Strong Source

Episode 32 - with Jan Kees van der Wild

In this episode of Strong Source, we're joined by Jan Kees van der Wild, board member at VA Inter Trading and former senior leader at ADM, Bunge, Volcafe and EDF Man, for one of the most remarkable career stories we've had on the show. Jan Kees takes us through 42 years in global commodity trading, from an unconventional start at 19 with no degree and no plan, to running operations across Europe, the US and Brazil. We explore how the right mentors can define a career, what it really takes to turn around a struggling business, and why he always hired on EQ over IQ.

Episode 31 - with Anthony Britton

In this episode, we welcome Anthony Britain, a commodity risk management expert with experience at Tesco, Unilever, and Swiss retail group Migros. Anthony shares what it was really like managing Unilever's vegetable oils book during the Ukraine invasion and picking up the cocoa portfolio just as prices hit historic highs. We discuss why private label is an interesting space for commodity risk in retail, how retailers are building out sophisticated trading teams, and what it takes to rise in this industry.

Episode 30 with Nicholas Bond

In this episode of Strong Source, we’re joined by Nicholas Bond, Buying Director at ALDI South Group, for our first conversation with a retailer guest. Nicholas takes us inside the world of retail buying, from how ALDI manages own-label pricing and supplier relationships, to the practical role of market data and benchmarks in everyday decisions. We explore how external forces like COVID and inflation have reshaped supplier dynamics, how consumer trends such as the surge in high-protein products influence the shelf, and how retailers think about risk when delivering consistent value to the end consumer.

Episode 29 with Alfonso Peccatiello

In this episode, Alfonso Peccatiello, Founder & CIO of Palinuro Capital and creator of The Macro Compass, breaks down how the global dollar system truly works. He explains why commodities priced in USD force countries to recycle dollars into U.S. Treasuries, how government deficits and private-sector leverage create money, and why the U.S. dollar remains dominant despite recurring predictions of its decline. A clear, accessible deep dive into macro forces shaping markets today.

Episode 28 with Gert-Jan van den Akker

In this episode, we sit down with Gert-Jan van den Akker, former EVP of Cargill. We dive into his 30+ year career in commodities, from his first role as a trainee to reshaping global freight trading and leading at the top of Cargill. An honest, inside look at strategy, leadership, and navigating volatile markets.