Skip to main content Skip to search Skip to main navigation

Our History

Family‑run for over 30 years.

our corporate philosophy

Convinced by the idea of inspiring Berlin’s gastronomers with regional products from the surrounding area, Michael Kunzmann founded his family business Havelland Express more than 30 years ago. What began at the time with deliveries of selected food items to individual customers has, over the years, developed into an internationally operating company.

In line with this growth, we have made significant progress, particularly in the area of quality. True to our motto “quality first, and then as close to the source as possible”, we now also source our goods from selected producers around the world. With our unwavering commitment to offering our customers only the best products, we supply premium gastronomy and hotels across the DACH region as well as in the major cities of Eastern Europe.

Convinced by the idea of inspiring Berlin’s gastronomers with regional products from the surrounding area, Michael Kunzmann founded his family business Havelland Express more than 30 years ago. What began at the time with deliveries of selected food items to individual customers has, over the years, developed into an internationally operating company. In line with this growth, we have made significant progress, particularly in the area of quality. True to our motto “quality first, and then as close to the source as possible”, we now also source our goods from selected producers around the world. With our unwavering commitment to offering our customers only the best products, we supply premium gastronomy and hotels across the DACH region as well as in the major cities of Eastern Europe.

»Quality first – directly from the source«

Michael Kunzmann, Managing Partner

Founded

1992

Michael Kunzmann and his stepfather Bernd Paech found Havelland Express. Everything begins with a single delivery van, a small refrigerated cell at Lake Schwielowsee, and a passion for great taste.

Founded

1992

Michael Kunzmann and his stepfather Bernd Paech found Havelland Express. Everything begins with a single delivery van, a small refrigerated cell at Lake Schwielowsee, and a passion for great taste.

Trade relationship with Paris

1995

Our first steps into Paris expanded not only our product range but also our understanding of international quality standards. Close collaboration with selected partners shaped our profile and strengthened our offering for demanding kitchens.

Trade relationship with Paris

1995

Our first steps into Paris expanded not only our product range but also our understanding of international quality standards. Close collaboration with selected partners shaped our profile and strengthened our offering for demanding kitchens.

First listing

2003

Hotel chains from around the world join Havelland Express on its journey and expand our customer base.

First listing

2003

Hotel chains from around the world join Havelland Express on its journey and expand our customer base.

Expansion into the Czech Republic

2004

The expansion into the Czech Republic created stable access to new markets and culinary influences. Reliable structures and well‑coordinated processes have since ensured continuous supply for our customers on site.

Expansion into the Czech Republic

2004

The expansion into the Czech Republic created stable access to new markets and culinary influences. Reliable structures and well‑coordinated processes have since ensured continuous supply for our customers on site.

Expansion into Poland

2005

Entering the Polish market established the foundation for short delivery routes and strong regional roots. Through well‑designed logistics and consistent quality, we offer businesses in the gastronomy sector reliable and flexible supply.

Expansion into Poland

2005

Entering the Polish market established the foundation for short delivery routes and strong regional roots. Through well‑designed logistics and consistent quality, we offer businesses in the gastronomy sector reliable and flexible supply.

Echt Havelländer Apfelschwein

2015

Since 2015, Havelland Express has been supplying the “Echt Havelländer Apfelschwein” – arguably the finest product of its kind. From our own breeding to production, HavEx stands fully behind this brand.

Echt Havelländer Apfelschwein

2015

Since 2015, Havelland Express has been supplying the “Echt Havelländer Apfelschwein” – arguably the finest product of its kind. From our own breeding to production, HavEx stands fully behind this brand.

Team Hamburg

2016

Our Hamburg team brings together the demands of northern German gastronomy with our expertise in freshness. Fast response times and deep understanding of regional cuisine have shaped the collaboration ever since.

Team Hamburg

2016

Our Hamburg team brings together the demands of northern German gastronomy with our expertise in freshness. Fast response times and deep understanding of regional cuisine have shaped the collaboration ever since.

Team Hannover

2017

With our Hanover location, we strengthened supply in the heart of northern Germany. Clear processes and direct communication with our partners ensure smooth operations from order to delivery.

Team Hannover

2017

With our Hanover location, we strengthened supply in the heart of northern Germany. Clear processes and direct communication with our partners ensure smooth operations from order to delivery.

Awarded

2021

Our ability to move with the times and continually reinvent ourselves is demonstrated by the distinction “Innovator of the Year 2021”.

Awarded

2021

Our ability to move with the times and continually reinvent ourselves is demonstrated by the distinction “Innovator of the Year 2021”.

Start in the Baltic region

2022

Entering the Baltic states opened new perspectives and expanded our international network. Structured supply chains and a focus on consistency have since enabled reliable service throughout the region.

Start in the Baltic region

2022

Entering the Baltic states opened new perspectives and expanded our international network. Structured supply chains and a focus on consistency have since enabled reliable service throughout the region.

Team Munich

2023

With our team in Munich, we expanded our presence in the south. Proximity to our customers, combined with our renowned freshness and planning reliability, creates a solid foundation for long‑term partnerships.

Team Munich

2023

With our team in Munich, we expanded our presence in the south. Proximity to our customers, combined with our renowned freshness and planning reliability, creates a solid foundation for long‑term partnerships.

Launch of the first TSPs

2026

For 2026, Havelland Express plans to open its first Transshipment Points in Poland and Hamburg, aimed at improving the management of product flows, optimizing transport routes, and increasing the efficiency, flexibility, and competitiveness of our supply chains.

Start der ersten TSP

2026

Für 2026 plant Havelland Express die Eröffnung seiner ersten Transshipment Points in Polen und Hamburg, um die Steuerung der Produktflüsse zu verbessern, Transportwege zu optimieren und die Effizienz, Flexibilität sowie Wettbewerbsfähigkeit der Lieferketten zu steigern.