Magazine | BBR - September 2022

LETTEREDITOR’S

September 2022

Our latest features Kerry on cover, making us think about all what can be done to reduce wasting food globally, helping shelf life of products and contributing to having more food reach its way to consumers.

On their behalf, Gran Colombia Gold increases its gold production substantially from previous years, besides contributing to communities surrounding their operations.

Also, from South America, Venezuela’s

P.A.N. cornmeal found its way into the USA and other countries in the Americas some time ago, turning it into the flagship food product not only from Alimentos Polar (sister company to the brewery) but also from its home country, being the main ingredient for succulent arepas.

Thanks for helping us in our goal to reach a larger readership by sharing our contents month-to-month!

Mateo Rafael Tablado, Editor in chief for The Boston Business Review

Email: rafael.tablado@thebostonbr.com

Company history and global expansion plans for this Peruvian company

Produced by Jassen Pintado Creative Direction Omar Rodríguez

With 21 years in the market, servicesprovidesExplomindifferentformining exploration, geological, geotechnical and hydrogeological drilling. The company provides RC and diamond drilling services to companies in the mining, oil and gas, and construction industries, with a large number of projects in Peru, Colombia, Chile and Spain, as well as offices in the US, Ecuador and Mexico. EXPLOMIN owns a modern fleet of more than 100 drill rigs and almost 2,000 employees simultaneously managing around 20 projects annually in different locations in Latin America and Europe. EXPLOMIN is certified under international standards in safety, quality, environmental management and compliance (ISO9001, ISO14001

ISO37001 and ISO45001), which allows us to offer a quality service under world-class standards.

EXPLOMIN has positioned itself as the No. 1 drilling company in Peru in sales during the last six years, which displays substantial growth in a market presenting constant ups and downs thanks to the trust of a satisfied clientele, and backed by more than 19 million ft. drilled to date. In recent years, the company has also been considered within the TOP10 in the Global Ranking of Drilling Contractors, being the first private company in South America to obtain that position in this important list.

Along with the trends in mining, EXPLOMIN is investing mainly in INNOVATION with the purpose of providing a safer, more efficient and

better service quality. This initiative has led the company to invest in tech deployments such as mechanized rod handlers in drilling equipment for surface and underground mines, being trailblazers in Peru in bringing this technology, in addition to the use of directional drilling also for the first time, and this time in Colombia, obtaining outstanding results in different current projects, and stateof-the-art systems such as DCI automatic drilling and the use of hydraulic packers in geotechnical services. Innovation goes beyond new machinery or new methods, since we also constantly seek to improve safety standards, which is why we constantly seek to deploy new technological and process EXPLOMIN’simprovements.cultureof sustainability seeks to provide customized solutions

Instalación de Packers Hidráulicos en Explomin Colombia

to clients, providing a safe workplace, developing the talent of its personnel within a diverse environment awarded by Great Place to Work and contributing to the development of communities through job creation. and new staff training programs.

During its first 20 years, EXPLOMIN has focused on expanding its services portfolio, not only in drilling but also offering complementary services in geology. Currently, for the next few years, the company is venturing into new business lines in mining, such as

tunnel construction, earthworks and other opportunities that are under development. All this has been carried out within Latin America. However, as part of its expansion plans, EXPLOMIN has begun operations in Europe, where it seeks to serve different countries and as a next step to start

operations in North America. Undoubtedly, the uninterrupted growth of this promising company promises continuous expansion, taking its expertise and know-how to more countries, always featuring an innovative spirit in search of redefining the concept of drilling.

Impulsora opened for business in 1954, offering top quality electrical products and materials, guaranteeing products from the best-known brands in the hardware and electrical markets throughout our more than 1 million sq. ft. total warehouse space, countrywide. We rely on a well-stocked inventory, enabling us to provide a timely and efficient delivery.

For seven decades, Impulsora has taken part in major projects, becoming an important partner for companies in the Construction sector

SeptiembreImpulsora

Our highly-skilled staff shares its expertise in different fields, able to develop integrated solutions according to the market’s requirements. Our operations provide a job for more than 1,500 employees. We are committed to our clients, as we provide customized service with the support of a wide array of products, tech

support and timely deliveries. Our mission is to market avant-garde electrical equipment and materials up to the industry’s demands, offering clients integrated solutions through the highest quality products and services, a large inventory, adequate infrastructure, and state-of-the-art technology in all our processes.

