Rabobank Wholesale Europe & Africa

Rabobank is committed to financing the energy transition and is proud to be ranked as the #3 commercial bank globally in the BloombergNEF Clean Energy League Tables 1H 2024. This achievement reflects our continuous efforts to support the clean energy sector and our contribution to a sustainable future. We thank our clients and partners for their trust and collaboration, and our dedicated teams for their outstanding results. Let’s continue to Power the Future, together. #CleanEnergy #GreenFinance #Sustainablefinance

Globally, the preferences of food consumers are undergoing significant shifts, altering the types, locations, and quantities of products being consumed. In Europe, trends such as the increasing demand for convenience products, the willingness to pay premium prices, and the evolving preferences of younger generations are contributing to a projected decline in the consumption of animal protein. The bank seeks to play a meaningful role in supporting the transition of the food system through its advisory and financial services, sector expertise, and extensive networks. We support our clients in transitioning toward a more sustainable business model and contributing to broader efforts to create a future-proof food system. A system that can make sustainably produced food affordable, available and accessible. Our colleagues at Research have recently published a report detailing 'The Key Trends Shaping the Future of European Animal Protein Consumption.' Key insights from the report are summarized below, and the full report is available to the bank clients via the link in the comments.

According to a recent report from RaboResearch, sea freight will play a greater role in the transport of cut roses from Kenya to Europe – from 5% of cut roses today to 19% by 2030. Lambert van Horen, Senior Analyst Fresh Produce, explains: “Assuming shipping in the Red Sea normalizes, we expect Kenya’s baseline exports of cut roses to Europe to gradually shift from airfreight to sea freight in the coming years. The shift is being driven by EU sustainability regulations, a greater industry focus on carbon footprints, cost savings, and advances in post-harvest management. Reliable, stable, and shortened transit will be crucial for sea-freighted cut rose volumes to gain momentum.” To download this latest research, click on the link: https://lnkd.in/eAftCgJe (Rabobank Clients Only) or reach out to Lambert via DM or in the comments. #horticulture #seafreight #sustainablefinance

The newly merged Smurfit Westrock plc has listed on the New York Stock Exchange. We congratulate the company on this significant milestone. Rabobank takes pride in partnering with these industry leaders, who are at the forefront of the sustainable paper packaging industry. Rabobank played several key roles in this merger, including serving as mandated lead arranger on the USD 1.5 billion bridge facility closed in October 2023. We were also active joint bookrunner and joint green structuring advisor on the USD 2.75 billion green senior notes issued in March 2024. Additionally, new bank syndicate facilities of USD 4.5 billion were established as the core banking lines for the group, with Rabobank acting as bookrunner and mandated lead arranger, including Tier 1 participation. As a cooperative bank, our mission is to invest in collaborative solutions that support our clients' ambitions for growth and innovation while embracing sustainability. Our partnership with Smurfit Westrock, developed over the years in Ireland and the United States, is founded on trust and collaboration at every stage. We look forward to continuing this journey together toward a more sustainable future. #sustainablepackaging #mergersandacquisitions #corporatefinance

Countries like Denmark, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands are leading the way in the electric bus sector, leveraging their wealth and climate policies to make significant strides. Our RaboResearch colleagues have released an insightful report about the trends reshaping public transport and the future of electric city buses in Europe. In this evolving landscape, larger markets such as Germany and France are catching up, necessitating OEMs to adapt quickly to meet new regulatory targets. New EU regulations mandate OEMs to shift production towards zero-emission buses, aiming for 90% sales by 2030. This regulatory push is creating a dynamic environment for all players involved. Additionally, the increasing competition from Chinese and Turkish manufacturers is reshaping the market, with China's overcapacity threatening European cost competitiveness. This competitive pressure underscores the need for European manufacturers to innovate and stay ahead. A key factor driving these changes is battery technology. Ongoing innovations in this field are driving down costs and increasing energy density, making electric buses more viable and enhancing their performance to meet the rigorous demands of urban public transport. See the link in the comments to read more. #PublicTransport #UrbanMobility #ElectricBuses

On International Youth Day 2024, we are proud to introduce Sarah Theunissen, a Young Associate in Sustainable Business Development at Rabobank. Since joining us in 2020, Sarah has championed key banking transitions, including advocating for a future-proof food system, and promoting sustainable energy solutions. Younger colleagues like Sarah bring fresh perspectives to complex challenges, such as developing more sustainable business practices. Sarah’s passion lies in the working in the sustainability sector. Inspired by her love for nature and countless outdoor adventures, she believes in living in harmony with our environment. Whether kayaking, hiking the 498 km long Pieterpad, or opting for a bicycle over a car, Sarah embodies sustainable living. Her experience working on a vineyard in Germany taught her that happiness lies in small, meaningful actions. Within Wholesale Banking in Europe & Africa, Sarah engages with clients in the High-tech & Digital sector. Her mission? To promote energy-efficient technologies, reduce electronic waste, and advocate for digital tools that support sustainability efforts. Sarah firmly believes that even small steps can create a positive impact on our planet. As a member of Jong Rabo, Sarah connects with young professionals across associations. Their exchange of ideas fuels innovation and drives positive change. At Rabobank, we celebrate our young professionals—the architects of a better world. Join us in celebrating Sarah Theunissen and the entire generation shaping Rabobank’s future! #sustainability #sustainablefinance #internationalyouthday #jongrabo

