Kuehne+Nagel expands perishables network with acquisition of WWP Canada

Kuehne+Nagel (K+N) has acquired Worldwide Perishable Canada (WWP), which further expands the perishable division of the business.

Founded in 1999 and headquartered in Nova Scotia, Canada, WWP is a leading freight forwarder that is particularly involved in the exporting of tuna.

K+N already has a strong presence on the east coast of North America. Its acquisition of WWP will strengthen its perishable network in Canada, thereby allowing it to provide its customers with an extended service offering.

The combined volume of both companies’ business portfolios will account for more than 17,000 tons air export of perishables per annum out of Canada, strengthening K+N’s market leading position in North America.

“Perishables logistics is one of our strongest growth drivers at K+N,” said Greg Martin, regional airfreight manager at K+N North America. “Thus, we have been continuously investing in the expansion of our dedicated network: through selected acquisitions and by connecting key production countries to major markets.”

“We are looking forward to joining K+N,” said Doug McRae, chief operating officer at WWP. “Combining the strengths of both companies, we will add outstanding value in the regional and international perishables business. For both, our customers and our employees this will generate growing perspectives and services.”

Jamie Wood, national manager, K+N Canada, added: “Acquiring a specialized player in seafood logistics, K+N consolidates its leading position in the market. Using the network and experience of both companies, our customers can benefit from an enhanced offering and the best possible solution to their needs.”

Over the past few years, K+N and rival Panalpina have expanded their perishable portfolios with acquisitions. The perishable sector is considered low margin, but it offers a regular flow of traffic, often on backhaul trades.

In September 2017, K+N received approval for its takeover of Kenya-based perishables specialist Trillvane. In July 2018, the company announced the purchase of US-based Commodity Forwarders Inc. K+N said at the time that the two acquisitions would add more than 150,000 tons of annual perishables traffic to its network, although it did not specify how much of this would be airfreight.