Familia Torres shifts to Rail based distribution

Familia Torres, the winery from Spain’s Penedès region, is leading a significant shift in wine and spirits logistics across Europe by embracing rail transport as its primary distribution method, aiming to sharply reduce its carbon footprint as part of its long-term climate commitment.

Under its Torres & Earth climate action plan, launched in 2008, the winery is targeting carbon neutrality by 2040. Distribution currently accounts for 14 percent of Familia Torres' total carbon emissions. To tackle this, the winery has coordinated with European distributors to implement intermodal transport that favours rail for the bulk of the journey, reserving lorry use for last-mile delivery where necessary.

This transition is expected to slash transport-related greenhouse gas emissions by 30 to 40%, depending on the route. Rail logistics offer significant environmental benefits over road haulage—being less polluting, alleviating road congestion, and reducing the risk of accidents.

Distributors in Germany (Wein Wolf) and the Netherlands (Walraven Sax) are already on board, having contracted intermodal operators. Trailers carrying Familia Torres wines and spirits are now transported via freight trains from the Spanish-French border across over 1,100 km to Luxembourg, Belgium, and the Netherlands.

This model draws from the winery’s Swedish distributor, which has long relied on rail transport. Encouraged by early success, Familia Torres plans to expand this approach across all its European markets.

“Distribution is often relegated to the background. However, its environmental impact is highly significant,” said Miguel A. Torres, president of Familia Torres. Miguel  added, “Securing the commitment of our distributors to opt for intermodal transport is excellent news that will greatly contribute to achieving our emission reduction targets.”

Since 2008, Familia Torres has invested €23 million in climate-focused initiatives and, as of 2024, has already reduced CO2 emissions per bottle by 40% from vineyard to consumer.