The CEO Magazine Asia - April 2018

high standards in the industry to remain competitive on the

global stage,” he says. “We already have a highly experienced

team with more than 100 years of industry knowledge but

we are still investing in them to advance their skills. We

make our employees feel like part of the family. We instil

a sense of ownership, and I’ve found that if you stand by

your people, they’ll stand by you.”

This approach also extends to BT Cocoa’s dealings with

partners, suppliers and international investors. “We treat our

customers like lifetime partners. Instead of an industrialist

approach, we take a more human approach. That’s what has

helped us form such strong relationships,” notes Thomas.

“BT Cocoa is always open and welcomes cooperation with

various parties because it brings mutual benefit. For example,

we place great emphasis on zero waste within the factory,

and our partnership with VYNCKE allows us to burn our

cocoa shell waste and turn it into energy. We started working

with VYNCKE in 2007, when they built our very first

biomass boiler. With more than 100 years’ experience

and a strong local presence in this region, VYNCKE is

a committed partner of ours. In turn, we’re using our

network of contacts to help promote their machines within

this region.” These mutually beneficial relationships with

customers, partners and communities form the bedrock of

BT Cocoa’s growth platform in Indonesia

and throughout Asia. “To us, success is more

than profitability,” says Thomas. “We continue

to learn and improve every year by facing

and overcoming challenges to create a better

industry and a better society. First comes

purpose, then comes the money.”

BT Cocoa’s short-term goal for the future

is to improve efficiency in all areas, as well as

to improve company performance. For the

long-term, the focus is on further cementing

its position as a global cocoa provider that

prioritises sustainable growth.

Thomas adds that the overarching vision

is to continue to meet the needs of its

customers with a high spirit and integrity,

while also ensuring sustainable growth

economically and environmentally.

“VYNCKE is honoured to supply its clean energy solutions

to BT Cocoa. Over the years our partnership has evolved

into a true friendship. Our reference with BT enabled us

to become the leading supplier of energy systems to the

global cocoa industry.” – Vincent Weyne, Global Account

Manager Agri and Food Industries, VYNCKE

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