Larive International

We’re excited to share some major milestones from our RenewableTechNigeria partnership—an innovative initiative co-funded by the Dutch government to advance sustainable energy solutions in Nigeria. Running from October 2022 to December 2025, this project bridges the gap between cutting-edge technologies and real-world implementation, focusing on solar power and sustainable cooling systems.   A standout achievement is the official launch of a solar-hybrid cooling system in Lagos. Called the PolarStore, this mobile cooling unit relies on solar energy to replace traditional fossil fuel-powered refrigeration, reducing emissions while boosting efficiency. Equally important, it provides reliable cooling for vaccines and food supply chains, enhancing both public health and food security.   Another major highlight is the first executed training program, developed by the Sustainable Electrical Energy Centre of Expertise (SEECE) at HAN University of Applied Sciences and delivered by Rubitec Nigeria Limited . Twenty experienced professionals gathered for a five-day course covering solar PV engineering, installation, operation, and maintenance, along with business development and solar-powered cold storage solutions. By equipping local talent with essential skills, we’re laying the foundation for a self-sustaining renewable energy ecosystem in Nigeria.   Interested in learning more about these achievements and the future of renewable energy in Nigeria? Check out the full article here: https://lnkd.in/eyRYKnPY The RenewableTechNigeria partnership includes the following companies: Rubitec Nigeria Limited Commercium Africa Independent Energy BV SOSAI Renewable Energies Company Dawsongroup Primstar B.V. SolarCentric Technologies Sustainable Electrical Energy Centre of Expertise, Netherlands Enterprise Agency   #RenewableEnergy #Sustainability #Nigeria #CleanTech #SolarPower

At the Larive International Inhouse Day, we had the pleasure of hosting 19 enthusiastic students from the International Business Research (IBR Groningen) Institute at the University of Groningen. Their visit offered a first-hand look into our work culture, the type of projects we undertake in emerging markets, and the creative and strategic thinking required in international consulting. Throughout the day, the students participated in interactive sessions with our Zeist-based team and connected online with local partners in H2O Capital in Malaysia and PT Clarity Research Indonesia Research in Indonesia, gaining direct insights into these vibrant markets. They also tackled a real-life business case focused on market entry strategies, exploring the practical challenges and opportunities that accompany doing business in Asia and beyond. In addition to the case study, the students engaged in open discussions about potential career paths, cultural nuances in client engagements, and how to stay agile in a rapidly changing global environment. We were impressed by their curiosity and thoughtful questions, and we hope our experiences will help inspire their future endeavours in international business. A huge thank you to everyone who made this day a success, including our partners abroad and colleagues Matthias Brienen, Davinia Lamme, Amber van Spronsen, Laura Derks, Bart Wolberink, Maik Voets. Want to learn more about our work or career opportunities at Larive? Feel free to connect or visit our website www.larive.com! #EmergingMarkets #InternationalBusiness #InhouseDay #BusinessConsulting #CareerInsights

Strengthening Bangladesh’s poultry sector | Pathways to resilience and growth   The poultry industry in Bangladesh is a key pillar of food security, employment, and economic resilience, contributing approximately 1.6% to the country’s GDP. With demand for poultry products expected to double by 2050, the sector holds immense growth potential. However, it faces a series of structural challenges that threaten its long-term sustainability. Heavy reliance on imported feed ingredients, inefficiencies in supply-demand management, regulatory bottlenecks, biosecurity concerns, and limited cold chain infrastructure continue to hinder its ability to scale efficiently.   As part of the PoultryTechBangladesh program, Larive International-LightCastle Partners organised a roundtable session bringing together key stakeholders from across the poultry value chain. Drawing from the insights of this session, Larive and LightCastle, in collaboration with Bangladesh Poultry Industries Central Council (BPICC), Nourish Poultry and Hatchery Ltd., and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Bangladesh, have developed a strategy paper outlining strategic interventions to stabilize the sector, enhance productivity, and build long-term resilience.   This policy paper consolidates perspectives from industry leaders, policymakers, and development partners to provide a comprehensive roadmap for a more sustainable and resilient poultry industry. Key recommendations include tax reforms to lower operational costs, targeted investments in feed storage and cold chain infrastructure, and enhanced contract farming models to support smallholder farmers and ensure sector-wide stability.   Key insights include: •   Strategic roadmaps to streamline regulations. •   Strategies for balancing market supply and demand. • Innovation-driven approaches to reduce costs and improve efficiency.   Download the full strategy paper on our 'Insights & downloads' page to dive into actionable recommendations and discover how the right interventions can unlock the sector’s full potential: https://lnkd.in/eYuY4GnG   For more information regarding the policy paper or doing business in Asia, please contact our colleague Amber van Spronsen.   #Bangladesh #Policy #Strategy #InternationalBusiness #Poultry

