We believe in a world where the trade of natural products and ingredients drives lasting local development, benefiting producers, their families, communities, and countries. We envision a future where the connection between people and nature ensures food safety, healthy ecosystems, and sustainable future.
LEt’s work together
Gain deeper insights into your product, align with market demands, target the right audiences and succeed.
We focus on SME development
We protect biodiversity and natural resources
| We contribute to the creation of sustainable value chains that help protect and preserve natural resources and biodiversity. We’re confident that through responsible sourcing practices, we can support economic growth while promoting environmental sustainability. |  |
We focus on SME development
| We contribute to the creation of sustainable value chains that help protect and preserve natural resources and biodiversity. We’re confident that through responsible sourcing practices, we can support economic growth while promoting environmental sustainability. | |
We overcome barriers of trade
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Complying with European expectations can be a step too far for many suppliers in developing countries. Especially if they currently supply national markets with much lower requirements. ProFound fills this gap in various value chains worldwide, such as honey, spices, coffee, dried fruits and nuts, medicinal plants, essential oils and extracts. Read More |
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We improve livelihoods of communities in rural areas
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We provide training to help producers adopt effective collection practices that allow plants to regenerate, ensuring better availability in the future. We also guide producers through the certification process, adding value to their products. Read More |
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How it all started…
Since 1990, ProFound has been active in market analysis, market entry and compliance for agri-entrepreneurs seeking to expand their business to national or international markets.
1992
First Steps
With the mission to be the first professionals with data on trade statistics, International Trade and Business Partners, soon to be ProFound, is born. The vision was to change the economic paradigm for developing countries by focusing on sustainable trade.
By creating economic opportunities for high-value crops, Bert-Jan Ottens, founding member, and his then partners, works with rainforest products, focusing mainly on high-value crops that can be used as ingredients for food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.
1998
ProFound is born
ProFound is established as an independent consulting company, with Bert-Jan Ottens as its owner. Its focus steadily shifts to biodiversity and trade. Its first projects include market analysis for CBI across various fields: jewellery, flowers, textiles, and agri-products. It also conducts studies for health organizations, logistics, and more. During this time, the ProFound team consists of four people (all sharing one computer!).
2000
The BioTrade program comes to light.
The creation of the BioTrade program, developed in partnership with UNCTAD, CBI, and SIPPO, marks the beginning of the natural ingredients chapter for food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics at ProFound. The work conducted in the rainforest offers a basket of opportunities in different regions, including Latin America. At the same time, an outstanding and risk-taking project is developed in Afghanistan, covering nine different provinces with the support of NOVID, OXFAM, and the England Research Organization.
2007
Continuous Growth.
Growth continues as the market readiness program is fully developed and implemented across the various regions where ProFound is active.
2016
Experts in development trade.
The implementation of a unique market readiness program in Pakistan takes place. The foundation for developing programs that can be applied on a global scale is established. The main question ProFound seeks to answer at this point is: How can biodiversity and trade be combined? This is what today we refer to as regenerative. The BioTrade Asia Pavilion and the Organic Africa Pavilion become a point of reference for agriEntrepeneaurs seeking to expand their market and enter the european market.
2020
Becoming a point of reference.
ProFound continues to offer and implement its services throughout the value chain of natural ingredients for food and cosmetics. The Market Analysis and Market Entry team continue to strengthen as new and exciting projects are developed. The Market Analysis team establishes as a point of reference for exporters seeking to understand the current needs and trends of the market, and the market assesment and market readiness program strenghten while uniquily curated workshops are offered on different regions worldwide.
2024
Where we are today.
Back in 1992, when ProFound was born, it did so with the mission to offer economic solutions for biodiverse products. This mission continues to be the core principle that guides our work. ReGen55, the first ever platform for the regeneretaive products, is created.
Development for Sustainable Growth
Driving responsible business to foster sustainable practices across all sectors.
Addressing climate change starts from the ground.
Regenerative agricultural methods enhance soil health, facilitating the absorption of atmospheric carbon and its return to the earth. These practices increase yield, reduce the cost of fertilizers and pesticides, while also promoting water management.
Farmers and agriEntrepenuers enhance their livelihoods
When one farmer succeeds following best practices, the entire community benefits. The youth are inspired, women are empowered, and child labour is reduced.
AgriEntrepenuers implement local development strategies.
Farmers and agriEntrepeneurs create and reproduce the knowledge to reach their dream market following best practices.
Local Biodiversity is Sustained
By sourcing sustainably, agriEntrepreneurs can assure sufficient raw materials for their production without exploiting resources.
Value Addition
By paying fair prices to collectors and farmers, suppliers reduce risks and volatility in their raw material supply chain. Access to finance facilitates investments and growth
Consumers become empowered and promote sustainable, traceable and transparent products.
Consumers are aware of their role in the value chain and become agents of best practices, spreading sustainable production beyond.
Vision
To become a reference for Agri-Entrepreneurs, SMEs and Buyers seeking to maximise the value of their products & trade based on sustaining local biodiversity, regenerative production and transparent & ethical value chains.
Mission
We assist agri-entrepreneurs and SMEs to optimise their value proposition and the developments & trends in sub-sector market segments for food, health and cosmetics.
Our work has a positive impact on society and the environment.
Why we love ProFound
LEt’s work together
We build trust among different actors in the supply chains, ensuring mainful connections and fresh thinking
“ProFound helped us to look into our business model, to re-evaluate, our value propositions. Starting from: What is the key product that we can sell? What is the best way to deliver our product? After the workshops, I realized that our ideas were not updated. It was short and intense, and it helped us to evaluate what is in the best interest of the company.”
Sakett Sophaseila,
Confirel
“As a BSO, we learned how to help companies enter the market by building their capacity and creating export marketing plans. We’ve gained confidence and clarity. To be honest, I don’t think we would be where we are today without ProFound. We now have a trade promotion unit.”
Thiphaphone Phetmany, CEO