Agribusiness Case Studies

Sep 16, 2016

Probiotech

Probiotech is a leading processor and producer of animal health and nutrition products in Nepal. The agribusiness was founded in 2000 and produces animal feed for small-scale farmers in Nepal, among other lines of work. The company improves the productivity of its 12,000 feed customers by offering training on farm management and by leveraging its extensive distribution network to provide high quality inputs. This case study is in the 2016 Built for Change report which features companies that are employing unique strategies to integrate people living at the base of the pyramid into the companies’ business operations.

Jun 1, 2014

Kenya Tea Development Agency

The Kenya Tea Development Agency Ltd. (KTDA) was established in 2000 and is owned by 54 tea companies which, in turn, have 550,000 small tea farmers as individual shareholders. The tea companies collectively own 66 tea processing factories. KTDA emerged from the privatization of the Kenya Tea Development Authority (the Authority), a parastatal agency created in the 1960s to support small farmers. KTDA’s services cut across the entire tea value chain and include inputs and agri-extension, transportation, warehousing, processing, marketing, and financing. KTDA farmers receive 75-80% of the final tea price, a higher payout than farmers in neighboring countries. More than 62,000 farmers have received loans since 2009.

May 1, 2014

Engro Foods

Engro Foods Ltd. (EFL) builds strong relationships with small dairy farmers to ensure there is a high quality and consistent supply of milk for its dairy products. Approximately 200,000 farmers supply milk to EFL, primarily through its network of 1,400 Milk Collection Centers (MCCs) and 1,500 Village Milk Collectors (VMCs). In 2012, EFL received the G20 Challenge on Inclusive Business Innovation Award. In 2013, the Computerworld Honors Program, which recognizes visionary applications of information technology to promote positive social, economic and educational change, recognized EFL as a laureate for its EMAN system.

May 1, 2014

Jain Irrigation

Jain Irrigation Systems Ltd. (JISL) is the largest manufacturer of efficient irrigation systems worldwide and a leading processor of fruits and vegetables. Jain’s micro-irrigation systems (MIS) are more water and energy efficient than flood irrigation and increases quality and quantity of produce that farmers are able to grow. The company ensures its systems are affordable through relationships with banks, who provide credit and channel government subsidies. Through its model, farmers using MIS have increased yields by 60%-130% and raised their gross incomes by $500-$6,000 per year.

Jun 1, 2013

Alquería

Alquería S.A. is Colombia’s third-largest dairy company that produces and markets Ultra High Temperature dairy products. Alquería supports micro-enterprise development through distribution linkages with 140,000 small-scale retail outlets, 690 independent distributors, with products sourced from more than 6,000 mostly small, independent dairy farmers. The company provides technical assistance to small-scale dairy farmers to help improve quality and increase production.

Aug 1, 2012

ECOM

Ecom Agroindustrial Corporation Ltd. (ECOM), one of the world‘s leading commodity traders, works with coffee growers – the majority of whom are smallholders at the base of the pyramid. ECOM’s direct financing, coupled with partnerships with technical assistance providers, has enabled these farmers to improve productivity, increase quality and gain the certification necessary for premium pricing. Between 2006 and 2012, ECOM purchased more than 81,000 metric tons of certified coffee, providing an additional $14.7 million in income for farmers.

Aug 1, 2012

Xiwang Sugar Holdings Company Ltd.

Established in 1986 as a cooperative enterprise, Xiwang has grown to become a leading corn processor, producing corn and high value-added starch sugar products in China. The company is the country’s largest producer of crystalline glucose, a starch sugar product, with an annual production capacity of 800,000 tons. As of 2011, Xiwang had an annual corn processing capacity of 1.5 million tons and procured corn from 400,000 small farmers.

Sep 1, 2011

Moderna

Moderna Alimentos S.A. (Moderna) is Ecuador’s leading miller and marketer of wheat flour. Moderna currently supports over 4,200 small bakeries with critical ingredients, convenient ordering and delivery methods, technical assistance, and credit. Over 10,000 individuals at more than 5,000 small bakeries have received business and bakery training.