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The power of reliable logistics
Amid global trade flows and rising demand for raw materials, the Port of Antwerp has established itself as one of Europe’s most important transhipment hubs. It is here that Commodity Centre Belgium NV has grown into a leading specialist in the storage, handling and quality management of coffee, cocoa and metals since 2013.
In this interview, Managing Director Wim Jacobs explains how the company has developed, why service is its strongest competitive advantage, and which future projects are already taking shape.
Founded in 2013 by Wim Jacobs and Tamara Tanghe, with the support of the Commodity Centre Group, the company was built from the ground up by Jacobs, who comes from a family of coffee traders. Today, Commodity Centre Belgium employs around 60 people and generates annual revenues of between €18 and €19 million. Continuous expansion has been driven by the acquisition of warehouse space, logistics service providers and a container transport company. In Antwerp, Commodity Centre Belgium is now one of the largest players in the green coffee sector – a position that also carries significant weight at European level.
A complete process chain for international clients
Commodity Centre Belgium manages the entire process chain, from the collection of goods to the storage of containers, whether packed in jute sacks, big bags or handled in bulk. Approximately 90 per cent of goods are shipped to other European countries, primarily Germany. The company’s clients include international trading houses as well as industrial buyers. As an ICE-certified facility, Commodity Centre Belgium takes quality samples and issues the certificates required for exchange trading.
Growth is driven by reliable processes and a targeted market presence through LinkedIn, social media channels, and participation in coffee and cocoa industry events. With the launch of the new Food & Feed division, the product portfolio will be expanded to include commodities such as sugar, milk powder and nuts.
Service, digitalisation and future prospects
Flexibility, accessibility and rapid response times define the company’s culture and represent a key success factor.
“If a customer calls on a Sunday evening, we answer.”
At the same time, the company is actively advancing digitalisation. One example is a system providing live insights into inventory levels and goods movements, developed with the support of the IT department of its British parent company.
Like many businesses in the sector, Commodity Centre Belgium faces a tight labour market, which further reinforces the need to consistently automate internal processes. The company is also committed to sustainability: company vehicles and industrial trucks are increasingly electric, while photovoltaic systems installed on warehouse roofs provide additional energy.
Rising traffic volumes around the port present further challenges for logistics and recruitment, prompting the company to explore potential inland locations in Belgium or Germany. Despite these hurdles, Wim Jacobs remains highly motivated:
“For me, it is above all the enjoyment of my work, our dedicated team, and the trust of our satisfied customers that motivate me every day.”
Click HERE to read the original article in Wirtschaftsforum.
