Cold Chain Logistics for Irish Dairy into Benelux & Germany

From milk and yoghurt to cheese and butter, Irish dairy continues to set the standard for quality across Europe. But getting it there fresh and ready for market? That’s where temperature-controlled logistics play a vital role.

At HANNON Transport, we specialise in end-to-end cold chain logistics designed specifically for sensitive fresh produce like dairy. Our focus in 2025 is on strengthening and streamlining delivery routes into key European markets — especially Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg.

Why Cold Chain Integrity Is Essential for Dairy

Dairy is one of the most temperature-sensitive food categories. Even a small lapse in cooling during transport can compromise freshness, reduce shelf life, and put food safety at risk.

We work with dairy producers across Ireland to ensure their products are delivered on time, at the right temperature, and in perfect condition — every time.

Challenges in Dairy Transport:

• ❄️ Constant Refrigeration – Most fresh dairy must stay between 0°C and 4°C; frozen dairy needs to be kept below -18°C.

• 🧾 Regulatory Compliance – Exporting dairy means meeting strict EU food safety and sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) requirements.

• ⏱ Time Sensitivity – Minimising time in transit is critical to ensure maximum shelf life for products at destination.

• 📦 Product Integrity – Protection from vibration, handling, and condensation damage is essential for maintaining visual and physical quality.

How HANNON Supports Irish Dairy Exports

Our logistics service is built to match the needs of modern dairy supply chains — combining speed, compliance, and specialised handling from pickup to delivery.

✅ Advanced Refrigerated Transport

• Our trailers maintain precise temperature settings with real-time monitoring to ensure consistency across the journey.

• Any deviation is flagged and addressed instantly, maintaining full cold chain integrity.

✅ Efficient Routes into Core EU Markets

• We offer dedicated dairy routes into Germany and the Benelux region, with minimal handling and direct transit options.

• Our team understands the urgency and care needed to get perishable goods where they need to be — fast.

✅ Full Compliance, Handled for You

• From documentation to SPS checks, we take care of the export process, ensuring goods meet EU requirements at every stage.

• Our logistics team works closely with producers to streamline shipments and prevent border delays.

✅ Extended Shelf Life, Less Waste

• With a seamless cold chain, products arrive fresh and last longer, reducing food waste and helping both producers and customers get the most from every load.

From Day 1 collection in Ireland to Day 3 delivery in Benelux or Day 3/4 delivery in Germany — our cold chain solutions keep dairy fresh and on schedule.

Growing Irish Dairy Demand in Benelux & Germany

Exports of Irish dairy continue to grow in Central and Western Europe, with Germany and the Benelux countries leading the charge.

🇩🇪 Germany – One of Europe’s biggest dairy importers with demand for high-quality milk, yoghurt, cheese, and cream.

🇧🇪 Belgium – A strategic entry point into the European market with high-volume demand for dairy ingredients.

🇳🇱 Netherlands – Known for its strong dairy sector and demand for fresh imports to meet retail and foodservice needs.

🇱🇺 Luxembourg – A premium niche market, focused on quality and sustainability.

Delivering Fresh Irish Dairy, Every Time

At HANNON Transport, we know that cold chain reliability is everything in the dairy sector. With decades of experience supporting Ireland’s agri-food industry, we help producers expand their reach across Europe — while keeping freshness and compliance front and centre.

🔹 Precision-controlled refrigerated fleet
🔹 Efficient cross-border delivery into Germany & Benelux
🔹 Regulatory support from farm to shelf
🔹 Reliable, responsive service that dairy exporters can count on

Whether it’s full loads of milk or mixed consignments of cheese and yoghurt, we’ve got your logistics covered — ensuring Irish dairy arrives fresh, safe, and on time.