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The changing dynamics of commodity supply. Possible solutions to this challenge. By Thos Gieskes. September 2011. Presentation roadmap. The big picture. Higher prices and volatility . The battle for raw materials . Market Update and Outlook . Cooperation along the supply chain .
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The changing dynamics of commodity supply Possible solutions to this challenge By Thos Gieskes September 2011
Presentation roadmap The big picture Higher prices and volatility The battle for raw materials Market Update and Outlook Cooperation along the supply chain Changing dynamics Current landscape The solution? Cooperation along the supply chain Agricultural commodity selling options
From a world of surplus to a world of scarcity The challenges of managing higher prices and volatility Source: Rabobank International
Tighter and more volatile food markets Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT) corn, wheat and soybean prices Oversupply Tight Tighter On average higher and more volatile prices Source: Bloomberg, Rabobank International
F&A players forced into action • Higher prices, continued high price volatility and increased scarcity of agricommodities - from efficiency to risk reduction • Price-relatedrisks • Price level dictatesworkingcapitalrequirements • Price volatility dictatesgross margin, workingcapitalrequirements • Volume-related risks • Emptyhanded – inability to trade • Availablequality – implicationsforreputationifsubstitutesnotavailable • Sourcing as a competitive advantange for F&A companies – if they can work with producers! The changingdynamics of supply Source: Rabobank International
Maintainingcontrol in an era of scarcity Strategicsourcingoptionsfor F&A companies • Increasing control over supply: • Investing in land • Backward integration – owning production, storage assets along the chain • ‘Farmer first’ – buyers actively assisting farmers in the production process • Regional diversification – using multiple suppliers in one region. • Focus on market power: • Supply contracting – long term supply arrangements becoming more common. • Horizontal partnerships – food retail companies cooperating with competitors for greater negotiating power with competitors • Brand Power – passing on increased commodity costs to the next entity in the supply chain. • Forward integration – set up/buy processing assets later in the supply chain. • Adaptive strategies: • Ingredient substitution - commodity substitution if there is a sufficient price signal. • Tolling – ‘cost-plus’ pricing where price fluctuations are passed along the supply chain. Strategic sourcing options Source: Rabobank International
‘Commoditycolonialisation’ The battle for rawmaterials Source: Rabobank International
Example: strategic sourcing of Australian sugar What is driving the international interest?
Source: Rabobank International, company announcements 4-5 million tonnes of Aussie raw sugar 1 million tonnes sugar, 5 active mills, 2 bulk terminals, no refinery 1.9 million tonnes sugar, 6 mills, 2 bulk terminals, no refinery consolidated by Sucrogen 1.3 million tonnes sugar, 5 mills, 1 bulk terminal, 1 refinery Consolidated by Mackay Sugar Mossman Maryborough Sugar Factory (MSF) Tully Sucrogen Proserpine Mackay Sugar Bundaberg Sugar Ltd Isis Central WH Heck NSW Mills 0.7 million tonnes sugar, 5 mills, 2 bulk terminals, 1 refinery 0.4 million tonnes, 3 mills, no bulk terminal, 1 refinery Consolidated by Manildra Australian sugar – a supply opportunityin Asia’s backyard
Source: USDA, Rabobank International Increasing physical control over supply Asia’s sugar deficit - 17 million tonne pa and growing
Selling options for agri-commodity producers The current landscape Source: Rabobank International
Producers and buyers – a marriage of convenience? End-users and farmers want some of the same things: • Greater price certainty • Access to alternative ways of funding day-to-day operations • A reduction oftheir exposure to production risk How can they work together to achieve their individual goals? Source: Rabobank International
Cooperation between producers and buyers needed in an era of agri-commodity scarcity Buyers - Providing solutions to producers problems to ensure supply • Producer Issue: • Low equity • Low cash reserves • Producer Issue: • Production volatility • Producer Issue: • Lack of capital to invest in on-farm storage • Producer Issue: • Delay marketing to achieve better price • Price volatility • Producer Issue: • Doesn't align with cash flow needs • Producers - Want to increase production but need to overcome problems • Buyer solution: • Provide capital • Barter inputs for commodity • Buyer solution: • Invest in storage so producer commits to selling to buyer • Buyer solution: • Higher pricing but producers need to better meet buyers needs • Buyer solution: • Pre-payment • Buyer solution: • Share risk Source: Rabobank International
Co-production model Investor Farmer • Provides expertise equipment and land. • Access to alternative forms of capital outside debt. • Reduces overall risk. • Provides Capital • Owns the Production • Receives an Annual Return • Direct Exposure to soft commodity production Source: Rabobank International .
Warehouse cash flow A solution ahead of it’s time? • Grower Warehouses grain in a bulk-handling companies storage facility (i.e. Graincorp) • The Grower sells grain to the provider of the facility at the prevailing market rate and receives an initial payment of up to 60% of the grains value. • The Grower at any time can repay the payment and sell to another party at the current market rate. • The grower captures prospective price upside, but must also manage and is responsible for price downside. Source: Rabobank International
Bartering inputs for grain • Inputs provided to the farmer at the start of the season in exchange for crops delivered at harvest time. • An alternative to farmers finding capital. • An accumulation strategy that works for many end-users/commodity traders. • Common practice in South America. • As much as 35% of Brazilian farm inputs are purchased through barter deals. • Only feasible in relatively low production risk areas. • The battle for agri commodities will be won by those with the most direct access to farmers. Source:Rabobank International
Chinese bartering • China would like to secure supply of crops whilst reducing their dependence on grain trading companies. • Their initial approach of purchasing land and growing their own production has proved difficult in many countries. • Many countries limit foreign ownership of land. • Chinese companies are the leading producers of most farm inputs such as glyphosate. • It is only a matter of time before Chinese companies begin bartering agrochemicals and fertilisers in exchange for crop production. Source: Rabobank International
Today’sconclusions: 30% Source: Rabobank International
Rabobank International Thos Gieskes Chief Executive Officer Rabobank Australia and New Zealand DISCLAIMER Professional advice is recommended for all financial and strategic decisions. However, this information is not professional advice and has not been prepared to be used as the basis for, and should not be used as the basis for, any such decisions. This information is general in nature only and does not take into account an individual’s personal circumstances. No representation is made that any forecast or projected information is correct or will eventuate and past performance is not indicative of future performance. Although reasonable efforts have been taken to ensure the accuracy of the contents of this publication, no warranty is given in regard to the total accuracy of the printed contents. Rabobank has no obligation to update this document or correct any inaccuracies and/or omissions or otherwise advise the reader. The persons involved in the preparation and distribution of this information and their related persons disclaim all liability for any direct, indirect, consequential or other loss or damage suffered due to any use of or reliance on the information. Information contained in this publication may not be reproduced or published without Rabobank’s prior written consent. “The financial link in the global food chain”™ Food & Agribusiness Research and Advisory