Hungary’s largest parcel network disappears: What it means for Hungary’s parcel delivery

Hungary’s parcel delivery landscape is undergoing significant change as the well-known Czech Packeta brand is set to disappear from the market. This shift comes after Foxpost, the Hungarian parcel delivery company, and Packeta were acquired by a consortium of international investors earlier this year. The merger has created Hungary’s largest parcel locker and delivery network, but now the focus is on branding—and it’s Foxpost that will continue to operate, as Packeta slowly phases out.

The acquisition and decision to rebrand

In the summer of 2024, Foxpost and Packeta came under common ownership, with the new leadership needing to decide which brand would remain in the Hungarian market, Forbes reports. The decision to stick with Foxpost, known for its distinctive fox logo and name, was made public by the new owners in September. This move will solidify Foxpost’s position, with all Packeta-branded parcel lockers to be gradually rebranded in the coming months.

The name ‘Packeta’ to disappear from Hungary’s parcel delivery market. Photo: Packeta Hungary

Ádám Bengyel, Foxpost’s co-founder, will continue as CEO of the newly merged entity. He stated that the decision was primarily driven by brand recognition. Foxpost has long been established as a trusted name in Hungary, with deep roots in the parcel delivery sector. Retaining the familiar branding, he argues, offers significant advantages in building consumer trust and promoting business growth.

The scale of the new network

With the merger, Foxpost is set to become the largest parcel delivery network in Hungary. By the end of 2024, Foxpost will operate approximately 3,100 parcel lockers and 1,700 pickup points, surpassing competitors like GLS, Easybox, and MPL. The company is expected to handle not just locker-based deliveries but also home delivery services, making it the top choice for e-commerce businesses operating in Hungary.

Challenges ahead for the holiday season

Photo: Foxpost

Despite this growth, the combined company is not without its challenges. Earlier this year, both Foxpost and Packeta struggled to keep up with demand, especially during major sales events hosted by online platforms such as Vinted and Temu. These issues caused significant delays in deliveries, frustrating customers as packages arrived weeks late.

The upcoming holiday season, including Black Friday and Christmas, is expected to test the capacity of the network even further. The company is already making preparations to avoid the logistical nightmares that occurred in previous months, including adding warehouse space and increasing partnerships with subcontractors.

While the Foxpost brand will officially take over, the operational merger between Foxpost Plc. and Packeta Hungary Ltd. is still in progress. No major operational changes are expected this year, as the company focuses on ensuring smooth operations through the busy holiday period. However, lingering concerns remain, especially after the significant disruptions caused earlier in the year.

Parcel delivery in Hungary: Looking ahead

While the transition to a Foxpost-branded network is well underway, the company is eager to distance itself from any lingering negative associations with Packeta’s logistical failures earlier this year. In a recent statement, Foxpost clarified that the decision to retire the Packeta name was made purely for brand consistency, denying any connection to the previous customer complaints surrounding Packeta’s service.

Read also:

• Major delays at popular parcel delivery company in Hungary
• Türkiye’s fashion giant Koton opens first store in Hungary, with more to come – PHOTOS 
• Hungarian ministry launches campaign against webshops and courier companies