
Strong Source
Our mission with the Strong Source podcast is to educate and inform, by creating a community where experts and guests from the entire commodity industry can share their unique perspectives. Martijn, ex-cacao trader, and Alexander, ex-dairy trader and founder of Vesper, have a deep-passion for this industry, which inspired them to start this venture: "We’ll be sharing our personal experiences, the valuable lessons we’ve learned along the way, and give you a glimpse of what to expect in our future episodes." This podcast is powered by Vesper, the leading commodity platform.
Latest episodes

Apr 5, 2024 • 51min
Episode 6 with Ben Tacken
On this episode we sit down with Ben Tacken. Ben kicked off his career at Cargill, where he honed his skills over a decade before venturing into trading various commodities at Vattenfall. For the past 10 years, he has served as the Corporate Director of Purchase and Trading at DE Heus Animal Nutrition, showcasing his expertise in strategic procurement and trading operations. Don't miss out on this opportunity to gain valuable insights from a true industry expert.

Mar 15, 2024 • 50min
Episode 5 with Boudewijn van Vliet
On this episode we sit down with Boudewijn van Vliet. Boudewijn's has a fascinating journey in the world of commodities, starting from his early days at Cargill in Amsterdam and Geneva. After six years, he made a significant move to Citi, where he became Head of Freight Trading. Today, Boudewijn serves as a board member and non-executive director of two companies in Geneva, while also leading the charge as the founder of Advanced Plastic Purification International NV (APPI). APPI is revolutionizing plastic waste management with its large-scale sorting and recycling facility, paving the way for a more sustainable future.

Mar 1, 2024 • 59min
Episode 4 with Daan Vriens
In our fourth episode we are joined by Daan Vriens. Daan Vriens, a seasoned professional with a blend of Brabant and Rotterdam roots, embarked on a dynamic career journey that reflects his resilience and adaptability. Beginning at Cargill in Rotterdam, where he delved deep into the refining of tropical oils Daan swiftly rose through the ranks, exploring international opportunities in Singapore and then back to Rotterdam. After 16 years at Cargill, Daan made a bold leap, becoming CEO at Cefetra over a decade ago, a testament to his strategic vision and leadership prowess.

Feb 16, 2024 • 55min
Episode 3 with David Behrends
David Behrends, Managing Partner and Head of Trading at Sucafina, shares insights from his extensive coffee trading career. He discusses the complexities of coffee markets, highlighting the differences between Arabica and Robusta beans. David also delves into the importance of collaboration and mentorship in trading, while touching on the challenges Gen Z faces in a digital age. He emphasizes innovation and technology's role in connecting agricultural supply chains, reflecting on how passion drives success in the coffee industry.

Feb 2, 2024 • 58min
Episode 2 with Ivo Sarjanovic
Ivo Sarjanovic, a successful trader turned advisor, professor, author, and VC ag tech investor, shares his insights in this podcast. Topics include his journey in commodity trading, lessons learned, delegating decision-making in trading, benefits of changing commodities, evolution of relationships in trading companies, trading philosophy and macro impacts in markets, and the importance of not being dogmatic in the commodity industry.

Jan 19, 2024 • 42min
Episode 1
The hosts share personal stories and discuss the exciting world of agri commodities. They talk about the thrill of markets, the impact of agriculture, and the special aspects of the industry. The episode also touches on the role of fundamental analysis in trading, navigating challenges, and the evolution of commodity trading with the impact of technology.

Jan 5, 2024 • 1min
Strong Source Trailer
Get ready to dive deep into the world of commodities with Strong Source, a podcast featuring two industry veterans who know trading inside and out. In this trailer, we introduce Martijn and Alexander, two former traders with a wealth of experience and a passion for innovation.