In order to obtain consistently good qualities of goods at advantageous prices, a number of factors therefore need to be taken into account, including climate contexts, economic and political framework conditions. Harvest conditions and times, however, also have a role to play, as does the market behaviour of farmers, regional intermediaries and buyers.

Good contacts and stable supplier relationships are essential for knowing about and being able to respond to fluctuations in production and shortages in good time.

• A rapid, international network tells our experts early on about information relating to supply bottlenecks or price rises at source - often long before they are known about in Europe. This information advantage is something that we actively and rapidly translate into advantageous purchasing transactions.
  

As a result, we can offer our customers lower prices and updated price information.

• By buying directly from source - largely excluding European intermediaries - we cut out European commercial margins.

This advantage is one we pass on to our customers through lower prices. This makes us an inexpensive and reliable European supplier of raw herbs and spices. We spice the world!

3. Supplies even when product availability is low
In future, it is anticipated that there will be a global shortage of raw materials. Growing areas will diminish, while domestic consumption in countries of origin will increase. The expected consequence is that spices will become more scarce, which could jeopardise the even supply of goods to the European market.

With our experience and thanks to our networks, we are already an influential trading partner for growers. AKO's many years of business relationships are paying off: our outstanding contacts will also safeguard good supplies of spices in the future too. This makes AKO the reliable European supplier - even when product availability is low. We spice the world!