In August, Lantmännen recorded exceptionally high activity at its grain intake facilities. One example is the company’s terminal in Hargshamn, Norrtälje Municipality, Sweden, where more than 115,000 tons of grain have been received so far during the harvest – a record figure. A targeted export operation was carried out at the site: over a period of three days, working around the clock, 33,000 tons of milling wheat were loaded onto a bulk carrier bound for Spain.
The volume corresponds to more than 800 truckloads consolidated into a single vessel.
“Hargshamn is an export hub and a central part of Lantmännen’s grain infrastructure in the Mälardalen,” said Per Germundsson, head of grain business at Lantmännen Lantbruk. “With this facility we can now load larger vessels than before. This enables access to new markets for Swedish grain at lower cost, which improves the conditions for grain production in the Mälardalen.”
The deal builds on a longstanding customer relationship in which Swedish wheat is valued for its baking qualities and high test weight.
“Samples are taken for every 1,000 tons to ensure that the customer receives products with the right specifications. This year’s milling wheat was of very high quality, and I am proud to have it shipped,” says Ann-Sofi Karlsson, operations manager at Lantmännen’s Hargshamn facility.
The larger vessel capacity reduces freight costs to northern Spain by up to 40%.
“Bulk vessel logistics have an immediate impact on the customer’s cost calculation. Lower freight per ton opens more routes and increases the value of our exports,” said Axel Walle, key account manager at Lantmännen.
