Having graduated at Erasmus University Rotterdam, Sergio Zapico Mena wanted to stick around. He joined Cefetra as a junior business developer and helped set up Cefetra Carbon Services. “The agri-commodity industry is going through great changes, so it’s an interesting time to join.”
First, Sergio did a research-oriented internship at Cefetra Group. Then, he joined Cefetra BV. “One of the things that pulled me in, was the corporate movie. You see all the shipments, and all the flows of goods. The fact that there are people behind screens, in ports, on boats, all working together on critical supply chains – it’s very interesting. The global character spoke to me.”
An important part of Sergio’s job now is carbon market analysis. “I was involved in setting up Cefetra’s new carbon desk. The strategy, the business proposition, the futures accounts: it was very diverse. The project manager and I run it. It’s a valuable new service for our clients.”
“The people are open to give you any advice you may need”
Sergio Zapico Mena – Carbon business developer
“It’s difficult for many companies to determine what they can do,” Sergio says. “What can you do to set up sustainable initiatives and deliver stakeholder value? Which policies and regulations are at play? Many businesses have made scope 3 commitments that now need to be backed by action. Through our physical involvement in trade of grains and oilseeds, we can help clients deliver on those goals through regenerative farming programmes.”
Cefetra holds a unique position in the supply chain, sitting between the farmer and the consumer, which gives us a strong understanding of both their needs. Because we commercialize a wide range of crops, we’re able to aggregate demand across products providing the scale and traceability that is required. This position also enables us to pay farmers for outcomes that improve soil health, thereby strengthening supply chain resilience while delivering physical commodities that help our customers reduce their scope 3 emissions.
How does Sergio experience the company culture? “The people are open to give you any advice you may need. It’s an entrepreneurial environment that supports your development. The work is also quite flexible. You have your goals and your tasks, and you can figure out how to get them done. There aren’t too many constraints. The exposure you have to the management as a newcomer is also quite remarkable. And on top of that, you can meet many people outside the company.”
There is room to grow as well. “At first, when I began my internship at the business development department, I was all over the place. I learned a lot from my colleagues, including the director of strategy. Now I know how to approach new tasks in a more structured way and manage expectations. But the main thing I’ve learned is there is no set method to do things. There are so many factors at play in this business and learning by doing is the best way to approach new challenges.”
“It’s an interesting time to join Cefetra,” Sergio concludes. “The industry is going through great changes. People are more concerned about traceability and sustainability; there is a lot of diversification and upcycling; what used to be waste is now being turned into alternative products. The coming years offer unique opportunities for professional and personal development.”
