The HC Commodities Podcast

Join Nick Brewer, the former COO of Noble Group and owner of Oastbrook Winery, as he dives into the fascinating world of wine. Discover how wine is made, from fermentation to pressing, and explore the impact of climate change on production. Nick discusses the rising popularity of English wine, highlighting Oastbrook's unique offerings, and explains the complexities of wine as a commodity. With insights on market trends, supply chains, and changing consumer tastes, this conversation is a must for wine enthusiasts!

Today, we are talking agricultural markets and the case for investing in agricultural commodities, particularly in ETFS. And why that case is enhanced in the volatile world of today and the perhaps much more volatile world of the future. Our guest is Jake Hanley, Managing Director at Teucrium, a US -based ETF issuer with a specialisation in agricultural commodities.

Antti Belt, a Partner at BCG and research fellow at the Henderson Institute, dives into the world of trading and the untapped $3 trillion profit potential for CEOs. He discusses why energy and resource companies shy away from trading arms, citing board misconceptions and talent scarcity. Antti also highlights the performance advantages of trading during crises, contrasts traditional trading with tech-driven newcomers, and outlines the exciting future of trading opportunities in sectors like real estate and cloud computing.

Mark Crandall, a veteran commodities trader and co-founder of Trafigura and Glencore, shares his insights on the birth of these trading giants. He delves into the pivotal moments that led to their founding, including Mark Rich's vision and the impact of leadership exits. Crandall discusses how owning assets transformed trading houses, creating dominant figures in the industry. He also examines barriers for new competitors and the evolving roles of traders in today's market, along with the future of commodities in a transitioning energy landscape.

Our Global Our Middle & Back Office Salary Report 2025 is now available for purchase. Published by HC Group's Talent Intelligence team. the report covers salary benchmarks for Risk, Legal & Compliance, Corporate Finance (includes STF/Treasury), Finance & Accounting,Technology& Human Resources positions across all commodity trading hubs. The report, created using proprietary data, is designed for HR leaders and company officers to calibrate salaries in this competitive market as we head into business planning for 2026. For more information, visit https://www.hcgroup.global/energy-trading-report or email intelligence@hcgroup.global

In this engaging discussion, veteran commodities trader Mark Crandall shares insights from his illustrious career which began at Morgan Stanley, where he helped launch its commodities desk. He delves into the evolution of oil trading and the unique challenges following market shocks. Crandall recounts his experiences at Marc Rich & Co., highlighting Marc Rich's visionary approach and his leadership style that fostered loyalty. The conversation explores the dynamics of physical trading houses and the complex relationships that cultivate competitive advantages.

On October 1st, at HC Group’s Headquarters in London, host Paul Chapman interviewed Colin Bryce and Adi Imsirovic about their new book – Rivers of Money - in front of an invited audience of 100 friends, former colleagues and industry veterans. Why did they write the book, what stories and insights stand out and who received a pickled pig’s head at their desk (it later transpired the sender was in the audience)? Which other stories had to be left on the cutting room floor and what are the biggest risks the industry faces today and in the future? If you want to know about future events, sign up at https://www.hcgroup.global/newslettersignup

HC Groups’s Q3 Market Review is available to download here: https://www.hcgroup.global/insights/market-reviews/access-market-review-q3-2025400+ notable people moves. An editorial by podcast host Paul Chapman on US talent in turbulent year to date. Articles on APAC liquid fuel trends and how participants are recruiting and training Gen Z and much more.You can also download www.hyperionsearch.com Cleantech and renewables review here: https://interactive.hcgroup.global/hyperion-search-market-review-q3-2025/full-view.html

Mark Kurlansky, an acclaimed author renowned for his works like 'Salt' and 'Cod', joins the conversation to explore the profound impact of commodities on history. He reveals how salt enabled trade and shaped economies, while discussing the dramatic Cod Wars and the precarious state of fisheries today. Kurlansky critiques current trade policies and envisions a shift towards renewable energy commodities, touching on the complexities of global cooperation versus competition. His insights illuminate the shifting sands of economics and history through the lens of everyday goods.

The HC Commodities Podcast was invited to host a panel at the excellent Argus Global Markets Conference in London on September 30. We discussed how the commodities world is adapting trading strategies to markets now driven by Truths Socials, algorithmic sentiment, shifting geopolitics and increasing government intervention. A world where the fundamentals of supply and demand are only part of the picture. Is this new or just a reversion to a more normal world? Is it cyclical or structural? What does it mean for skillsets and participants? Our excellent panelists discuss: Saad Rahim, Chief Economist at Trafigura, David Fyfe, Chief Economist at Argus, Nick Kumleben of Greenmantle and Kurt Chapman, legendary oil trader and Director at Levmet.