Rangwe Campus | A new milestone for the Aquaculture Academy We’re excited to share a remarkable milestone from the Samaki Poa partnership: The launch of a containerised training solution at the newly opened Aquaculture Academy campus in Rangwe, Kenya. This initiative demonstrates how practical innovation can transform aquaculture training, bridging the gap between theory and hands-on experience. What makes this campus truly unique is its classroom—a repurposed shipping container that runs on solar power. Not only does this approach champion sustainability by reusing existing materials, but it’s also incredibly practical. It’s portable, “plug-and-play,” and outfitted with everything from water testing kits to feed samples and beamers, creating an engaging indoor-outdoor learning environment. At the end of the container, a retractable sunscreen opens up to accommodate more trainees, combining open-air comfort with modern teaching tools. The official opening was a true community celebration, bringing together former trainees, local farmers, and industry partners. Many shared inspiring stories of how training with Samaki Poa and the Aquaculture Academy has opened doors to new jobs, entrepreneurial ventures, and a brighter future for themselves and their families. Backed by support from Norway through Norad - Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation, the Samaki Poa project unites experts from Lattice, Blue Planet Academy, and Tunga Nutrition (Kenya) Limited/Skretting Africa. This collaboration is geared toward empowering aquaculture farmers with the tools, skills, and knowledge to thrive in a rapidly evolving market. Curious to learn more? Read the full article via the link below or reach out to Larive International to explore aquaculture opportunities in emerging markets. Let’s champion sustainable growth together! Read the article: https://lnkd.in/erC8jUC7 #Celebration #Aquaculture #Kenya #Training #CapacityBuilding

Join Larive International at VIV Asia 2025 in Bangkok!   Next week, from March 12–14, our team will be on the ground at Asia’s largest event dedicated to animal feed, livestock, and aquaculture.   Representing Larive International are our experts Matthias Brienen, Wouter van Vliet, and Rogier Becker and joining from the Larive Group are our Thailand partner Jim Fralick and Indonesia partner Bettina Cavenagh. We’d love to discuss your ambitions and share insights from the industry’s latest developments!   Are you attending VIV Asia 2025? Let us know in the comments!   To learn more about our presence in Asia and how we can support your ambitions, visit our website https://lnkd.in/e7k9zZEr or reach out to our colleagues directly.   Safe travels, and see you there!   #Event #InternationalBusiness #VIVAsia #Sustainability #Collaboration

