Another global commodity, present in our daily lives, without an established price index or futures contract, with a unique supply chain: Tea.
How does Tea reach our tables? Where does tea come from? How does it trade? And how is the tea market navigating climate change, ever-lower prices and changes in demand? Indeed, which nations drink the most tea?
Speaking to our host Paul Chapman on this episode is Jem McDowell, Vice-President of Trading and Universal Commodities (Tea) Trading Inc. Jem is based in the US but has had a global career in trading tea.
Key Talent Takeaways
Strategic Thinkers to Navigate Fragmented Markets
The tea industry’s fragmented supply chain demonstrates the importance of talent skilled in handling complexity and coordination. Similarly, the energy sector relies on individuals with strategic vision to bring together diverse stakeholders—whether in renewables, fossil fuels, or emerging technologies. These professionals must ensure seamless collaboration, efficient operations, and consistent quality across the entire value chain.
ESG Leaders to Drive Change and Innovation
As with tea’s ESG challenges, the energy sector needs leaders who can align operational goals with social and environmental responsibilities. This includes talent skilled in embedding ESG principles into supply chains, leading sustainability initiatives, and balancing mechanisation with ethical workforce considerations.
Experts in Risk Management and Financing
The shift to back-to-back trading and reliance on importers for logistics in tea mirrors the energy sector’s complex financial dynamics. The industry requires professionals with deep expertise in risk management, financial modelling, and capital allocation to mitigate market volatility and optimise investments in infrastructure.
Climate Resilience Specialists
Talent focused on climate adaptation and resilience is critical as the energy sector grapples with extreme weather and the transition to a low-carbon economy. Individuals skilled in predictive analytics, renewable technology development, and sustainability planning will be instrumental in future-proofing the industry.
Innovators in Market Growth and Consumer Engagement
Similar to tea’s pivot toward premium and speciality markets, the energy sector must innovate to capture new opportunities. Talent skilled in creating differentiated products and services (e.g., renewable certifications, energy storage solutions) and engaging with consumers on sustainability will be vital to driving market growth.
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