US$155m financing for coffee, cocoa and cotton sourcing

ECOM has launched a facility to support its operations. This initiative will help finance working capital needs. It aims to address high and volatile cocoa and coffee prices. The focus is on origin markets, including Africa.

ECOM is a family-owned company and a global leader in supply chains. It operates in 40 producing countries and specializes in coffee, cocoa, and cotton. The company sources from over 20 origins and serves more than 85 sales destinations. ECOM is headquartered in Switzerland and has over 175 years of experience.

The company partners with over 500,000 smallholder farmers. This partnership fosters sustainable supply chains that create social and economic impact. ECOM’s Sustainability Management Services division provides financing for various agricultural needs. These include replenishing older coffee tree stocks and offering training to improve yields.

By focusing on traceable supplies of cocoa, coffee, and cotton, ECOM enhances farmers' livelihoods. This contributes to sustainable agricultural practices and economic growth. Over the past decade, ECOM's growth aligns with sustainability (SDG13) and inclusivity (SDG10).

FMO has supported ECOM’s growth for 13 years through multiple facilities. They have led three DFI syndicates since 2012 and provided subordinated debt financing in previous years. Hans Boogaard from FMO expressed excitement about continuing this partnership.

Kwabena Asante-Poku from British International Investment highlighted the importance of this funding for smallholder farmers in Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire. Carole Maman from BIO praised ECOM's role in sustainable cocoa sourcing in Côte d'Ivoire.

Rena Terfruechte from DEG emphasized the project's benefits for local communities, especially women farmers. Reza Hassam Daya from PROPARCO noted their commitment to sustainable agricultural value chains through this investment.

Benjamin Rimaud from ECOM stated their mission aligns with driving inclusive development in farming communities. The facility will support smallholder farmers across key producing regions.

This partnership reinforces the DFIs' commitment to sustainability goals while promoting inclusive supply chains. The transaction is labeled as reducing inequalities and partially green approved, highlighting its positive impact on communities.