SeptiembreImpulsora

We have specialized engineering and lighting departments, and a team of engineers and architects for lighting systems and control of industrial, commercial, residential and road lighting. We also offer avantgarde designs with current systems,

plan development and reviewing of lighting engineering, all with the purpose of providing our clients an efficient and functional project, also striving for harmony between design and each location’s aesthetics. Our solutions and products portfolio

as well as our strategic locations along Mexican territory drive us to the forefront of the most significant projects during the last 68 years, being the main distributor diversified into the Industrial, Construction, Oil & Gas and Energy sectors.

Thanks to our versatility within the market we have become a strategic ally for BONATTI in project execution, as we send and display our gratitude for trusting our company. We understand that the execution of high-end projects that have a positive

Our solutions and products portfolio drives us to the forefront of the most significant projects

www.impulsora.comCONTACT:ConstructionINDUSTRY:1954FOUNDED:

impact on the development of society are essential to preserve our surroundings, which is why we maintain our commitment to BONATTI, assisting them hand in hand with our technical and commercial disciplines, always seeking a satisfactory culmination.

“We believe that each client is our reason for being”

The ever-changing needs of the current state of affairs drive companies into a constant adaptation process allowing them to meet the needs of society and become efficient to face competition in a fully globalized environment which increases interaction with global markets, creating a greater challenge for all companies, either limiting their operations or embracing global expansion wide open, as the latter embodies a threat and also becomes an opportunity that MULTIPLICA SAS has sought to take advantage of.

Regarding such matters, a business entity in charge of mining operations, infrastructure construction and logistics was created and named MULTIPLICA SAS, which since 2008 has ventured into a highly complex sector, being synonymous with

success and a positive reputation in every working location within the domestic market.

At MULTIPLICA SAS, we have developed practical solutions from an engineering standpoint to our clients’ problems and needs, making sure to fully satisfy their requirements day in and day out, providing reliability based on the effort, capacity and professionalism of all of our engineers, the fundamental pillars of our organization.Thecompany currently operates in different fronts based on geological prospecting, with a focus on the development of titles with high mining potential in Colombia, drilling, and determination of the title’s potential, management of environmental legislation and regulation compliance, being highly efficient to our clients while taking on such tasks, allowing us

MULTIPLICA SAS works at all times for and with the client, with the latter being the most important agent of interest in our organization

to provide a prognosis determining a project’s viability.

The organization also engages in mining-related services, such as drilling, blasting, pumping, loading and hauling of minerals, re-management in storage locations, hopper feeding and execution of tailings dam construction,

being relevant from prospecting to execution, accomplishing important and diverse feats in operation from a versatility focused on delivering what the client needs with accuracy.

MULTIPLICA SAS also operates the construction of mining projects and infrastructure, dams for tailing

deposits and industrial waste, buildings, roads, tracks, retaining walls, embankments, land adaptation and earthworks. This displays the company’s diverse operational structure linked to the available human talent pool, filled with highly knowledgeable and experienced

engineers who guarantee our services and are highly reliable to our clientele, thus seeking to build customer loyalty and create new business opportunities.Also,itshould be highlighted that the company offers maintenance services, especially for heavy

machinery, protection services against corrosion, safety and environment management, as well as logistics and transportation services with a full fleet of trucks and dump trucks, loading and unloading equipment and mine and quarry equipment, striving to fulfill clients’ desires and needs, thus directly contributing to business development.Consequently,

it must be noted that MULTIPLICA SAS works at all times for and with the client, with the latter being the most important agent of interest in our organization, that’s why our experience has grown, developing a reputation within the market after working for clients such as CEMEX, Gran Colombia Gold, Zinerco, Touchstone Colombia, ARGOS, JANAVI, Agrosilicium and RIOCAL, since these companies have endorsed

our professionalism in each of the projects they have trusted us with, developing important connections which currently position our company as a highly innovative, growing force with a promising future in the domestic and global markets.

At MULTIPLICA SAS we believe that each client is our reason for being, since our work is focused on satisfying their needs in each of our services.

At all times we seek to generate safe conditions for all of our workforce, through excellent talent management, which makes all of our employees work in the same direction within the company to serve our clients in the best possible way, detecting in every challenge a great opportunity to grow

MULTIPLICAbusinesswise.SASstarts from a methodology focused on client

satisfaction to develop larger business connections able to guarantee the sustainable growth of our operation, always seeking to make a difference between us and our competition, creating jobs among the population within every project’s location

and delivering benefits for these communities. Our company is bound to corporate social responsibility, focused on becoming sustainable in the long term, preserving resources and guaranteeing care for the environment, since this issue

generates great concern worldwide and our company cooperates efficiently to mitigate any possible impact it can bring, being part of our fundamental pillars to accomplish the desired success over time.

