USAID Helps Sunflower Processor Boost Sales, Expand Operations
USAID’s Azerbaijan Agribusiness Center (AAC) Account Manager Elvin Agayev began working a small, rural-based processor of sunflower products – oil, cakes, and seeds – in December 2005. The processor had opened in 2002 and relied primarily on sales to small poultry-breeding companies who utilize sunflower products for feed. One of the first challenges the company’s Director hoped to address was finding a way to build his business, so that the processor could expand from half-year to year-round operation. Elvin was able to assist quickly by simply tapping into the existing network of AAC poultry clients.
As a result of Elvin’s work, two poultry farms and a feed producing company expressed interest in the sunflower processor’s products. Sales agreements for sunflower seed oil and cakes were negotiated for a spring start. During the months of May through July, one of the poultry companies bought $20,053 worth of sunflower seed products, another poultry company spent $4,731 and the feed producing company purchased products totaling $533.
Thanks to USAID’s action, the processor secured three new clients which increased its sales by $25,317, enabling the company to maintain its employees for year-round operation. Although this is a small company with many obstacles in its path, but the identification of additional customers fulfills it’s most basic need and allows management to focus on further growth. To this end, the AAC will continue to assist the producer with planning, marketing, processing and sales.
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| The Azerbaijan Agribusiness Center was instrumental in helping its client to secure new business needed to support year-round operations |
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