Focus on South America

South America Insights

Unicorn has had a relationship with South America since the company was formed 12 years ago. Due to the global health craze phenomenon, seeds from the region have been increasingly in demand.

South America has the perfect climate for seed production and can boast the production of high quality products. It is therefore a natural source of premium products that Unicorn sell – the region produces some of the highest quality chia, quinoa and sesame.

Unicorn’s supply chain expertise has enabled the company to stablise the supply chain in what can be a problematic region for some suppliers. The company’s modus operandi is to smooth out the supply chain process for its customers. Although the shipping time is longer than other supply locations, Unicorn believe it’s worth the investment as the niche health products from South America are highly desirable around the world.

For example, quinoa is a ‘superfood’ that has benefited from the media attention over the past few years. Much of the rise in the imports of quinoa can be attributed to consumer perception of its healthy, nutritious properties.

There is an opportunity to capitalise on the region where long-standing business relationships are not necessarily in place. Unicorn has established a strong foothold in the region and works with several companies who are reliable suppliers of chia, quinoa and sesames and other major seeds too. Due to this, the company is in a position to confidently present new seed opportunities to existing and potential customers and cross new boundaries.

When choosing a supplier in South America, Unicorn looks for a business with strong trade ethics, a high reputation for on time delivery, willingness to adapt, flexibility and accepting of different cultural issues, commercial performance, reliability and the relevant quality certificates.

Unicorn sources products from across South America – sourcing chia from Peru and the northern parts of South America, quinoa from Bolivia and Peru, linseed from Argentina and sesame from the north and central parts of South and Central America.
With the demand for healthier food continuing to grow at a rapid pace, the demand for seeds from South America will continue to flourish. The challenge for the region is to capitalise on the region’s favourable climate and its huge fresh water resources. South America is seen as major supplier of agricultural commodities to a growing world population. International trading companies have therefore been investing heavily in the region’s infrastructure to avoid losses or waste of food during the transportation stage and to capitalise on the region’s capacity to grow grains and oilseeds.