MSC Named ‘Shipping Line of the Year’ by European Coffee Federation for the First Time

MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company is ‘brewing’ up success, having recently been named ‘Shipping Line of the Year’ by the European Coffee Federation (ECF) for 2023-2024. This award highlights MSC’s dedication to high standards, commitment to providing quality service and continued leadership in coffee shipping solutions. 

The award was presented to MSC by ECF Logistics Committee Chair, Matteo Bianchi, at the shipping company’s headquarters in Geneva, with several members of the Swiss Coffee Trade Association in attendance.

The ECF is the collective voice of the European coffee trade and industry. Made up of 16 national associations and 46 company members located across Europe, the ECF represents over 750 companies that collectively handle an estimated 2.7 million tones of coffee annually.

In 2018, the ECF started assessing and naming the top-performing shipping line for the coffee year based on a performance survey completed by the ECF logistics committee. Some key considerations during evaluations include: 
● Booking acceptance
● Schedule
● Frequency
● Transit time performance
● Availability of suitable containers and vessel space
● Timely release of the container at the destination
● Customer service

Commenting on the award, MSC Trade Manager Cristiano Junqueira said MSC was honoured to receive its first ‘Shipping Line of the Coffee Year’ recognition from the ECF, adding: 
“It’s a real reflection of the hard work of MSC teams across the globe, from Brazil and Colombia to Vietnam, Indonesia, Ethiopia and beyond. We take pride in delivering exceptional shipping services to our trusted partners in this sector and are dedicated to upholding MSC’s high standards for our valued clients.”

From farm to final port, MSC plays a vital role in the transportation of coffee on a global scale. MSC works closely with exporters, brokers and importers throughout the entire process to ensure high-quality results. 

MSC employs local experts to deliver uniquely tailored customer service. The company also provides dedicated warehouses, efficient and reliable transit stations and intermodal transport capabilities. These services help ensure the precision and care necessary to serve a global community of coffee consumers.

MSC was recognized by the ECF Logistics Committee for its level of excellence in service, reliability and availability during the 2023-2024 period. This level of support has been made possible in large part by MSC’s global network of fleets. As the world’s largest shipping line, MSC operates over 900 vessels and covers 520 ports of call in 155 countries. MSC played a critical role in supporting coffee shippers despite challenges with trade disruptions and blockages, such as in the Suez Canal. During this time, the MSC ships helped facilitate the import of around 40 million coffee bags for the ECF. 

MSC offers specialty solutions for clients needing additional control and insight into their shipments. 
The MSC Thermal Liner Solution is designed to protect sensitive cargo, like coffee, from the elements and to limit the risk of product contamination. The liners help maintain a stable environment throughout transportation and are a great addition for clients with sensitive cargo. 

In addition, MSC Smart Containers offer 24/7 visibility of coffee cargo and other exports with personalized notifications. These containers can be easily integrated into existing IT systems, offering real-time data regarding shipments' location, status, humidity, temperature and more. 

With over 50 years of experience in shipping and logistics, this award highlights MSC’s ongoing commitment to customer service, leadership and innovation.

Being named “Shipping Line of the Year” by EFC reinforces MSC’s role as a trusted name and partner in the global coffee trade. It reflects the company’s ability to combine advanced infrastructure, smart technology and reliable service to meet the evolving needs of its customers. This milestone is both a recognition of past performance and a promise of continued excellence.