Showcasing Innovation at Propak West Africa 2025
11 September 2025 Gapuma Group was proud to be represented at Propak West Africa 2025 in Lagos by our colleagues Prakash Ramchandani and Akash Suhanda. With over 250 international exhibitors and more than 5,000 industry professionals in attendance, Propak remains the region’s premier platform for the packaging, plastics, printing, and food processing sectors. The exhibition showcased cutting-edge technologies, advanced machinery, and innovative solutions shaping the future of West Africa’s manufacturing industries. Our participation demonstrates Gapuma’s ongoing commitment to strengthening connections across Africa’s industrial landscape, exploring new opportunities for collaboration, and supporting the growth of sustainable, world-class production capabilities throughout the region.
Honouring an Ancient Craft
Shahab Mossavat Sworn in as Freeman 09 September 2025 Gapuma is delighted to celebrate our Communications Advisor, Shahab Mossavat, who has been sworn in as a Freeman of the Worshipful Company of Tylers and Bricklayers—one of the City of London’s historic livery companies. Founded by Royal Charter in 1568 and 37th in order of precedence, the Company’s rich heritage includes Ben Jonson, the playwright and one-time bricklayer, among its most renowned figures. Shahab was joined at this proud occasion by his wife, Marjan, marking a special family milestone. The next steps on his journey will see him take the Freedom of the City of London, after which—subject to the Court’s approval—he may be clothed in the Livery as a full member of the Company. This achievement celebrates both tradition and continuity in the heart of the City. Congratulations, Shahab!
Welcoming Christian Aloisio to Gapuma Switzerland
9th September 2025 We are delighted to welcome Mr. Christian Aloisio as an intern to our Switzerland Biofuels Team! Christian is embarking on an exciting career transition, eager to deepen his knowledge of commodity trade finance and operations. He will also join the Suisse Negoce Operators Certificate Program in Geneva next year, and we are proud to support him during this ambitious journey. Our team is committed to sharing expertise and providing Christian with meaningful exposure to the fast-paced world of commodity trading. This internship will offer a solid foundation, equipping him with the tools and insights necessary to thrive in his training and future career. Welcome aboard, Christian! We look forward to growing together and celebrating your achievements along the way.
Gapuma Goes Global at Disneyland Paris
27th August 2025 Our Communications Advisor, Shahab Mossavat, takes the G-Shirt on an international adventure While on vacation in France, Shahab Mossavat visited Walt Disney Studios in Paris, proudly sporting his distinctive Gapuma G-Shirt. Its unique design and bold colour quickly drew attention, sparking conversations and smiles. In a memorable moment, Shahab met a visitor from Côte d’Ivoire, instantly recognised by his national football shirt. A friendly “Les Éléphants?” led to shared excitement and a genuine connection—proof that Gapuma’s spirit travels wherever our people go. From Mickey Mouse to international colleagues, the G-Shirt continues to bring us together—reminding us that no matter where we are in the world, we are family. Enjoy the rest of your trip, Shahab… and don’t forget to say hello to Mickey for us!
Strengthening Partnerships in Colombia
21 August 2025 Gapuma’s LATAM Business Development Manager, Monica Bernal, recently completed a successful visit to Colombia, reinforcing our presence across this dynamic market. The trip involved close collaboration with colleagues and partners, including Luis Felipe Quintero, LATAM Account Manager from our Swiss office; Mike Short, Consultant from London; Luis Guillermo Olarte, former exclusive agent in Colombia now focusing on clients in Medellín and the Caribbean coast; and Juan Manuel Gonzalez, recently appointed agent for Bogotá and Cali. Together, they engaged across a wide range of sectors, demonstrating both the maturity and growth potential of the region. This visit strengthened relationships with senior industry figures and reaffirmed Gapuma’s commitment to providing the highest standards of professionalism and service in Colombia and across LATAM. On a lighter note, Monica also embraced local culture—posing beside the Shakira statue in Barranquilla, the singer’s hometown. A memorable stop in a productive journey! Gapuma looks forward to further collaborations across the region. For all your LATAM requirements, do not hesitate to reach out.
Gapuma Colleagues Share Flavours of the World
13th August 2025 Gapuma colleagues have come together to celebrate International Food Day with an array of dishes that span continents, cultures, and tastes. Nineteen team members contributed home-cooked specialities, transforming the day into a culinary journey through more than a dozen countries. From spicy curries and tangy street food to delicate pastries and traditional desserts, every dish told a story of heritage and pride. Highlights included Chicken Biryani, Fish Rolls with Wadei, Avocado Chaat, Polish Apple Cake with Smetana, Gajar Halwa, and vegan favourites such as Iranian Herb Rice with Fava Beans. For those with a sweet tooth, the day ended with that quintessential British classic: Sticky Toffee Pudding. This was the third Gapuma International Food Day, and the first since 2022. More than just a feast, it was an opportunity to reconnect, share traditions, and strengthen bonds across teams. The event once again proved that food is not only nourishment, but also a way of celebrating diversity and building community. Gapuma looks forward to making this celebration an annual feature across all our offices worldwide. A sincere thank you goes to all colleagues who contributed their skills, their time, and a piece of their personal culture to make the day so memorable.
