The present situation is a great challenge for everyone involved in each step of the food supply chain, but it’s also showing the agility of teams and organisations.
Working from the south of France since 1975, the team with Biogrow nowadays has production sites situated in India, Sri Lanka, Philippines, Estonia and Brazil, from where they have been producing substrates for hydroponic cultivation across the world. Since the company originated from a group of French growers, they know about the importance of steady substrate supply for a good start of the crop and stable quality during the season. "Our strength lies in our tailor-made substrates – from the preparation of the contents to the definition of the container. Growers can select their own substrate to suit their needs among our full range of substrates. Of course we advise them which combination will best suit their needs", Fabrice Fievre, Marketing Director with Biogrow. explains.
Nowadays the COVID-19 outbreak is affecting the global coco supply. "Maintaining safe work conditions and following local COVID-19 restrictions is how we show our professionalism and agility to support our clients", Fabrice continues. "Despite all the challenges, and thanks to the longstanding partnership with our local partners and clients, we are able to minimize the impact of the current situation."
"Working with natural products such as coco and peat moss, we are used to adapt our activities to meet the ever-changing conditions of Mother Earth. But this time the challenge is more global, from production sites to the client’s greenhouses, so our reply had to be more global as well."
Open communication
"Anticipation and communication are the key words that drove our action", Fabrice says. "Permanently linked to the demand, we organised our production using a strict and secure forecast model. We constantly adapt our sales according to raw material availability, the manufacturing planning, delivery conditions and sanitary rules at destination.
"At each step of the process we keep our clients informed with regular updates, so that the situation is clear for everyone involved.
"Thanks to our worldwide locations we have a lot of experience with international communication and this allows us to stay one step ahead even during these uncertain times."
Global sourcing for local analysis
The fact that Biogrow owns facilities in several different countries allows them to keep production stable when a country introduces strict measures. They are able to offer the usual substrate products or find the best alternative for each market.
"Additionally, our local sales locations (direct or via partners) give us a clear and precise overview of the local situation", Fabrice tells us. "Thanks to this integration from production to the doors of the greenhouse, all decisions are approved by mutual agreement."
Optimism
This global approach allows the company to continue delivering peat moss and coco substrates to clients worldwide. "All of Biogrow’s staff are very much focused on maintaining a high level of service to support our clients", Fabrice concludes. "Our organisation faces this challenging period with agility, and it’s enhancing our strategy to be a global sourcing company with strong local bases."
For more information
Biogrow
contact@bio-grow.com
www.bio-grow.com