Produced by Jassen Pintado

Creative Direction Omar Rodríguez

LAVISA is the number one company in industrial fluid control in Mexico and is also a leading company in piping, valves, fittings and accessories in carbon steel, stainless steel and other specialty alloys

Since being founded in 1932, LAVISA, headquartered in Mexico City, has become a world class company offering materials, consumables and services related to the Oil & Gas industry. Steel piping, gaskets, fasteners, fittings and joints are sent everyday to every destination. We offer technical assistance, locations, procuring, storage, guaranteed quality, transport logistics as well as tested and certified products. LAVISA can also obtain products certified under global standards (such

as ABS), which comply with the required regulations for certified projects.

Across nine decades, LAVISA has expanded its operations in Mexico, currently working in six locations: Mexico, Queretaro, Guadalajara, Tampico, Coatzacoalcos and Villahermosa.

FROM LAVISA’S CEO: There is pride and honor in directing LAVISA, a true legend as the first company specialized in flow control in Mexico.

“Priority number one has been to become the best in our field, by providing professional, reliable service and only the best products”

- Alfredo García, CEO for LAVISA ¿Quiénes Somos?

Since my arrival as CEO for the company, priority number one has been to become the best in our field, by providing professional, reliable service and only the best products.

LAVISA is the leading pipe, valve and fittings distributor nationwide. Our company -created in 1932-, has been supplying products and services

to the Petrochemical, Oil & Gas, Pharmaceutical and Energy Generation industries, among others. With a 90-year experience, LAVISA is now the most important Mexican company in our field, and also as a member of Allied Group, we now can offer the best quality materials at competitive prices directly from our

manufacturers around the world. Along with the largest inventories in the country, we also have the most experienced and dedicated team to service the Mexican industry with the degree of reliability and professionalism that has distinguished us in our 90-year history.

Alfredo García August 2022 CEO and partner

Sabater Group is a leading primary processor of natural and sustainable ingredients with a rich history and strong identity. It started as a humble family business in Murcia, Spain at the early stages of the 20th century and has since become a global force sourcing and processing capsicums and a growing range of value-added spices, herbs and vegetables on five continents. It faced and overcame many challenges over the years, but those presented by a global pandemic and further complicated by a war have really put the organization to the test.

When COVID-19 exposed how complicated and fragile global supply chains had become, when lead times stretched and availability trumped everything else, Sabater decided to dig deep and stay true to its core values. A customer-focused, agile and often creative approach enabled the company to mitigate the supply risks faced by its existing clients and those

new ones flocking to Sabater and to maintain an exceptionally high service level, considering the circumstances.

The unique capabilities it has been developing and investing into consciously also helped dampen the negative effects derived from the pandemic and the war. Its ability to source and process ingredients at multiple origins, more than sufficient manufacturing and warehousing capacity, having its feet on the ground and engaging smallholders directly created a robust yet flexible platform for Sabater, much needed in these unprecedented and turbulent times we all operate and live in.

Many organizations get caught up in the firefight trying to resolve the issues brought up by daily operations. Not Sabater. The desire to excel and evolve is so deeply ingrained into its culture that not even a global pandemic and a war could suppress it. Quite the opposite, these events have just underlined the importance of sustainability to the organization.

Sabater has been long committed to the concept of sustainability, it is one of the first primary processors joining the Sustainable Spices Initiative, the industry’s leading platform, and has been playing an active role on it ever since. It was the first company to offer

Rainforest Alliance certified paprika to its customers a few years ago and has since initiated numerous sustainability initiatives and projects in South America, Africa as well as in Spain. To maximize and accelerate the positive impact it can make and support the ambitions and goals of its existing and future partners, Sabater decided to allocate additional resources to sustainability within the organization, establishing a dedicated department that facilitates and coordinates a

cross-functional and cross-regional collaboration among internal and external stakeholders. Sustainability is no longer a ‘nice to have’ in Sabater’s dictionary, but a ‘must have’. An opportunity to become a better version of itself as an organization, the key to its future, sustained success.

Sabater’s global footprint -both in terms of sourcing, processing and distribution capabilities-, not only helps cope with the challenges presented by

the pandemic and the war in Ukraine, but also serves as a foundation for continued growth. The organization has the vision, the ambition and the resources required to further strengthen its position in key geographical areas, such as North America, Africa, China and SEA (South East Asia), as well as in the EEC (European Economic Community) region. This will be accomplished through further investing into existing production and supply

chain capabilities as well as through acquisitions as the spice industry continues to consolidate. Sabater will be able to provide its global partners and customers with unparalleled support in these fast-developing markets with great potential.

