Episodes
34
Latest episode
May 2026
Language
EN
Our mission with the Strong Source podcast is to educate and inform, by creating a community where experts and guests from the entire commodity industry can share their unique perspectives. Martijn, ex-cacao trader, and Alexander, ex-dairy trader and founder of Vesper, have a deep-passion for this industry, which inspired them to start this venture: "We’ll be sharing our personal experiences, the valuable lessons we’ve learned along the way, and give you a glimpse of what to expect in our future episodes." This podcast is powered by Vesper, the leading commodity platform.
In this episode, we speak with Moritz Seibert and Moritz Heiden, founder of Takahe Capital, about quantitative trading, systematic investment strategies, and how data-driven approaches are used to navigate commodity markets. They share insights on model development, risk management, and the evolving role of quantitative investing in today's markets.
In this episode of Strong Source, we're joined by Jan Kees van der Wild, board member at VA Inter Trading and former senior leader at ADM, Bunge, Volcafe and EDF Man, for one of the most remarkable career stories we've had on the show.Jan Kees takes us through 42 years in global commodity trading, from an unconventional start at 19 with no degree and no plan, to running operations across Europe, the US and Brazil. We explore how the right mentors can define a career, what it really takes to turn around a struggling business, and why he always hired on EQ over IQ.
In this episode, we welcome Anthony Britain, a commodity risk management expert with experience at Tesco, Unilever, and Swiss retail group Migros. Anthony shares what it was really like managing Unilever's vegetable oils book during the Ukraine invasion and picking up the cocoa portfolio just as prices hit historic highs. We discuss why private label is an interesting space for commodity risk in retail, how retailers are building out sophisticated trading teams, and what it takes to rise in this industry.
In this episode of Strong Source, we’re joined by Nicholas Bond, Buying Director at ALDI South Group, for our first conversation with a retailer guest. Nicholas takes us inside the world of retail buying, from how ALDI manages own-label pricing and supplier relationships, to the practical role of market data and benchmarks in everyday decisions. We explore how external forces like COVID and inflation have reshaped supplier dynamics, how consumer trends such as the surge in high-protein products influence the shelf, and how retailers think about risk when delivering consistent value to the end consumer.
In this episode, Alfonso Peccatiello, Founder & CIO of Palinuro Capital and creator of The Macro Compass, breaks down how the global dollar system truly works. He explains why commodities priced in USD force countries to recycle dollars into U.S. Treasuries, how government deficits and private-sector leverage create money, and why the U.S. dollar remains dominant despite recurring predictions of its decline. A clear, accessible deep dive into macro forces shaping markets today.
In this episode, we sit down with Gert-Jan van den Akker, former EVP of Cargill. We dive into his 30+ year career in commodities, from his first role as a trainee to reshaping global freight trading and leading at the top of Cargill. An honest, inside look at strategy, leadership, and navigating volatile markets.
In this episode of the Strong Source podcast, we welcome Alex Sanfeliu, President of the World Trading Group at Cargill, where he oversees one of the largest agricultural trading operations in the world. With over 30 years at Cargill, Alex has led global teams through major market shifts, crises, and transformations in how commodities are traded.We discuss:The traits that define great tradersA high-stakes moment involving 31 Panamax vesselsHow Cargill is integrating AI and quant strategiesThe evolving role of leadership on global trading floorsWhat the next generation of traders needs to succeedTune in for a masterclass on resilience, decision-making, and how tech is changing the future of commodities.
In this episode, we welcome Denis Zaica, Chief Trading Officer at FincoEnergies and former Commercial Director of Biodiesel at Cargill. Denis shares his remarkable journey from Moldova to leading global commodity trading operations, beginning with cocoa trading at Cargill and now spearheading biofuel strategies at Finco. We discuss his transition from agriculture to energy, the role of trading in the energy transition, and how biofuels are influenced by global market dynamics—including current geopolitical tensions.
In this episode of the Strong Source podcast, we welcome Martijn Noordhoek, a veteran in the global sugar trade with experience at Cargill, Sucden, Glencore, and now Viterra. Martijn shares how he stumbled into the world of commodities via a freight role and soon found his calling in sugar trading. He reflects on the steep learning curve for young professionals, the nuances between raw and white sugar, the role of ethanol and Brazilian crop cycles, the effects of geopolitics and logistics on trade flows, the rise of Ozempic and its impact on demand, and the cultural contrasts across major trading houses.
In this episode of The Strong Source, we welcome Richard Allen, President of Fonterra Global Ingredients — the world’s largest dairy exporter — for an open conversation about the future of dairy, volatility in commodity markets, and the complexity of global supply chains.From his 18-year journey across continents with Fonterra to the bold decision to divest the company’s consumer division, Richard shares powerful insights on the evolution of the dairy industry, risk management, and what it takes to lead in uncertain times.
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