When you step into H.D. Cotterell at the Port of Hamburg, the rich aroma of cacao and spices greets you, a sensory preview of the company’s storied legacy. For over 130 years, this family-owned business, now in its fifth generation, has specialized in the meticulous handling and storage of cacao, spices, and nuts. Rainer Fabian, who took over as managing director in October 2023, emphasizes that cacao handling is their primary focus, with a significant portion of their operations dedicated to this.
Most cacao deliveries arrive as bulk goods, loose in containers by sea. At Unikai, where H.D. Cotterell manages 20,000 square meters of hall space directly at the quay wall, ships carry up to 15,000 tonnes of cacao. Here, skilled port logistics workers unload the beans using conveyor belts and wheel loaders, piling them in heaps up to twelve meters high.
H.D. Cotterell utilizes approximately 100,000 square meters of storage space across five locations at the Port of Hamburg. The company stores cacao beans, which are later processed into various forms like cocoa butter and chocolate by major processors in Hamburg and the EU. They also stock cocoa products and supply a melting facility on-site, reflecting the company’s commitment to efficiency and quality.
Certified by FSSC 22000, BIO DE-ÖKO-039, BIOSUISSE ORGANIC, and AEO, H.D. Cotterell ensures food safety and handles all customs procedures. Their facilities are well-ventilated to keep the beans dry and maintain quality. Recently, the company has invested in new monitoring equipment to continuously and wirelessly track humidity and moisture levels of the beans, enhancing their quality control processes.
Employees at H.D. Cotterell take samples from each batch of beans, conducting thorough inspections in their lab to check for mould, pests, and contaminants. They also monitor the beans’ temperature, as the natural fermentation process can affect quality. The company stores 95,000 tonnes of beans over 60,000 square meters, equivalent to the cacao content of about three billion bars of milk chocolate.
Handling cacao is delicate work. “Too much movement during storage is not good for the beans, as they break easily,” explains Fabian. Therefore, the company minimizes handling post-arrival. Organic cacao beans are exclusively handled in sacks to maintain traceability, whereas conventional beans are typically loaded loose for distribution. Every detail is meticulously documented and shared with the goods’ owners.
The price of cacao has surged recently, with a tonne costing between 7,300 and 8,200 euros due to reduced harvest yields. Despite the decline in import quantities, H.D. Cotterell manages to stay busy thanks to its diversified operations.
Looking ahead, H.D. Cotterell is preparing for the new EU Deforestation Regulation set to take effect in January 2025. This regulation requires enhanced traceability for cacao and aims to reduce global deforestation and promote human rights. The company is actively working on compliance solutions and contributing its expertise to industry associations.
In addition to cacao, H.D. Cotterell manages 40,000 square meters of storage for spices, nuts, and other food products. Their staff is extensively trained to prevent cross-contamination, ensuring high standards of hygiene are maintained. The company also handles general cargo like rubber and wood and plans to invest in expanding its facilities at Ellerholzdamm.
Sustainability is a core value for H.D. Cotterell. The company is carbon-neutral, driven by a genuine commitment to the environment. Their vehicle fleet is fully electric, supported by a 500-kilowatt peak photovoltaic installation that meets most of their energy needs during sunny months. With around 65 employees, the company continues to thrive, combining tradition with modern efficiency. And as Fabian notes, “It always smells good here.”