One example of its industry leading capabilities is related to heat treatment. Steam sterilization is a relatively new technology within the herbs and spice

industry, but Sabater acknowledged its potential and importance early on. It is the only validated treatment method that can be used in all geographical locations without any restrictions and has been fast replacing irradiation and ETO (engineered to order) treatment in all consumer markets. With eight separate lines in Europe, two in the US and one pending installation in China, with a combined capacity of approx. 200 tons per day, Sabater has become a real powerhouse when it comes to steam sterilization in the spice industry. All lines have been validated by independent, accredited third-party labs delivering 6-log Salmonella reduction to ensure the

ingredients supplied to its customers meet the most stringent food safety requirements and are suitable for a wide range of applications including being Globalready-to-eat.sentimentmight

be different, but Sabater is reluctant to give up on its positive attitude and outlook. It remains confident, but not complacent. It understands its strengths and emphasizes its unique value proposition to its existing and future partners, customers, while it never gives up on its desire to evolve, to develop and to grow in a sustainable manner.

Sustainable growth perspectives

Gran Colombia Gold increases its production not only by keeping its leadership in gold production in Colombia but also by contributing to sustainable projects in search of its own place at a worldwide level

The Canadian company Gran Colombia Gold has been operating since 1994, standing out as an important gold, silver, and zinc producer in Colombia. Operations in Canada and Guyana are added to

its important operations carried out in Colombia, as well as the recently acquired company Aris Gold’s undertakings.

In 2021 the company achieved its production goals for the sixth straight

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Written by Gran Colombia Gold

Gran Colombia Gold is going through its best moment with an organizational culture in which all its professionals display their knowledge and experience to reach operational excellence

- Ángel Meza, Vice-President of Mines at Gran Colombia Gold

year, reaching a total production of 206,389 oz of gold during the whole year in Segovia, thus increasing its production by 5% with respect to Also2020.in

2021, Gran Colombia Gold reached an EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization) of $171.6 million.

Gran Colombia Gold stands out for its efforts regarding sustainability carried out in its surrounding communities, reaching a finalist

position at the Responsible Business Awards 2022 in the Social Impact category through its Colombian Small Miners

“Granproject.Colombia Gold is going through its best moment both financially and at operational levels with an organizational culture in which all of its professionals display their knowledge and experience to reach operational excellence”, declared Ángel Meza, Vice-president of Mines at Gran Colombia Gold.

EXPERIENCED LEADERSHIP

Meza graduated with the highest average grades as a Mining Engineer at the Central Peru National University (UNCP, in his home country). He also earned an MBA in Strategic Business Management at Centrum (Peru Pontifical Catholic University Business School); and in 2019 he finished an International MBA in Leadership at the Senior Management and Administration School (EADA, in

HeSpain).has

worked in different areas of the mining process in Africa, Colombia, and Peru, having taken part in lectures about the industry and as a consultant in Colombia, Chile, Ecuador and Peru.

“I am currently acting as Vice-president of Mines, thus being responsible for sustainability in the whole process by

applying innovation and technology with a financial culture that generates value for the company and society”, pointed out the executive.

PRODUCTIVITY THAT MEETS EXPECTATIONS

Sandra K mine, in Segovia, is the most important operation for Gran Colombia Gold not only because of its gold production but also because of diversifying its income through the new polymetallic recovery plant, from which profitable quantities of zinc and lead are obtained, apart from gold and silver concentrated on its tailings.

During the first half of 2022, operations in Segovia came to 103,149 ounces, a very similar quantity to the one obtained during the first six months in 2021, thus reaching in the last twelve months a production of 210,975 oz., a 2% increase as compared to the same period in July 2021.

Once the extension of the Gran Colombia Gold processing plant was concluded in Segovia, levels

of 2,000 tpd (tones per day) have been reached since August 2022, driving the company is on its way to reach its yearly production forecast for 2022 between 210,000 and 225,000 oz. of gold.

Translated to financial amounts, Gran Colombia Gold’s income during the first six months of 2022 has reached $202.7 million, exceeding the $198.3 million of the first half of 2021.

CONSTANT EXPLORATIONS

Gran Colombia Gold continues exploring, reaching approximately 125,000 ft. from drillings during the first six months of 2022 in its mines and neighboring areas, besides other 50,000 ft. in areas such as Cristales, Marmajito, Manzanillo, and Vera.

The company continues its search for more minerals also in its existing projects such as El Silencio and Sandra K. The latter has currently seven levels and elevators and has received investments to build emergency shelters at different levels.

SUSTAINABILITY PROJECTS

COME TRUE

Gran Colombia Gold gets involved with the neighboring communities beyond cooperation programs, but also in the creation and construction of tangible projects which can benefit as many inhabitants as possible.

