Distinction "difficult" - Part 2

We still do it

We have made it our mission to give smallholder farmers in disadvantaged regions access to the global market. For us, this goes hand in hand with the aim of generating as much value creation at origin as possible and investing for the long term. However, the fact that the choice back then fell on Burkina Faso was more or less due to chance: we were looking for dried mangoes and pineapples. There are many mango trees in Burkina Faso and drying facilities were already available. And in neighboring Togo we found a partner for dried organic pineapples – with whom we still work today.

Here a second, important aspect comes into play: We select producers and countries that already have some experience in processing their fruits and nuts. Starting from scratch makes building a value chain enormously difficult and it takes too long before we can operate economically stably. Economic stability also requires investments in infrastructure, certifications, quality and training – and also in good personnel.

It remains “difficult” nevertheless, because the demands of European customers are rising, and competition from producers in less challenging countries is increasing. Our patience and perseverance have often proven to be the right tool in tense market situations. That is why the rule still applies now: We keep at it!

>> Here goes to part 1