DP World has launched a 22,000-square-metre temperature-controlled, multi-customer warehouse in Castel San Pietro Terme, near Bologna, marking its entry into Italy’s fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) contract logistics market.
The facility integrates warehousing, transportation, e-commerce fulfilment and value-added logistics services to support food and beverage, e-commerce and consumer goods supply chains across Italy and Europe.
The operation has been established through a partnership with Alce Nero, an Italian organic food company that serves as the facility’s anchor customer. DP World will manage key elements of Alce Nero’s logistics operations, including warehousing, e-commerce fulfilment and transportation.
The warehouse offers approximately 30,000 pallet positions, with temperature-controlled storage maintained at 18–20°C and dedicated capabilities for handling organic products. Designed to serve multiple customers, the facility also has capacity to accommodate businesses in the consumer goods and technology sectors.
Rainer Schmid, Chief Commercial Officer of DP World Europe, said the launch marked an important milestone in the company’s expansion into Italy’s FMCG contract logistics sector. He noted that Italy was a key European market and that the new operation would strengthen DP World’s logistics network while creating opportunities for growth in the food and beverage industry.
He added that the partnership with Alce Nero demonstrated DP World’s approach of developing logistics solutions around specific customer requirements and building capabilities that could subsequently serve other businesses.
Renzo Patelli, General Manager of Alce Nero SpA, said selecting the right logistics partner was crucial given the complexity of the company’s business model, which connects multiple supply chains, members, partners and customers across different channels.
He said the partnership would provide a more integrated approach to logistics management, improving operational efficiency, flexibility and responsiveness while supporting Alce Nero’s growth in Italy and international markets. It would also enable the company to focus more closely on its core business of producing and marketing high-quality organic food.
Located near Bologna, the warehouse offers access to Italy’s domestic market and major European transport corridors. DP World plans to use the facility as a platform to expand its contract logistics services in Italy as demand for integrated supply chain solutions grows.