At Agroestrategas TV, we had the pleasure of speaking with Leo Duringer, Director and CEO of Ceres Tolvas, in an interview conducted in collaboration with Agrositio. During the conversation, Leo shared the company’s vision and strategy, addressing the challenges and opportunities in the agro-industrial sector.
The Evolution of Ceres Tolvas
With 47 years of experience, Ceres Tolvas has adapted to market changes. As Leo emphasized, “What brought us here is not what will take us to the future,” highlighting the need for constant innovation and adaptation. The company has evolved from a traditional storage model to a more integrated approach, connecting actors in the agricultural sector, incorporating technology, and strengthening its role as a strategic advisor.
The Key to Growth: Partnerships
One of the pillars of Ceres Tolvas’ growth has been its strong commitment to partnerships. During the interview, Leo pointed out that much of the company’s expansion in the past decade is due to strategic alliances.
These partnerships have allowed the company to:
- Open new branches
- Share the operation of plants
- Expand into the animal feed business
However, he also clarified that to create these partnerships, it is essential to learn to share control and work together with other sector players.
Scale and Flexibility: The Competitive Formula
When asked about the strategy to stand out in a mature and highly competitive market, Leo summed up the key to success in two concepts:
- Scale: To access better commercial conditions, maintain a solid financial structure, and professionalize the team.
- Operational flexibility: To allow teams to make quick decisions and address producers’ problems efficiently.
“The producer doesn’t care how many branches you have, they just want you to solve their problem when they need it,” he emphasized.
The Role of Youth and Digital Transformation
Another key point of the conversation was the impact of younger generations on the agricultural sector. Leo highlighted that young producers (ages 25 to 40) have a different profile: they seek less face-to-face interaction and more digital solutions. However, he clarified that while digitalization speeds up processes, the decision-making process for purchasing supplies still requires trust and personalized advice.
“E-commerce makes operations easier, but the purchasing decision remains a key process for the producer,” he stated.
Looking to the Future
Finally, Leo shared his vision for the future of Ceres Tolvas and the agro-industrial sector. He emphasized the importance of efficiency and professionalism in a market where competition is fierce and internationalization is progressing. He also mentioned that technological development will be crucial, but without losing focus on maintaining close relationships with producers.
The interview made it clear that Ceres Tolvas is a constantly evolving company, combining experience, innovation, and a strategic vision that positions it as a leader in the Argentine agro-sector.
