Leading companies of commodity trade launched a new project named Covantis. The project is being identified in its website as “an initiative to replace outdated, inefficient post-trade processes with modern solutions”.

The founding members (ADM, Bunge, Cargill, COFCO International, Louis Dreyfus Company and Glencore Agriculture) of the industry-wide initiative to modernize global trade operations have announced its new project name: Covantis. The initiative also launched a new website, www.covantis.io, which explains the initiative’s vision to connect the agri-industry via an independent and trusted digital platform to enable post-trade efficiency for all participants. Covantis will also be the name of the digital platform now in development and expected to launch in 2020 subject to regulatory approvals.

The Covantis initiative also announced that Stefano Rettore, one of the prominent experienced managers in the sector, will lead the project as an independent advisor during its development phase – including overseeing the search for a CEO – until governance is in place and a CEO is appointed. The future entity, executive appointments and the platform itself remain subject to regulatory approvals.

“I am delighted to help lead the Covantis initiative as we build toward the launch of a ground-breaking new technology platform,” said Rettore. “Covantis offers a path to improve agricultural trade, unlocking significant value for all players across the supply chain. By working collaboratively with the industry, we have an opportunity to build a more effective, more efficient digital future for global trade.”