At Commodity Centre, logistics is more than movement of goods - it’s about people, purpose and pride. While the daily operations are defined by precision and scale, what truly sets the company apart is its commitment to community and the team.
This summer, three special moments in Antwerp captured that spirit: a visit from three graduates eager to learn, a group of curious students discovering the world of coffee, and a small but heartfelt gesture to recognise the hard work of the warehouse team. Together, they paint a picture of a workplace that invests in the future while celebrating the people who make it all possible.
Welcoming Tomorrow’s Talent
In June, we had the pleasure of welcoming three graduates completing their International Entrepreneurship programme while working with one of our customers, Sopex. Ellen Vermeulen (Logistiek Coordinator), Mengyi Dai (Trade Coordinator) and Kendehafti Solomon (from Sopex Ethiopia) visited the warehouse. They met with Wim Jacobs and Sabine Callens who shared an insightful presentation on our operation and its vital role in the global supply chain of coffee and cocoa.
They then had the opportunity to meet the logistics team they regularly correspond with via email, finally putting faces to names. A tour of the warehouse showed them the operations close-up, including a stop by the weighbridge to observe the reweighing of incoming and outgoing loads. It was a hands-on learning experience and a chance to witness the impressive coordination behind every shipment.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Just a few weeks earlier, Directors Wim Jacobs and Tamara Tanghe opened the doors to a different kind of visitor: a group of students from Antwerp's Ursullinen Mechelen school, eager to learn about the coffee trade and discover what goes on behind the scenes in commodity logistics.
The visit began with a lively presentation, where the students were invited to see, touch and smell raw coffee beans from around the world. They then toured the warehouse where they watched wide-eyed as heavy jute bags of beans were being unloaded by hand from containers. They also saw big bags being filled from the silo platform and then weighed on the scales - a vivid introduction to the scale and complexity of global coffee trade.
For many, it was a first glimpse into a world they hadn’t seen before. For the Commodity Centre team, it was a chance to spark curiosity and plant seeds for the future.
Small Gestures, Big Impact
Of course, none of this would be possible without the dedication of the operations team - the unsung heroes who keep things running smoothly day in and day out. With temperatures soaring across Europe in recent weeks, management called in a local favourite: the ice cream van.
It was a small gesture, but one that brought big smiles, gratitude and a shared moment of appreciation. A simple reminder that recognising people’s hard work, especially during a heatwave, matters.
Rooted in People
What each of these stories shows is that Commodity Centre Antwerp is not just a place of business. It’s a place of learning, sharing and connecting. Whether welcoming young professionals, inspiring students or thanking the team that keeps the wheels turning, the company continues to invest in what matters most: people
To gain a deeper insight into our values at Commodity Centre, watch our video:
