A key player in the emerging sailing cargo transport ecosystem in France, Grain de Sail Logistics has entrusted its general management to Matthieu Riou, with the priority of structuring the commercial offering of this freight forwarding branch created in 2023 within Grain de Sail.
From Chocolate to Maritime Logistics
Riou joined the company back in 2017, helping develop its range of chocolates and coffees manufactured in Brittany. From its founding twelve years ago in Morlaix, the company planned from the start to ensure its maritime supply flows in a decarbonized mode via cargo sailing ships.
With two vessels already in operation and a third under construction that will function as a container sailing ship, the company operates regular freight lines connecting Europe and the Americas for its own account and that of its shipper clients, with hubs in the ports of Saint-Malo, New York, and Pointe-à-Pitre.
Integrated Sailing Logistics Services
Grain de Sail Logistics serves as the exclusive charterer for its Grain de Sail Shipping armateur branch, with an approach integrating the sailing transport phase, port operations, and supply chain coordination. Its services target shippers and freight forwarders wishing to opt for transatlantic sailing transport, primarily in agri-food, wines and spirits, and luxury goods.
Scaling Operations
Strengthened by a new capital increase completed by Grain de Sail last November (amount undisclosed), its Logistics branch intends to scale up on existing and future lines. Riou will also be responsible for ensuring operational excellence through reliable maritime operations and optimized port processes to offer solutions compatible with shippers’ requirements for deadlines, volumes, and regularity.
Career Path
When he arrived at Grain de Sail, fresh from graduating from Rennes School of Business with a double Master’s degree, he first served as Export Manager, before taking over the wines and spirits business for the United States in 2019, and becoming Export Director two years later. As International Operations Director, he had contributed from 2020 to launching the first decarbonized transport offering via Grain de Sail sailing ships.
