and first customer for the Renault Trucks D ZE 16t series truck (2020). CARRIER TRANSICOLD and LAMBERET provided refrigeration body and unit respectively. Also integrating B100 fuel trucks supplied via ALTENS.
• ARSEP / Défi Sports SolidairesminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2017DELANCHY supports the ARSEP foundation (France Sclérose en Plaques) via sponsorship of Défi Sports Solidaires, including the DEFI VOILE Solidaires en Peloton sailing team (Ocean Fifty trimaran). The trimaran carries the association's branding and raises awareness of multiple sclerosis. Thibaut Vauchel-Camus is the skipper. The partnership includes charitable donations and patient sailing experiences.
• NAUSICAA Foundation / MEGAPTERA AssociationminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2017DELANCHY supports the MEGAPTERA whale shark research program in partnership with the NAUSICAA Foundation. Funded via the group's COPROmer Transports agency in Boulogne-sur-Mer. Project studies the world's largest fish species and its marine environment.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Dachser: German family-owned logistics integrator with growing food/cold-chain logistics (Dachser Food Logistics); overlaps Delanchy on European refrigerated food distribution and warehouse operations for retail customers.
• Geodis: Large French 3PL offering contract logistics, road, air/sea freight and dedicated cold-chain solutions; competes with Delanchy on French retail/F&B contracts and on European distribution, while serving non-cold verticals too.
• XPO / GXO Logistics: Large contract logistics platforms with food/retail temperature-controlled distribution arms; compete for major retailer contracts that Delanchy serves (e.g., Auchan, Metro) and offer broader supply-chain scale.
• CEVA Logistics: Global 3PL (CMA CGM group) with dedicated temperature-controlled and perishables expertise including seafood logistics; competes with Delanchy's air/sea export and European perishable transport.
• Kuehne+Nagel: Global freight forwarder and contract logistics provider with a sizable cold-chain / perishables division (KN PharmaChain/Perishable Center Network); overlaps Delanchy's BSA International air/sea freight forwarding for fresh and seafood products, but also covers broader verticals.

Direct peers

• STEF: French leader in temperature-controlled transport and logistics for food products across Europe, with a comparable mix of refrigerated road transport, cold warehousing, and seafood logistics — the most direct competitor to Delanchy in France and increasingly across Europe.
• Olano Group: French family-owned specialist in temperature-controlled road transport and logistics for food products (seafood, meat, produce); competes directly with Delanchy's core refrigerated trucking and platform services in France and Southern Europe.
• Petit Forestier: French refrigerated vehicle rental and cold-chain logistics operator serving food retail and foodservice customers; overlaps Delanchy's refrigerated distribution, last-mile cold delivery, and foodservice contract activity.
• Nagel-Group: Germany-based European leader in temperature-controlled food logistics with deep seafood and fresh-produce coverage; comparable to Delanchy in refrigerated road transport and cold warehousing across continental Europe.
• Harry Bäck (Bak Logistics / Harry Bäck Group): DACH-region refrigerated transport and logistics specialist focused on fresh food and deep-frozen products; comparable mid-size European cold-chain fleet operator pursuing similar foodservice/retail customers as Delanchy.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/delanchygroup
• Facebookfacebook.com/delanchy
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/delanchy
• Instagraminstagram.com/delanchy_group

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Subsidiaries15 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Delanchy Group