A unique series of round table discussions, the 'F&A Days',
facilitated by Food Agribusiness Research (FAR), was recently
held in Utrecht and attended by 120 people from across the globe.
It was a chance to swap sector information, product knowledge
and cliënt information, and to spot new business opportunities.
Charles H. Hallock,
Managing Director,
Industry Specialist,
Grain &Oilseeds, Rl,
New York
Sapna Naik, Industry
Analyst, FAR, Utrecht
Adrie Zwanenberg
Global Head, FAR
Philip Kemp, Director,
Food, Beverages
Agribusiness, Rl
London
F&A Days:
food forthought
'It is very valuable to talk
with colleagues who are
looking at the same sector,
in a different part of the
world. Most of the time you
focus on the local view. This
eventgivesaglobal
perspective. It's been
fascinating to hearfrom
colleagues in China,
Australia, and India. It's very
fulfilling.'
The sector round tables
facilitate discussion among
Rabobank colleagues working
in different parts of the bank in
various regions. In the food
retail session, we deliberated
on how the increasing price
pressure in retail is shaping
strategies of food manu-
facturers. Though the retail
environment differs in each
region, there were interesting
parallels across regions. The
participants outlined future
scenarios in retail to identify
implications for Rabobank's
cliënt portfolio.'
'FAR facilitated this event to
create discussions between
Relationship Managers,
Product Managers, Credit
people, and FAR colleagues
from diverse countries. Our
clients value our research as a
powerful tooi, so it's good to
leverage that. The event's
been a learning experience
and great success. Probiems
and solutions have been
aired, and listsof
opportunities compiled - the
bank will get new business as
a result of this event.'
'I found the overview about
the beverages sector very
informative. It concluded
controversially with a
discussion regarding the
bank's internal blockages.
The outcome proposed is an
industry specific positioning
paper - showing the bank's
current position and future
opportunities.'
The Word
