An Interview with Graindex Co-Founder Andrew Huxham
As Graindex celebrates its 5th year of trading, Co-Founder Andrew Huxham reflects on how the business has developed since the first live trading period in October 2017.
What was the original vision for Graindex?
Our original vision was to seamlessly connect buyers and sellers through a trading platform that increased competition and transparency of commodities. With the aim to match the most suitable buyers and sellers for price and geographical area, but also other factors such as specification and payment terms.
What do you consider the key achievements over the last 5 years?
I think we’ve made great progress towards achieving our initial goal but there is so much more to do. One of our most important achievements has been the trust we’ve built within a very traditional industry. Both within the farming community and the merchanting and processing sector. There were many people who thought we would fail, but we’ve proved them wrong and we’re still here.
Looking back, what have been some of the hardest challenges and how has Graindex overcome them?
I think we underestimated what it takes to change people’s habits. Asking farmers to become more proactive in their marketing and not waiting for a farm trader to call them with a price is a change in behavior that doesn’t happen overnight. The response from the buying community really surprised me, 90% of them were really up for it and could instantly see it was the future for them.
Who has been part of the journey?
So many people have helped to make this happen, from the team internally including Peter, Becky and Victoria to members of the industry who have given their time and expertise to help us.
What does the future hold for Graindex?
It became obvious very quickly that we needed people in the industry, both farmers and merchants to help guide and shape Graindex. If we can’t provide value to both sides, we will not succeed so we’ll continue to make use of our buying and selling community to develop features and functionality. We’ve implemented some but we still have plenty to do so there will be a gradual evolution of the services and functionality Graindex provides.