According to a recent report from #RaboResearch, the global aquaculture industry shows signs of improvement in the second half of 2024. Gorjan Nikolik, Senior Global Seafood Specialist, emphasizes the sector's resilience: "Despite ongoing biological challenges in farming salmon and shrimp, the industry is supported by the recovery of Western economies. Feed costs are anticipated to decrease thanks to a rebound in fish meal supply, providing a silver lining for the industry." The Rabobank animal protein sector team will attend the 3rd Global Shrimp Forum from September 3 – 5, 2024, in Utrecht, The Netherlands. On September 5th, Gorjan will chair the GSF Finance and Investment Summit, discussing the current acceleration of inorganic growth in the shrimp industry and examining how financial investors perceive the risks and opportunities of a buy-and-build strategy in the shrimp value chain. To download his latest research, click on the link: 🔗 https://lnkd.in/e_jeGax7 (Rabobank Clients Only) or reach out to Gorjan via DM or in the comments. #aquaculture #marketupdate #sustainablebanking

Today, Rabobank published its half-year figures. In the first half of 2024, we achieved a strong result thanks to good business performance. Chair of the Board 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗳𝗮𝗮𝗻 𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗿𝗮𝗲𝗻𝗲: "I am proud of the strong results. These results enable us as cooperative Rabobank to do more for society. In the video below, 𝗕𝗮𝘀 𝗕𝗿𝗼𝘂𝘄𝗲𝗿𝘀 and I tell you more about this.” "A good example is the Rabo Sports Action. During these Olympic Games, we see once again how important sport is. That is why, as Rabobank, we want to encourage young athletes to become or remain a member of more than 20,000 different sports clubs in the Netherlands. Maybe we can give the future Olympic champions a helping hand.” "I would like to thank all customers and colleagues. Rabobank is a bank for us all. I look forward to the second half of this year, when we will continue to show what our bank can do for its customers and society.” Read more about our interim results here: 🔗www.rabo.nl/results #growingabetterworldtogether

Robots are on the minds of all the executives surveyed by RaboResearch Food & Agribusiness, which conducted a study on robotization among over 20 midsized Dutch food producers. The technology ambitions and concerns of these Dutch companies are likely not much different from those of their European peers. We believe the survey results give a good indication of where the industry is heading. Food manufacturers are increasingly turning to robotics as essential partners for their workforce. Automation is seen as the key to raising labour productivity and retaining staff. From meat processors to bakers, and from dairy to dry grocery producers, food companies of all sizes see the potential. Nearly all cite the lack of skilled personnel as the primary driver for robotization, alongside benefits like improved working conditions, reduced physical strain, and cost reductions through increased efficiency. Robotization isn't a quick fix - it requires planning, investment, and skilled technical staff. But the payoff is clear: higher productivity, consistent product quality, and greater flexibility in responding to market changes. The future of the food industry is already unfolding. Automation goes beyond mere efficiency; we anticipate that food processors will delve even deeper into solutions that enhance their business’s resilience in production and agility in meeting customer demands. With our global network, local presence, and deep industry insights, we support clients through value chain transitions in 37 countries. Let's partner together to drive the transition to a sustainable food system. Read the full article: https://lnkd.in/eJUG2JWG #FoodIndustry #Robotics #Innovation #FutureOfWork

The Dutch power market, while fully integrated into the northwest-European electricity network, maintains unique characteristics that set it apart. As this dynamic market rapidly evolves, understanding its intricacies is essential. Curious about how the energy transition presents new opportunities and how to mitigate risks? Insights from RaboResearch provide a detailed exploration of what lies ahead, bundled in a collection of articles that help you navigate and leverage the shifting landscape of the Dutch electricity sector. Although much remains uncertain, one certainty is the increasing demand for flexibility in the sector. 🔗 Read the full series here: https://lnkd.in/ggncX2Du 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝟭: Who are the players and what is their role? An overview of the different players in the Dutch electricity sector. 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝟮: How does the Dutch electricity market work? Explaining wholesale markets, balancing markets, and the congestion market. 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝟯: Developments affecting the Dutch electricity markets, such as electricity demand, the supply of electricity, and grid congestion issues. 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝟰: The evolution of the different electricity markets and how they are likely to develop, presenting both opportunities and risks for businesses and households. #energytransition #sustainablefinance