Bunge is the only fully integrated fertilizer manufacturer in Brazil. Our local phosphate mines allow us to reduce logistics costs and ensure reliable supply. Integrating our fertilizer and agribusiness operations enables us to provide complete service to farmers, improve cash flow, lower risk and secure the large volume of agricultural products that make our asset base perform efficiently.

2004 operating profit by division

Integration allows us to source products from multiple regions and ensure product availability for customers. Because we manage the food production chain from origin to destination, we can minimize shipment time while ensuring traceability and quality.

Downstream integration creates similar advantages. Our agribusiness operations provide low-cost inputs for our food products business and, at the same time, our bottled oils and commercial products capture end-customer demand that helps to drive the entire production chain.

The assets and information technology of Bunge's logistics network create additional linkages among our businesses. We continually make improvements to the network. The results are tangible. We generated around $10 million in savings by increasing backhauls, improving turn times in ports, and optimizing freight and port capacity utilization.

value through integration

spotlight on leadership development
Our company is decentralized. We maintain a small corporate headquarters and keep operational decision making at the local level, where market sensitivity is greatest. We believe that a common mission and shared values can guide and motivate our team more effectively than hierarchy. We find that this approach increases our speed, agility and creativity.

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM,    ST. LOUIS, USA

Utilizing a decentralized model requires talented managers who live by our values, understand our vision and have the drive to carry it out.

Bunge created the Leadership Development Program (LDP) to strengthen these attributes among our managers and to forge the bonds that make our team truly collaborative. The LDP convenes in the U.S., Brazil and Spain. Its curriculum was developed in partnership with Washington University in St. Louis, Fundação Dom Cabral and ESADE Business School.

LDP classes include approximately 24 managers, chosen from around the world. Each class takes part in a series of three one-week sessions over the course of a year. The sessions focus on formulating innovative strategy, executing that strategy through process and system management, and managing teams to maximize organizational effectiveness.

Senior executives play active roles: CEO Alberto Weisser discusses Bunge's global strategy with each class; members of the Executive Committee lead sessions on specific topics; and members of the Board of Directors chair a discussion on corporate governance.

More than 250 managers have completed or are currently attending the LDP.