Celebrating 50 years of business advisory excellence | Case study from Thailand Fifty years ago, expanding internationally was a leap into the unknown. Without internet and instant communication, market entry meant months of groundwork, navigating unfamiliar regulatory landscapes, and building networks from scratch. Today, while technology has accelerated market access, the complexity of global expansion remains. Regulatory barriers, cultural nuances, and supply chain disruptions continue to challenge even the most experienced MNEs. How we create impact | Case study TANATEX Chemicals Looking back to 2013-2014, we take the case of TANATEX Chemicals, which aimed to expand its operations in Southeast Asia. Together with the in-house team of TANATEX, the Larive team identified a suitable land plot at the Hemaraj Eastern Seabord Industrial Estate and supported the company with land lease negotiations. As a result, TANATEX was able to successfully establish its new manufacturing facility with an annual capacity of 20,000 metric tonnes of specialty chemicals within budget and internal timelines. https://lnkd.in/eEae7GJq The results | TANATEX Thailand as strategic hub for Asia, South America and Turkey Since Larive’s support in 2013-2014, TANATEX has established a significant presence in Thailand and celebrated its 10th anniversary in October 2024. The production facility located in the Hemaraj serves as a strategic hub for the company's operations in the Asia-Pacific region. With an annual production capacity of 20,000 metric tonnes, the plant manufactures over 200 specialty chemical products, catering to markets not only in Asia but also extending to South America and Turkey. The facility employs more than 50 staff members and is committed to sustainable practices, including the use of solar panels to generate green energy, which significantly reduces annual CO₂ emissions and cuts electricity costs by approximately 30%. Looking to the next 50 years At Larive International, we understand that successful international expansion requires more than just ambition. It demands deep local expertise, strategic partnerships, risk appetite and hands-on execution. Since 1975, we have been the trusted advisor for European companies expanding their operations into high-growth markets across Southeast Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Central and Eastern Europe. As we celebrate our 50-year anniversary, we remain committed to empowering businesses with innovative, market-specific strategies that drive sustainable growth. The world will continue to change, but the need for expert business advisory and local knowledge will always be essential. Are you looking to expand into new markets? Please contact our consultants directly or find more information on our website. www.larive.com #Anniversary #Thailand #EmergingMarkets #InternationalBusiness #CaseStudy

Celebrating 50 years of Larive International | Spotlighting Larive Thailand We are proud to be marking half a century of guiding businesses in emerging markets. A key part of that success has been our partnerships, like the one we’ve built in Thailand since 1983. From market entry to M&A advice, Larive Thailand provides on-the-ground expertise for clients in agro-food, automotive, chemicals, consumer goods, and more. Led by Managing Partner Jim Fralick, who has over 25 years of experience in Asia, Larive Thailand doesn’t just offer strategy and research; they also dive in to help execute projects, from supervising plant construction to managing local distributors. Their hands-on approach perfectly embodies Larive’s values: taking ownership, getting things done, valuing partnerships, and being knowledge-driven. Curious about how your company could expand in Thailand? Learn more and explore the possibilities on our website: https://lnkd.in/eX3TGPkC Here’s to 50 years of collaboration—and many more to come! #Anniversary #Partnership #Thailand #EmergingMarkets #InternationalBusiness

New milestone in poultry sustainability | PoultryTechBangladesh partners with One Health   We are pleased to announce the signing of a MoU between the PoultryTechBangladesh partnership and One Health. This collaboration marks a significant step in enhancing biosecurity practices among poultry farmers in Bangladesh to create a facilitating ecosystem for sustainable and productive poultry practices in Bangladesh.   The UKRI GCRF One Health Poultry Hub is an impact-driven research project working to help meet Asia’s growing demand for chicken meat and eggs without risk to local and global public health. Represented by Dr. Rashed Mahmud, One Health has collaborated with the PoultryTechBangladesh partnership by providing interactive seminars on sustainable poultry production in Dhaka in 2024. One Health is now ready to expand its collaborative efforts regarding sustainable poultry practices across different regions in Bangladesh.     To ensure a fair geographical distribution, One Health will design a comprehensive four-day training program for farmers in Gazipur and Chattagrom. The training programs will be accompanied by the PoultryTechBangladesh Master Farmers of Provita Group, Nourish Poultry and Hatchery Ltd. and Paragon Group trained by Aeres Training Centre International in 2023, fostering effective knowledge transfer and capacity building on the following topics: > Biosecurity best practices. > Optimized farm layout and design for improved hygiene. > Effective disease prevention and control strategies.   By combining theoretical sessions with practical field visits, PoultryTechBangladesh and One Health are committed to fostering sustainable poultry farming practices and ensuring that small- to medium-scale producers, especially women and youth, can thrive in today’s challenging environment.   Find out more about the PoultryTechBangladesh partnership on our website: https://lnkd.in/efvBrBq4   A huge thank you to all involved in making this initiative a reality. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this program will have on our local farming communities and the broader agricultural landscape in Bangladesh.   Aeres Training Centre International Aftab Bahumukhi Farms Limited Kazi Farms Limited Nourish Poultry and Hatchery Ltd. Paragon Group Provita Group Hendrix Genetics Royal Pas Reform HATO Agricultural Lighting Van Aarsen International Nutreco Marel Poultry Mavitec B.V. LightCastle Partners Netherlands Enterprise Agency   #PoultryTechBangladesh #Biosecurity #PoultryFarming #Agriculture #Sustainability #FoodSecurity #Bangladesh  

