Porlogis Porto (member of MBS Group) and a team from MBS Cologne were entrusted with managing logistics for 310 Portuguese wine producers exhibiting at ProWein 2024. This operation required the preparation, transport, tax and duties clearance and delivery of over 22,500 wine bottles from the Porlogis warehouse in Porto onto the event floor in Düsseldorf. The goal was clear: ensure every bottle from every producer arrived in perfect condition, at the right exhibition stand, right on time.

Solution

A detailed “white glove” logistics solution was mapped out to manage the event logistics from beginning to end — from warehousing and packing in Porto to delivery in Düsseldorf and pick-up of all items at the end of the event.

The teams in Portugal and Germany coordinated all the logistics before and after the event. The plan included:

• Receiving: Reception and sorting of wines from 310 vendors at the Porto warehouse, aligning with event specifications.
• Palletization: Strategic organization of over 22,500 bottles based on stand proximity, alphabetical order or specific seminar and vendor needs.
• Tax and duties clearance: Thorough handling of clearance procedures, including the review and approval of over 450 documents and processing of 200 consumption tax declarations.
• Transportation: Coordinated, cost-effective delivery from Porto to Düsseldorf, with timely arrival.
• Onsite MBS teams: Dedicated personnel to manage load-in/load-out and intricate details of event logistics.
• Offloading & delivery: Efficient offloading and delivery of 86 pallets to various stands, including unpacking and distribution to different stalls.
• Storage of packing material: Collecting materials from stands, organizing storage and arranging for redelivery immediately after the show’s conclusion.
• Post-event logistics: Packing and return of unused products and stand materials to vendors.

Result

The event logistics were as refined and smooth as the wines delivered. The collaboration between the Portuguese and German teams not only ensured the flawless delivery of the wines to each stand but also efficient return logistics.