For Maroun Khouri, no matter what you're importing, it's all about the procedure. Whether it's handbags, designer goods or produce, the procedures you use will determine whether or not you're a success. So when he and his partner, Apanatche Bark, formed BKX Trading and started importing ginger root from Brazil, they knew they'd have to get the logistics just right.
“We've been importing ginger root from Brazil since 2008,” noted Khouri. But after several years of importing the product, they stepped back and analyzed the ways in which they could improve their operation. BKX specializes in importing from Brazil and exporting products to the Middle East, and because they don't just handle produce they were able to lean upon a wide breadth of knowledge to come up with a successful strategy for bringing in products from Brazil.
“We studied the specifics of the import situation,” said Khouri. “Everyone knows about the quality of produce, but we decided to look at the process of the situation. From that, we designed a process that has been very successful.” After their clients were pleased with the revamped import procedures, Khouri said they were asked if they could provide other produce items. Rather than jumping headlong into additional products, they decided to apply their import expertise on the long list of products requested one item at a time. So now they've branched out into papayas, and as soon as they establish that product, they'll move onto the next fresh produce item. So far, their clients have been pleased, and Khouri said they owe that to the way they handle logistics.
“We have many distribution channels for the ginger and papaya that comes under our supervision,” explained Khouri. “That gives us full control of the process and ensures that we can move the product forward while minimizing losses.” So if some product is not up to par for one sector of the market, Khouri said they have the necessary contacts to sell the product somewhere and avoid a complete loss of the entire shipment.
“The system we have allows a solution for any kind of situation that may arise,” said Khouri. They now plan on using that same approach to start importing mangoes, açaí, onions, carrots and pineapples.
“When we started, we weren't even thinking of papaya,” said Khouri. “But we were so successful that our clients started asking for a lot of products, so now we're helping them by going through one item at a time.”
For more information:
Apanatche Bark
BKX Trading
