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  • December 2012 (Revised April 2013)
  • Case
  • HBS Case Collection

Olam: On a New Course

By: David E. Bell, Forest Reinhardt and Mary Shelman
  • Format:Print
  • | Language:English
  • | Pages:32
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Abstract

From modest beginnings as a cashew trader in Nigeria, Olam, founded by Indian nationals in 1989, has grown into a leading global agricultural trading company, with annual revenues of $14 billion. The company recently has begun investing in farms and in the production of packaged goods, shifting from its traditional focus on the midstream of the value chain. The case raises questions involving competitive positioning, corporate strategy, sustainable development, and the management of business and political risk.

Keywords

Risk Management; Leadership; Customer Value and Value Chain; Corporate Strategy; Organizational Culture; Environmental Sustainability; Expansion; Competitive Advantage; Agribusiness; Agriculture and Agribusiness Industry; Nigeria

Citation

Bell, David E., Forest Reinhardt, and Mary Shelman. "Olam: On a New Course." Harvard Business School Case 513-044, December 2012. (Revised April 2013.)
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About The Authors

David E. Bell

Marketing
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Forest L. Reinhardt

Business, Government and the International Economy
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More from the Authors

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    Korea: The Miracle on the Han River

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    • December 2022
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    To Feed the Planet: Juan Luciano at ADM

    By: Joshua D. Margolis, David E. Bell, Damien McLoughlin, Stacy Straaberg and James Weber
More from the Authors
  • Master Kong: Growing the Instant Noodles Market in China By: Forest Reinhardt and Shu Lin
  • Korea: The Miracle on the Han River By: Sophus A. Reinert and Forest Reinhardt
  • To Feed the Planet: Juan Luciano at ADM By: Joshua D. Margolis, David E. Bell, Damien McLoughlin, Stacy Straaberg and James Weber
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