A quiet yet tangible revolution is taking shape in Rimini, where logistics innovation meets environmental sustainability. In the heart of a city renowned for its strong tourism appeal, Horeca Last Mile has become operational. It is the first project in Italy to integrate multi-operator refrigerated micro-hubs, electric cargo bikes and a digital platform for managing urban deliveries. The initiative brings together public authorities and private companies such as Gel Proximity, Wib and Urbico, under the coordination of Rimini City Council, and is part of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan, specifically the investment aimed at promoting research and the development of enabling technologies.
The project aims to transform last-mile logistics in the Horeca sector, which encompasses hotels, restaurants and catering services. This is a vital industry for a tourist-driven city like Rimini, requiring frequent deliveries, small volumes and a consistent cold chain. Horeca Last Mile offers a practical response to these demands, introducing innovative solutions both technologically and environmentally.
At the heart of the system are automated refrigerated micro-hubs, developed by Wib and strategically located throughout the city. These smart lockers act as an intermediate point between suppliers and delivery vehicles, enabling the temporary and secure storage of food ingredients while maintaining the cold chain. From these hubs, deliveries are completed using refrigerated electric cargo bikes designed by Urbico.
The entire operation is managed through a platform developed by Gel Proximity, which coordinates every stage of the delivery process in real time, from order collection to final distribution. Through this software, all actors involved – suppliers, riders, and retailers – are connected within a transparent and secure system. Every delivery flow is tracked, each order is intelligently assigned, and potential issues are addressed using predictive tools.
The added value of Horeca Last Mile lies in its ability to combine operational efficiency with environmental responsibility. The use of multi-operator micro-hubs helps consolidate deliveries, cutting down on unnecessary trips and improving timing. Electric cargo bikes replace vans and combustion-engine vehicles, helping to reduce emissions, traffic and noise pollution. Furthermore, by maintaining the correct temperature throughout the supply chain, the project reduces food waste and enhances service quality.
