Our Management
Interview with Michael Kunzmann,
Managing Partner of Havelland Express
»Quality first — directly from the source«
What motivated you to found Havelland Express back then, and how has the company developed over the past 30+ years?
M. Kunzmann: Havelland Express was originally established to meet the need for improved supply routes between Berlin and the surrounding region after the fall of the Berlin Wall. The goal was to bring high-quality products and premium gastronomy back into the region and restore former supply channels. Our principle of prioritizing quality and sourcing as directly from the origin as possible is something that continues to guide us today. Over more than 30 years, the company has evolved significantly: We now serve numerous regions and source products from all over the world. Despite this expansion, our dedication to regional products remains a core priority, ensuring consistent freshness and quality.
In your view, what makes Havelland Express unique compared to other food logistics companies in the industry?
M. Kunzmann: From my perspective, Havelland Express stands out through its family-led approach and strong mid-sized business character. We work with great passion and strive every day to deliver the best possible product to our customers. Innovation and creative ideas play an essential role in continuously developing ourselves. Another important aspect for me is giving small manufactories a platform to successfully position their products on the market.
What is your personal passion in your work at Havelland Express, and how is it reflected in your corporate philosophy?
M. Kunzmann: My personal passion lies in working with high-quality food and collaborating with people who produce it with dedication. I take great joy in tasting these products and bringing them to our customers across Germany — and now even internationally. It excites me to win customers over with our products and to see that they offer added value on their menus.
How would you describe your partnership with customers in the hotel and gastronomy sector, and what distinguishes this collaboration?
M. Kunzmann: Our partnerships with customers in the hotel and gastronomy sector are based on mutual respect and honesty. We rely on openness and the genuine intention to support our customers in the best possible way. Our goal is to deliver exactly the solutions they need so that they can achieve top performance at all times. This principle guides us around the clock, seven days a week.
How do you shape the collaboration with selected manufactories and producers, and what makes these partnerships special to you?
M. Kunzmann: It is similar here: We meet our partners at eye level and do not seek to create competition among them. Instead, we support them in producing and marketing their products in the best possible way, always keeping fairness at the center. When it comes to pricing, we aim to strike a balance that is fair both to the producers and to our customers. This collaborative approach is particularly important to me because it forms the foundation for sustainable quality and stable structures within food production.
What is your vision for the future of the company, and how would you like to further develop the collaboration with your customers and partners?
M. Kunzmann: My vision for the future of our company remains fundamentally consistent. A central focus will continue to be digitalization, enabling us to make our processes even more efficient and introduce automation wherever possible. My goal is to further expand our delivery regions and be present in all areas where high-quality products are in demand. In addition, it is important to me to create a working environment where satisfied employees work with passion and dedication — not just in a typical 9‑to‑5 mindset. Ultimately, I aim to successfully hand over the company to the next generation — to my children.