The Gran Colombia Gold Master Plan, in Segovia, has just opened a 39.5 acre area, which was previously used for tailings, with a first phase consisting of the construction of

99,000 sq. ft. worth of leisure and sports areas. The entire project includes a bilingual school, a forum for 300 people, and parking lots, after a more than $350,000 investment.

On the other hand, the company collaborated with the small and medium-sized companies’ progress of the Antioquia Department together with the Colombia Association of Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises ACOPI Antioquia, for the

Explomin perforaciones

- Ángel Meza, Vice-President of Mines at Gran Colombia Gold

I am currently responsible for sustainability in the whole process by applying innovation and technology

We believe that each client is OUR REASON FOR BEING

MULTIPLICA SAS has an operational focus, open pit and underground mining production, mining contractor, dams for depositing mining tailings, buildings, roads, tracks, retaining walls, embankments, land adaptation and earthworks, minerals transportation.

Click here to play www.multiplicaing.com gerencia@multiplicaing.com

construction of the newly opened Business Development Center, in Segovia, a space for strengthening, formalization, training, and competitivity for companies from the ten northern municipalities, which will have an office center and training room, consultants’ offices, and access to national and international cooperation projects, among other benefits.

THE RIGHT TRAITS TO AIM FOR HIGH GOALS Gran Colombia Gold considers specific goals in order to become one of the main gold producers worldwide, such as going from 250,000 ounces to one million. An important step toward this path was given in July 2022, when the merger with Aris Gold Corporation was announced, thus creating a leading gold producer company in America.

Regarding the new projects, Toroparu (in Guyana) is making progress with activities prior to construction, and selecting the contractors that will be involved in this project. During the first six months of 2022, Toroparu received US$31 million in investments.

Gran Colombia Gold is considering an ambitious future and it is currently assembling what is necessary to achieve this purpose soon.

make their way into the global market

Venezuela’s hallmark dish includes a traditional ingredient since decades ago which, besides global expansion, undergoes an evolution toward different consumers’ trends EVOLUTION&

Undoubtedly, P.A.N. cornmeal is a product that goes beyond its success at a commercial level. Its journey has turned it into a big tradition for Venezuelans both in and out of the country, besides being an essential ingredient for the famous ‘arepas’ to still be the most representative Venezuelan food even outside the country.

In Venezuela, as well as in many other countries in Latin America and worldwide, since the 1940s and 50s, migrations from the countryside and provinces toward big cities risked many family traditions rooted in the countryside. The cleaning, shelling, boiling, and grounding processes did not seem to have a place in city life, thus resulting in a decrease in the consumption of arepas.

This situation implied a big challenge as well as a huge opportunity to ease the preparation of homemade food such as arepas, buns, pies, and ‘hallacas’ in a practical and easy way. Empresas Polar understood this need

for Venezuelans and resorted to use its available technological resources and facilities where corn flakes for their breweing business were processed, with the purpose of creating precooked cornmeal, which made the cooking of arepas easy.

THE BRAND’S DEVELOPMENT AND LAUNCHING

As the arepa is considered the “Venezuelan bread”, the product’s brand had to be representative of this fact, so it was named Harina P.A.N. (P.A.N. flour), following the initials of Productos Alimenticios Nacionales (National Alimentary Products).

December 10th, 1960 marks the launch of P.A.N. precooked cornmeal, which was a great success and accepted by Venezuelan consumers.

“This way, Empresas Polar became a pioneer in the massive production of precooked cornmeal, rescuing a tradition”, commented Héctor García, Commercial Manager for the American Region at P.A.N. Global.

- Héctor García, Commercial Manager for the American Region at P.A.N. a in the massive of a

THE RELEVANCE OF A DIVERSE PRODUCT

After 61 years of experience and tradition, P.A.N. is the leading precooked cornmeal brand worldwide, being recognized as a global brand whose food has attributes such as being appetizing and healthy because of its nutritional features.

P.A.N. precooked cornmeal is completely composed of natural corn, besides being a gluten, chemicals, and additives-free product.

Currently, P.A.N. offers a range of corn flour types for different uses, thus widening its product portfolio to be part of different gastronomical cultures.

Thanks to its elaboration quality, flavor, versatility, and easiness, the brand’s growth has become unstoppable.

A DIFFERENCE BEYOND BOUNDARIES

Paying attention to requests and new demands that arise when entering

new markets and competing at a global level, P.A.N. has evolved and kept the best quality standards.

Proof of this is the product portfolio elaborated by P.A.N. in its US plants, which holds important certifications in accordance with the consumers’ diversity as are Gluten-Free, Halal and Kosher.

“For more than 60 years, we have been proving why consumers prefer us: quality, performance, flavor, versatility”, declared the executive.

