Castor International in India: a trip full of inspiration

Talking to business partners, looking for new opportunities and possibilities, and visiting several companies. Just a few reasons why the sales managers of Castor International travelled to India again in early 2020.

Because we work together with different companies and organisations in India, we believe it is important for us to go to this unique country at least once a year. Travelling to India gives us the chance to assess the local situation and to speak in person with (potential) business partners.

Discovering new products

The trip also gives us the opportunity to see and learn about new products. This year, for example, we were introduced to esters, which are used by producers of metalworking lubes, thickeners for use in coating and Lithium-12-HSA for the grease  industry. We also looked at several new products for the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industry, reactive diliuents  for PU and/or Epoxy and emulsifiers for various applications. In the coming period we will investigate  whether and how we can introduce these products within our network.  

Product development is done together

As part of our annual India trip, we dedicate time to look closely at current product development projects and to exchange ideas on some of the products that our customers in Europe do need. These  discussions might involve taking steps towards more sustainability, but could also focus on a product alternative.

Castor Conference 2020

An important part of our trip was the Castor Conference 2020. During the conference, several interesting speakers shone their light on the opportunities for 2020, centrally themed around important topics such as crop  forecasts and price trends. 

Attention was also paid to the 'Castor Farms and Water' project, in which better yields and working conditions are sought in collaboration with farmers. With successful results! All in all, it was an inspiring story that really showed how we can take giant leaps forward through knowledge sharing. In the four years that this project has been running, the yield of the participating farmers has increased significantly, among other things by investing in high-quality seeds, new techniques (for sustainable use of rainwater) and by zooming in on the cultivation methods.