CocoaTechD’Ivoire partner CADESA visit Chocoa Trade Fair in Amsterdam We are incredibly proud to have hosted our partners from CADESA COOP CA as part of the CocoaTechD’Ivoire partnership. From insightful panel discussions at the Beurs van Berlage to numerous productive meetings with potential partners and investors, it’s safe to say that our mission to boost local cocoa value addition in Côte d’Ivoire just gained even more momentum. The CocoaTechD’Ivoire partnership is about empowering local farmers by establishing a cocoa mass production facility in San Pedro, Côte d’Ivoire. The goal is to ensure that added value and opportunities stay right where the beans are grown. Together, we’re working hard on improving income for farmers, optimizing production processes, and adhering to the highest sustainability standards. The partnership’s combined expertise in everything from equipment manufacturing and certification to training and pest management is what makes this project truly unique. Read more about the partnership on our website: https://lnkd.in/eVm_6nQJ Our colleagues Davinia Lamme and Maik Voets were on hand to guide CADESA through the entire Netherlands experience, ensuring every meeting and discussion had maximum impact. Seeing these cross-continental partnerships come to life in real-time is truly inspiring. As we look ahead, we are excited to keep building momentum. New partnerships are on the horizon, and we are gearing up to forward the momentum on the factory construction within the coming year. Big things are happening in the cocoa world, and we cannot wait to share our progress. #Cocoa #Sustainability #Agriculture #Netherlands #CotedIvoire

First-ever solar-powered Polarstore launched in Lagos, Nigeria We’re proud to announce a major achievement from the RenewableTechNigeria partnership, part of the Renewable Energy Combi Track of the Netherlands Enterprise Agency : the successful shipment, installation, commissioning, and official launch of the first-ever Polarstore in Lagos, Nigeria! This solar-powered cold storage system is designed to help businesses in Nigeria preserve fresh produce and medical gear, reduce post-harvest losses, and support the agrifood and healthcare sectors. Built to thrive in rural areas where cold storage and reliable energy are major challenges, the Polarstore is a game-changer for communities in need of sustainable solutions. The coolest part, apart from the cold storage itself, was that the entire event was powered by the Polarstore’s own solar installation—proving that this system can operate anywhere in Nigeria, even where energy is scarce. Our launch event was graced by esteemed guests, including: Biodun Ogunleye, Honourable Commissioner, Lagos State Government Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources abiola kosegbe, Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Government Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources Bengt van Loosdrecht, Ambassador Designate of the Embassy of the Netherlands in Nigeria Peter Keulers, Deputy Consul General of the Consulate of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Nigeria Together with consortium members, trainees, potential clients, and government officials, we celebrated this milestone in a vibrant, beautifully set-up venue. Following the official ceremony, Peter Van Zwol (Independent Energy BV) and Jan de Waard (Dawsongroup ) showcased the Polarstore’s innovative features to an enthusiastic audience. The RenewableTechNigeria partnership includes the following companies: Rubitec Nigeria Limited Commercium Africa Independent Energy BV SOSAI Renewable Energies Company Dawsongroup Primstar B.V. SolarCentric Technologies Sustainable Electrical Energy Centre of Expertise, Netherlands Enterprise Agency Want to learn more about the project or the Polarstore? Feel free to reach out to our colleague Claudy Luft for more information or visit the Larive website: https://lnkd.in/e64QrU8Q or the partnership website: https://lnkd.in/ezfBAtxb #RenewableEnergy #Nigeria #SolarPower #ColdStorage #Sustainability #Innovation