Asendia: from startup to global e‑commerce player

When a pair of trainers or jeans is ordered online anywhere in the world, chances are that the ordering process and shipping will be handled by Asendia. Its comprehensive range of e-commerce and logistics solutions for international mail order companies is strategically important to Swiss Post – and it’s on course for success.

More and more SMEs – including Swiss SMEs – are trying to expand into international markets. But if online retailers want to deliver abroad, for example to Australia, they need to know the specifics of the market: customs regulations and payment and returns practices are important factors in ensuring smooth cross-border sales.

Asendia connects the world

This is where Asendia provides support: founded in 2012, the joint venture between Swiss Post and France’s La Poste handles goods dispatch, import, customs clearance, delivery and more for business customers. With growing success: through its e-commerce services for international mail order companies, Asendia generated more than 1.8 billion euros in sales in 2020. “Our holding in Asendia is very important in terms of international growth in our core business,” says Ulrich Hurni, Chairman of the Board. “With our presence in 17 countries on four continents, we are an important link for global retailers.”

Transformed from a postal company into an e‑commerce company

With its stake in Irish company eShopWorld, which retailers such as Nike and Victoria’s Secret use to operate their online shops, Asendia has an important foothold in the digital sector of e-commerce. “Today, we generate over 50 percent of sales in this business,” notes Ulrich Hurni. “We have evolved from a postal company focusing on mail into an e-commerce company.” The focus on e-commerce has been systematically strengthened with the acquisition of companies such as Globegistics in the US and wnDirect in the United Kingdom.

Swift action taken during coronavirus crisis

Before the lockdown in spring 2020, Asendia used mainly passenger aircraft to transport consignments. When these flights were grounded, Asendia worked with partners to organize a “freight network” of chartered aircraft, which allowed small goods consignments from Europe to be transported via Zurich and Geneva airports to Swiss Post’s centers for additional processing and then on to their recipients.

Around half of products offered by Swiss online shops are produced sustainably. This is what online retailers say in a survey conducted on behalf of Swiss Post. One challenge is the sustainable shipping of consignments. Among consumers, sustainable shipping options in particular continue to gain in importance.