- Beginning in Ecuador – Marcelo began his career in commerce, working with indigenous communities in the Amazon, which laid a solid foundation for his success.
- Global growth – Over time, he expanded into markets in Europe, Asia and the Middle East, with products such as hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide becoming central to his career.
- Mentor and leader – Under the guidance of mentor Akif, Marcelo developed his trading skills and now supports young traders himself as a mentor at Foodcom S.A.
- Product management – Marcelo has been instrumental in the success of products such as cocoa and superfoods, which has strengthened his position within the company and opened up new opportunities in the markets.
Marcelo is an example of an individual who has achieved international success through his passion for trading and perseverance as an international commodities trader. He started his career in 2019 in Ecuador, where he worked on building a supply chain with local communities. Since then, he has come a long way, developing his skills and connecting with markets in Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Today, he is a valued team member and mentor, supporting others in their professional development. His ability to build relationships with clients and his quick decision making have contributed to his many successes on the international stage.
The beginning of his career
Marcelo began his adventure in trade in 2019 in Ecuador. At that time, after leaving his job at the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, he decided to start his own business. His first product was a niche commodity from the Amazon that few had heard of, but which was in high demand in Europe. By working with indigenous communities in the Amazon, Marcelo built an entire value chain, which became an important part of his success.
To expand his business, he traveled to Europe, where he made contacts, organized partnerships with factories and acquired customers. His first big markets were Germany and Poland, and over time he was able to expand to Japan, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey and other countries. This was the moment when Marcelo realized that sales was his passion, despite the fact that previously his work experience had been focused on projects rather than sales.
First steps at Foodcom S.A.
When Marcelo joined the Foodcom S.A. team, he had already achieved his first successes in sales, which were not only surprising but also inspiring. His adventure in our company began shortly before he officially joined the company, when he closed his first deal.
“Two weeks before I joined Foodcom S.A., a customer from Hungary asked me about a product I had found at a supplier in Poland. I was able to successfully close the deal, which was a great discovery for me,” Marcelo recalls. “It was then that I understood how important it is to mediate between international markets.”
After joining Foodcom S.A., Marcelo was faced with competition and the availability of products that were already being offered by other distributors. Through his determination and commitment to building relationships with potential customers, he gradually achieved better results.
“In the beginning, everything was already taken – products, customers, markets. It was a tough start, but through constant phone calls, emails and sending offers, I was able to gain the trust of customers and grow,” – Marcelo says about his first steps in the company.
Learning and growing
At the beginning of his career at Foodcom S.A., Marcelo had to intensively learn new products and develop skills related to international trade. New challenges became valuable lessons that enriched his experience.
“Starting from scratch, I had to learn everything from products to ways to get customers. Many companies already had suppliers, and I was new to the market, which made it difficult for me to enter.” – Marcelo recalls.
However, a mentor, Akif, played an important role in his development and was a support and guide during difficult times. Although Marcelo describes his mentor as “tough,” he appreciates his commitment and assistance in learning new skills. Thanks to the patience of the entire team, Marcelo was able to gradually develop his competence and gain confidence as a trader.
“Akif was a demanding mentor, but it was his support that allowed me to understand the market and learn to trade new products. The whole team showed great patience, which had a huge impact on my development.” – Marcelo says.
Career breakthroughs
Marcelo has had several breakthrough moments in his career. One such moment was his entry into the hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide market, which brought him not only profit, but also significant confidence in the industry. It was these products that proved to be milestones in his career, especially at a time when he was struggling with personal and professional difficulties.
“There was a moment when I was close to giving up. I was having a difficult time in my personal life and was underperforming. Everything changed when the market for hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide appeared. This success gave me great confidence and opened up new opportunities,” Marcelo recalls.
Another important step in his career was his involvement in the development of product offerings such as cocoa and superfoods. With his experience of the South American markets, he actively supported the development of these products at Foodcom S.A., which quickly brought success and positive results to the company. This was a source of pride for him, especially in the face of difficult market conditions.
I am proud to have supported the development of products such as cocoa and superfoods. When I started, I wanted to introduce the products I knew best to Foodcom S.A. This turned out to be a hit, especially now that the market for these products is growing significantly,” says Marcelo.
Mentoring and development
Over the years, Marcelo not only developed his career as a trader, but also began to serve as a mentor at Foodcom S.A. His experience and knowledge of international trading proved invaluable to younger traders who were looking for support and guidance. Marcelo quickly recognized that helping others was not only a duty, but also an opportunity for his own development.
“I became a mentor at a time when I noticed that many people in the company were starting to come to me with questions. Akif suggested that I join his team, which was a natural step for me, as I always wanted to help others” – Marcelo recounts.
Marcelo believes that the trade is all about cooperation and mutual support. His philosophy is based on symbiosis, in which each team member contributes something of value. With this approach, the team not only achieves better results, but also builds stronger relationships.
“Two minds always think better than one. When you help others, you automatically achieve better results. It’s a natural process – when you support others, success comes on its own” – Marcelo says of his role as a mentor.
Advice for young traders
For those starting out in trading, Marcelo has some tips based on his experience. He stresses that success in this industry does not come immediately, and that one of the most important qualities a young trader should have is perseverance and resilience to failure.
“Trading is a field where you often hear the word ‘no’ before you hear ‘yes.’ You have to be prepared for numerous rejections, but each one brings you closer to success,” – Marcelo says. He also points out the importance of reacting quickly to changing market conditions and constantly looking for new solutions.
Another important skill that every young trader should develop, according to Marcelo, is managing relationships with business partners. It’s not just about product knowledge, but more importantly the ability to build a lasting relationship based on trust.
“What matters in trading is the ability to be flexible. You need to know the product you are selling, but also understand the needs of your customer and supplier” – advises Marcelo. This attitude, combined with offering excellent service, builds trust, which is the key to long-term relationships.
The future and motivation
Marcelo is constantly looking to the future, seeking new opportunities for growth for both himself and Foodcom S.A. Although he has already achieved many successes, he is not resting on his laurels. He sees great potential in his work, especially in expanding operations in markets that are just beginning to develop.
“I see the future in exploring new markets, not only in Europe, but also in Asia, South and North America, and Africa. These regions have huge opportunities that are worth exploring” – Marcelo says, emphasizing his ambitions for Foodcom’s S.A. further expansion.
He derives his motivation for action primarily from his passion for commerce. For him, sales is more than just transactions – it’s an opportunity to create value for customers and a constant search for new challenges. Marcelo believes that if you do what you love, success is only a matter of time.
“Money is important, but for me the most important thing is to do what I really like. When you love what you do, the results come by themselves. Sometimes not immediately, but in the long run the results always appear” – Marcelo adds.
Summary
Marcelo’s story is an example of how perseverance, the right strategy and the courage to take risks lead to success in global markets. Beginning by working with local communities in Ecuador, Marcelo gradually expanded his business, winning customers in European, Asian and Middle Eastern markets. Today, as an International Commodity Trader at Foodcom S.A., he is proof that trading is all about flexibility, adaptability and the ability to make quick decisions.
His success wasn’t easy or immediate, but through a commitment to building relationships with customers and a willingness to constantly learn, he was able to turn challenges into opportunities. The introduction of products such as cocoa and superfoods was an important step that proved his ability to anticipate trends and respond to market needs.