TERRITORIAL SUPERIORITY IN PRODUCTION AND MARKET-WISE

P.A.N. flour is sold in 90 countries on five continents. Besides its two flourproducing plants in Venezuela, it also has a plant in Facatativa, Colombia, supplying also for the Bolivia, Chile, Ecuador and Peru markets. These

facilities have a production capacity of 100,000 tons per year.

The P.A.N. Flour plant in Texas (U.S.A.) supplies the rest of the American market and worldwide. In Italy, the company works with copackers in charge of the European market. In Spain, the company owns two plants where frozen products are elaborated under the brand P.A.N. Snack

BackON.inAmerica, P.A.N. organized

- Héctor García, Commercial Manager for the American Region at P.A.N. Global

For more than 60 years, we have been proving why consumers prefer us

its own commercial operations in Chile, Ecuador, and Peru, to deal with these markets directly.

COMMITMENT SURROUNDINGTOCOMMUNITIES

At a social level, P.A.N.’s main commitment is to its production plants’ neighboring communities in Venezuela and Colombia through

accompaniment, training, and donations. With the spreading of the brand, the company expects that all these initiatives will be copied in all the regions where the company is present.

P.A.N. also has the P.A.N. Business Solutions division, which gives totally free webinars on its YouTube channel.

P.A.N. Food Business Week – Del plan al plato: creación del producto, espacio y equipo

This division is currently organizing several editions of the P.A.N. Food Business Week, in which a personality within the food industry shares their experience and knowledge for a week, thus providing support to new gastronomy entrepreneurs.

PROMISING FUTURE

The P.A.N. expansion process still goes on, while the company evaluates market opportunities according to consumers’ demands, considering the trends which have gained ground in the food industry regarding the inclusion or not of specific ingredients, specific diets, and even consumption habits regarding packaging types andP.A.N.sizes.still has a lot to offer, going beyond the Venezuelan tradition to enter the global market.

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Discussion was one of the themes of the Global Agribusiness Forum 2022 (GAF), in São Paulo, with the presence of the Global Head of Sustainability and Technologies of the Kerry Group

In its fifth edition, GAF 2022 -one of the main agribusiness meetings in the world-, discussed the sector’s movements towards a prosperous and sustainable future for the entire production chain, with a view to global food security. Juan Aguiriano, Global Head of Sustainability and Technologies at Kerry Group, highlighted, in the panel “Circular Economy and Food Waste Reduction”, that there is an opportunity for

industries to take advantage of this moment to change, improve and use collective power to contribute to a better world through sustainable nutrition. “We must commit to making a real impact by doing better for people, better for the planet and better for society. To achieve this, the industry needs to avoid food waste,” said Head AccordingGlobal.tothe Food and Agriculture Organization of the

- Juan Aguiriano, Global Head of Sustainability and Technologies at Kerry Group

“We need to come together and contribute to a positive circular economy with less waste, leveraging sustainable packaging and a positive contribution to society”

United Nations (FAO), a well-defined vision of sustainability for food and agriculture encompasses broad access to nutritious foods, with efficient management of natural resources. The data also shows, for example, that more than 30% of total greenhouse gas emissions come from the food system. For Aguiriano, the future will depend on how well this challenge is tackled in the 21st century. “Agriculture is the core of the food system, and accelerating the shift to regenerative practices will make a huge contribution to the future of the system,” said Aguiriano.

During his presentation, the executive highlighted that Kerry’s goal is to improve the nutritional profile of food while contributing to global efforts to increase sustainability on the planet and in society. For him, creating sectoral partnerships and with

customers is essential to guarantee the availability, accessibility and safety of final products. “We as an industry need to come together and contribute to a positive circular economy with less waste, leveraging sustainable packaging and a positive contribution to society,” he noted.

FIGHTING WASTE

According to the United Nations (UN), one third of all food produced ends up as loss or waste, enough to sustain more than 2 billion people, which represents $936 billion of cost to the global economy annually, this could be invested to reverse the situation of thousands of people. Reducing this waste, explains Kerry’s Global Head, depends on two main factors: taking advantage of preservation solutions to prolong the shelf life of food and the impacts of this action on consumer

behavior. “Ensuring that all food is produced with a maximum shelf life will feed more people and significantly reduce the environmental impact. Extending the shelf life of a food, protecting it from mold, aging and flavor degradation, is what gives

it a chance to be consumed rather thanConsumerwasted.”behavior and habits also significantly impact food waste, and a small step such as raising awareness about using up to expiration dates is a relatively simplistic but important

step so that nothing is thrown away prematurely. There is also technology available to help influence consumer behavior. For example, a simple scan of a package confirms that the cold chain has remained intact and provides accurate data on the

microbial load on a product, overriding the best static data. The Global Head states that if we can reverse the trend, we would save enough food to feed 2 billion people, while contributing significantly to reversing climate change.

