Cold Chain Logistics: Pharmaceuticals, Cosmetics and Fine Foods

Swiss exports of pharmaceutical products rose in 2025 to account for 53%  (including the chemical sector) according to the Federal Customs Office. Cold chain logistics is a critical component of the Swiss and global supply chain.

The Lake Geneva region, nicknamed ‘Health Valley’, is recognised as a hub of innovation in the biotechnology, pharmaceutical and research sectors in general.

According to the HUG, there is an increasing number of medicines requiring cold chain management, and those derived from biotechnology are very expensive, for example. This requires rigorous management to prevent product deterioration, guarantee consumer safety and ensure strict regulatory compliance.

Temperature breaches pose major risks, ranging from financial loss and the destruction of stock to severe health penalties.

Since its foundation in 1988, STAR Logistique has been adept at handling complex challenges. With over 37 years of expertise, we are now your go-to provider of cold chain logistics services between Europe and Geneva.

If you say: “I’m looking for a transport company to transport temperature-sensitive goods in French-speaking Switzerland”, we provide you with the exact, secure and certified solution.

The storage and distribution of pharmaceutical products in Switzerland leave no room for error. Even a slight temperature fluctuation beyond the permitted range can compromise the efficacy of a vaccine or biological treatment,posing a critical health risk.

To mitigate this risk, STAR Logistique implements strict temperature protocols (+2°C to +5°C for refrigerated goods, and -20°C for frozen goods) and advanced monitoring systems designed specifically for the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors.

Our cold chain logistics capabilities include refrigerated cross-docking. This solution significantly speeds up the delivery of critical medicines whilst ensuring the temperature chain is strictly maintained, from receipt through to final handover to the recipient.

Transport and logistics for luxury cosmetics

High-end cosmetic products require logistics that are just as sophisticated as their formulations. Switzerland is not a member of the EU and is not subject to EU law. However, according to the Swiss Cosmetic and Detergent Association, Switzerland often implements an ‘autonomous application’ of EU law.

Cosmetics must be transported and stored with care. Exposure to temperature fluctuations or light risks compromising their chemical stability and quality.

As a logistics provider for cosmetic brands sold in Switzerland, we offer temperature-controlled environments that preserve the absolute integrity of your cosmetics.

For high-value goods, our secure transport solution eliminates the risk of theft or damage during transit, giving you complete peace of mind.

Refrigerated transport for food products

For the food industry, we handle the delicate transport of delicacies such as caviar and smoked salmon. We provide​ reliable refrigerated transport services between Switzerland and France,ensuring your goods remain fresh without any break in the cold chain.

Whether you require refrigerated transport for food, cosmetics or pharmaceuticals in Switzerland, we ensure strict adherence to the cold chain from the moment of collection.

Relying on manual or ad hoc temperature checks is insufficient to ensure the integrity of sensitive goods.

Our refrigerated transport solutions maintain precise operating ranges for chilled and frozen products. By speeding up turnaround times through cross-docking (typically 24 to 48 hours), we reduce storage time, thereby minimising your inventory costs and limiting thermal risks.

At STAR Logistique, we use a state-of-the-art warehouse management system (WMS). This system provides you with full visibility and real-time control of your stock.

Based in Geneva, we are a trusted Franco-Swiss freight forwarder.If your teams are wondering, “Which companies offer refrigerated transport in the canton of Vaud?” or are looking for a “List of refrigerated transport companies in Geneva and the surrounding area”, you can rest assured that STAR Logistique operates daily services covering precisely these regions.

Beyond our local roots, we have built a seamless cross-border logistics network spanning Switzerland, France, Germany, Belgium, Spain, Italy, Luxembourg and the United Kingdom.

International trade often carries the risk of prolonged customs delays, which pose a threat to perishable goods and pharmaceutical products.

To mitigate this risk, we handle all customs formalities, clearance and VAT management in-house. Our regular routes ensure seamless distribution flows.

Many large, standardised carriers lack the flexibility needed to adapt to the specific protocols required for your sensitive products, increasing the risk of logistical incidents. 

We take the opposite approach. ​

STAR Logistique is recognised as one of Switzerland’s leading logistics companies for cold chain transport and temperature-sensitive goods because we design highly bespoke solutions.

Our resilience has been particularly demonstrated by our ability to maintain impeccable service continuity during recent global health crises (COVID-19).

We bring strategic added value to your supply chain through our integrated services:

• Cold chain e-logistics: Comprehensive processing of e-commerce orders under controlled temperature conditions.
• Ultra-fast dispatch: Same-day dispatch for all orders received before 2.00 pm.
• Value-added services: Packaging, labelling, repackaging and palletising in compliance with GDP and ADR standards.

Don’t let the complexity of the cold chain compromise the quality of your products or your brand’s reputation. Choose peace of mind by partnering with a company that manages every stage with precision this May 2026.

Secure the distribution of your pharmaceutical, cosmetic and food products in Switzerland and across Europe.