How ICE and Albini Pitigliani Helped De Grandi Navigate the COVID-19 Pandemic
Result Summary
- Secured the delivery of goods despite scarcity of freight services during COVID-19.
- Swiftly found alternative air freight providers in Italy.
- Successfully helped DeGrandi manage its stock levels and meet time-sensitive market demands.
De Grandi Cycle and Sport have trusted our network to import their high-end products into Australia since 1986.
With three main suppliers across Italy, Albini Pitigliani have developed long standing relationships to manage the shipments in conjunction with ICE from Italy to Australia.
De Grandi is not only a major sporting and cycle goods retailer but is also the Australian distributor for various leading international brands in the cycling industry. Brands like Pinarello, Wilier, Castelli, Deda and Vredestein, all market leaders in their field.
Largely shipping by airfreight, the partnership has ensured De Grandi has access to the best airline options for its premium products first time, every time.
Challenge
COVID-19 introduced an interesting challenge for De Grandi. An increased demand for bicycles, fitness equipment and sportswear were met with a reduction in airfreight services, as passenger aircrafts were grounded almost overnight.
Solution
Collaboratively, ICE and Albini Pitigliani reviewed the market and switched airline service providers to ensure cargo continued to move from Europe via Emirates. The team had to plan for longer turnaround times, but increased booking frequency to ensure De Grandi could be serviced.
Results
John Mangiafico, ICE Director and Branch manager commented on the results:
“As a Director of International Cargo Express Pty Ltd, I am proud of the relationship that we have forged with De Grandi Cycle and Sport, over the years. Owner, Shane De Grandi and his team provide their specialty and knowledge of sporting equipment to the greater city of Geelong and the South Western region of Victoria.
ICE and Albini and Pitigliani have customised resources to ensure an end-to-end supply. We look forward to the continuance of this close partnership.
We are dedicated to working with our clients, so they can best service theirs.”
Connect below with one of ICE’s managing directors, John Mangiafico, to understand how ICE can help create a partnership with your business as we have with De Grandi.
“ICE and Albini Pitigliani make shipping seamless. In Italy, Albini have developed long lasting relationships with our suppliers and understand the intricacies of shipping our products.
In Australia, working with our dedicated contact Rowena, we have visibility of all our airfreight which has been vital to manage stock with the high demands we have experienced during COVID-19.”
