Strong Source Episode 25 with Martijn Noordhoek
May 30, 2025
Martijn Noordhoek, Head of Marketing and Global Supply Chain at Viterra and a veteran of the global sugar trade, shares his journey from a commercial traineeship to mastering sugar trading. He discusses the steep learning curve for newcomers and the complexities of raw vs. white sugar. Martijn reveals how factors like geopolitics and logistics affect trade flows, alongside the health trend of Ozempic impacting sugar demand. He also contrasts the cultural dynamics of different trading firms, emphasizing the importance of company culture and adaptability in this competitive landscape.
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Unexpected Entry Through Freight
- Martijn Noordhoek accidentally entered commodities via a Cargill freight traineeship and then moved to a sugar trading desk.
- Early exposure to chartering and multiple desks helped him learn the trading ecosystem quickly.
Sugar's Dual Trading Nature
- Sugar blends features of soft commodities and grain-like raw trading, offering diverse trading opportunities.
- That dual nature keeps traders engaged across white-bag and raw bulk markets.
Be Patient: Mastery Takes Years
- Expect to take years to master trading fundamentals; Martijn says about three years to feel confident placing positions.
- Use that time to learn vocabulary, contracts, relative values, and execution mechanics.