ABOUT KERRY

Kerry is a world leader in the development of Taste & Nutrition solutions and a leading partner for the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries. Its broad technology base, customer-centric business model and industry-leading integrated solutions capability position it as the best partner in co-creation. It is innovation with customers that allows for the

creation of great-tasting products, with better nutrition and functionality, while ensuring a better impact on the planet.

In 1994, Kerry began operating in Latin America, starting activities in Mexico. In 1998, the company was established in Brazil. Currently, Kerry is present in eight Latin American countries with 13 factories, 6 commercial offices and 2 Research, Development and Application centers. Employing more

- Juan Aguiriano, Global Head of Sustainability and Technologies at Kerry Group

“Ensuring that all food is produced with a maximum shelf life will feed more people and reduce the environmental impact.

Extending the shelf life of a food is what gives it a chance to be consumed rather than wasted”

www.kerry.comCONTACT:FoodINDUSTRY:1972FOUNDED:&Beverage

than 22,000 people worldwide, including more than 1,000 food scientists, and its global presence spans across 148 factories in 32 countries, Kerry creates a world of sustainable nutrition. Its goal is to reach more than 2 billion consumers with its solutions by 2030. For more information, visit the website.

When concepts such as traceability and sustainability pop into most companies’ output, it somehow brings the sense of being in step with the times. If such is the case, Olam Agri has set the tone well ahead of most businesses by venturing into the food industry more than 30 years ago. Its dedication, focus, and understanding of high-growth markets along with its processing capabilities have turned the company into a leading agribusiness with a global footprint spread across more than 30 countries, managing multi-products supply chains, and guaranteeing food quality from farm to shelf.

“Our business is driven by our ambitious purpose to transform food, feed & fiber for a more sustainable and food-secure future”, says Biswajeet Singh, General Manager for Olam Agri in Peru.

OLAM AGRI IN PERU

The Olam group has been in Peru for more than 15 years, with Olam Agri appointing efforts into specialty grains such as quinoa and chia since 2017. Considering Peru’s geography and unbeatable microclimate diversity, which favors a great variety of superfoods to grow naturally and in abundance, it has become a very important origin for the company, representing limitless opportunities.

The Specialty Grains & Seeds platform of Olam Agri in Peru has become a leading supplier of processed quinoa grains and chia seeds for distributors, manufacturers, supermarkets, and brands globally. The company’s processing plant in Lima is “AA” certified under BRC (British Retail Consortium) standards, boasting one of the best processing facilities with capability for both bulk and retail packaging.

- Biswajeet Singh, General Manager for Olam Agri in Peru

Olam Agri operates in Peru to the highest quality and food safety standards, ensuring the needs of end consumers. Besides BRC, other certifications for Olam Agri’s products and operations include HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points), GMP (Good Manufacturing

Our business is driven by our purpose to transform food, feed & fiber for a more sustainable and food-secure future

Practice), Gluten-free, Kosher, Halal, and SMETA 4-Pillar (Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit).

Follow this link to take a walkthrough quinoa processing at Olam Agri’s facility.

“We are the largest organic quinoa and chia supply chain partner in Peru, working directly with 2,700 smallholder farmers across all the quinoa and chia growing regions in the country”, the executive remarked.

SUPPLYING GLOBAL MARKETS WITH ORGANIC SUPERFOODS IN HIGH DEMAND

Products -and ingredients- such as quinoa and chia share attributes such as being plant-based with high nutritional value, high protein content, antioxidants, gluten-free, anti-inflammatory properties, and a high count of amino and omega acids, among other qualities which earn them a place into today’s current trends.

And as the market for plant-based protein and innovative alternatives grows, Olam Agri offers quinoa, chia, amaranth, and other ancient grains that are beyond the conventional protein offerings from peas, soy, and wheat.

“Our priority is to ensure that consumers receive safe and highquality products by managing the complete end-to-end supply chain for all varieties of quinoa and chia seeds”, Singh mentioned.

CHALLENGES TURNING INTO OPPORTUNITIES

About 75% to 80% of the quinoa production in the world is harvested between Bolivia and Peru. Just in Peru, around 100,000 tons of quinoa are produced annually, from which slightly more than half is exported, while the rest being consumed domestically.

Still, the industry offers large improvement opportunities, as intermediaries in the supply chain

“We are the largest organic quinoa and chia supply chain partner in Peru, working directly with 2,700 smallholder farmers across all the quinoa and chia growing regions in the country”

- Biswajeet Singh, General Manager for Olam Agri in Peru

led to a highly fragmented market representing a challenge to the companies wanting to bring more transparency, direct reachability, and correct value distribution within the supply chain and local farmers.

A company such as Olam Agri is able to establish a business model based on sustainability and digitalization by working directly and closely with farmers and bringing innovation and technology to improve food safety and quality conditions.

“The quinoa and chia industry has the potential of becoming one of the star products when it comes to the ‘good for the planet and good for people’ category”, said the executive.

IMPROVING AGRICULTURALLIVELIHOODSFARMERS’THROUGHSUPPORT

With a year-round presence on

the ground, Olam Agri ’s team of agronomists work hand in hand with farmers by training them on good agricultural practices according to international organic and trade requirements. Moreover, by providing them with personalized technical assistance through all stages of crop growth, farmers are able to adopt organic and regenerative practices while improving their yields and product quality. Follow this link to watch Olam Agri’s work with its supply chain in Puno.

“We encourage the use of ancestral practices that have worked well for the fragile Andean lands, increasing farmers’ resilience to adverse climatic conditions”, Singh remarked.

DIGITAL RESOURCES TO PROVIDE SOLUTIONS AT EVERY LEVEL Transparency and traceability are

powerful drivers for achieving sustainability in food value chains. This premise has led Olam Agri to invest significant efforts towards adopting digital technology to assure that their products have been grown, harvested, and processed responsibly.

One of the results of these efforts is the development of “OFIS” (Olam Farmer Information System) which

allows the company to collect data at the farmgate level through a userfriendly mobile application. This data is then analyzed on a web portal to identify individual farmers’ needs and provide them tailored resources to increase the impact of their sustainability efforts.

Another example is Olam Direct, a digital platform created

Olam

to disintermediate supply chains and expand Olam Agri’s reach. By connecting with farmers and empowering them to transact directly with the company, a more transparent sourcing process is ensured along with more value to such farmers for their crop. AtSource is Olam’s revolutionary sustainability insights platform

for agricultural supply chains, purposefully created to demonstrate social and environmental impact and drive change for farmers, communities and ecosystems. With more than 100 metrics collected through OFIS, the company can identify improvement opportunities and create action plans in partnership with clients to realize change.

Follow this link to learn more about AtSource.

“AtSource provides the company and its clients with the ability to track the environmental and social impact of a product at each stage of its journey – from the farm through logistics and processing, and up to the customer’s factory door”, the executive explained.

THE ROLE PARTNERSHIPSSTRATEGICPLAY

Throughout all years of operation in Peru, Olam Agri has not only partnered with local farmers but has also developed solid relationships and alliances with different actors in the supply chain, such as local governments, international agencies,

NGOs, and clients.

Recently, the company has engaged with USAID (United States Agency for International Development) in a cooperative agreement for a five-year project aimed at increasing yields, improving product quality, and achieving organic certification for 1,500 smallholder quinoa farmers in Peru. The project’s legacy will also include deploying a structured technical assistance system by building local extension services and creating manuals for organic production in Quechua, the Andean native language, which are currently non-existent.

“By aligning and collaborating with

- Biswajeet Singh, General Manager for Olam Agri in Peru

relevant stakeholders, we are able to scale our impact and achieve greater economic, social, and environmental results”, Singh mentioned.

AFTERMATH OF THE PANDEMIC Operations were obviously impacted experiencing challenges in supply chain, logistics, people, and other aspects, but most importantly this situation brought out some positive aspects as consumers became more aware of a healthy diet via plant-based food, genuine value for supply chains and climate change challenges, which are currently being widely discussed and addressed.

“We believe that the consciousness of the above will benefit the overall Agri and food sector in the long run.” the executive pointed out.

IMPROVING HEALTH & NUTRITION IN FARMING COMMUNITIES

Besides ongoing efforts on the field, working alongside farmers and their crops, Olam Agri also ventures into different social programs that positively benefit quinoa & chia farming communities in Peru.

One of its current nutrition programs is focused on fighting iron deficiency in children and breastfeeding women through a series of workshops and

We believe our business in Peru is set to address current trends through an end-to-end model that is transparent, sustainable, and traceable

promoting quinoa consumption due to its nutritional properties and antianemic potential.

STEPS FORWARD ON THE ROAD TOWARD SUSTAINABILITY

The plant-based food trend is here to stay and is expected to grow between 6 to 7% annually, as increased health and environmental consciousness continue to drive consumer desires and decisions. This will go along with consumers’ increasing expectations for more sustainably sourced products that are good for the people, farming communities, and the planet. “We strongly believe our business in Peru is set to address current trends through an end-to-end model that is 100% transparent, sustainable, and traceable from farm to the shelf”, Biswajeet Singh assured.