Natural Gas Prices Hold Crucial Support as Global Markets Diverge
29th July 2025 Natural gas prices are finely balanced across major benchmarks, with futures in both India and the United States hovering near key support levels. Though shaped by distinct market forces, contracts on India’s Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) and the Henry Hub in the U.S. are showing parallel signs that point to an imminent breakout—or breakdown. On the MCX, natural gas futures have dropped sharply from a mid-June high of $4.33/mmBtu, sliding almost 24% to a late-July low of $3.26/mmBtu. Prices have since settled into a narrow range between $3.23 and $3.33/mmBtu, with technical indicators highlighting $3.11/mmBtu as a decisive support zone. A sustained hold could push prices towards $3.46, and possibly $3.61/mmBtu. A breach, however, risks triggering a deeper correction. Across the Atlantic, the Henry Hub benchmark is trading more firmly. On 29 July 2025, it closed at around $3.16–$3.19/mmBtu—up nearly 3% on the day—after an intraday range of $3.10 to $3.19. Analysts link this rise to revised weather forecasts predicting cooler conditions, likely to reduce gas-fired power demand, alongside resilient output from U.S. producers. The contrast is clear. Indian prices remain bound by technical resistance and speculative selling, while U.S. prices are buoyed by shifting fundamentals. Yet both markets are moving within a tight band of uncertainty, with near-term direction hinging on whether support levels endure. For traders, portfolio managers, and market analysts, this is a time to watch closely. Natural gas is often an early signal for industrial activity and seasonal demand shifts. The present lull may be short-lived—and the next move could set the tone for August. SEO Meta Description:Global natural gas prices at MCX and Henry Hub hover near key support levels. Market divergence suggests a potential breakout—or breakdown—in August.
Gapuma Group Named Chevron Base Oil Distributor in Nigeria
PRESS STATEMENT Release: 11 AUG 2025 London, UK — Gapuma Group is proud to announce its appointment by Chevron Products Company, a division of Chevron U.S.A. Inc., as the official distributor of Chevron premium base oils in Nigeria, effective from August 2025. Chevron’s decision to partner with Gapuma reflects the Group’s strong in-region expertise, longstanding commercial presence, and commitment to delivering technical and logistical excellence in the Nigerian lubricants market. Nigeria, Africa’s third-largest lubricants market, is undergoing a significant shift towards higher quality formulations. This agreement enables Gapuma to introduce Chevron’s premium Group II/II+ base oils to local formulators—providing enhanced supply reliability and supporting the industry’s transition to more advanced, efficient lubricants. “We are honoured to be entrusted with representing Chevron’s premium base oils in such a pivotal market,” said Stephen Harris, Group Director of Operations, Gapuma. “Chevron is globally recognised for its high-performance base oils and commitment to technical collaboration. Together, we can support Nigerian lubricant blenders in meeting rising API, ACEA, and OEM standards with confidence and clarity.” With this agreement, Gapuma strengthens its role as a trusted bridge between global producers and African markets, while helping customers optimise formulations and reduce complexity in an evolving regulatory landscape. About Gapuma Group Gapuma Group is a UK-headquartered multinational trading and logistics company with over 26 years of experience supplying critical commodities, technologies, and materials across emerging markets. With a network that spans Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and sub-Saharan Africa, Gapuma has built a strong reputation for delivering integrated supply chain solutions tailored to the needs of both public and private sector clients. Incorporated in 1999, Gapuma began as a niche supplier and has since grown into a global partner in trade, procurement, and distribution, particularly across energy, infrastructure, and industrial sectors. The company’s operations are underpinned by a deep understanding of regional markets, a robust compliance framework, and long-standing relationships with manufacturers and end-users. Gapuma’s in-country presence in several African markets enables the Group to provide agile logistics support, technical expertise, and local insight—ensuring timely, reliable, and cost-effective delivery of goods and services. With warehousing and distribution capabilities aligned to global standards, Gapuma continues to expand its footprint across the continent, including recent investments in value-added industrial supply chains. Guided by a commitment to quality, integrity, and innovation, Gapuma’s mission is to bridge global supply with local demand, enabling clients to meet evolving technical, environmental, and commercial challenges. The Group’s ongoing focus on sustainability, regional employment, and capacity building further reflects its role as a responsible and forward-thinking trade partner. Media Contact: Shahab Mossavat Communications’ Advisor shahab@gapuma.com
Strengthening Ties in West Africa: A Strategic Visit to Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana
22nd July 2025 Gapuma Group Managing Director, Jack Bardakjian, recently completed a high-level visit to two of our key West African markets — Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana — accompanied by our Senior Biofuels Trader, Rafael Fraletti. The visit reaffirmed our long-standing commitment to building sustainable partnerships, supporting local infrastructure, and reinforcing operational excellence in the region. As our global portfolio evolves in line with the energy transition, West Africa is playing an increasingly vital role in our biofuels and logistics strategy. With Rafael based in Gapuma’s Swiss Office — the nerve centre of our biofuels operation — this mission combined executive leadership with commercial expertise on the ground. From strategic meetings with clients to warehouse visits in Abidjan and Accra, the trip served to deepen relationships, assess new opportunities, and ensure our growth remains aligned with local realities and regional ambitions. These in-person engagements also reflect Gapuma’s operational philosophy: that reliability in global supply chains is built not just on trade routes and systems, but on trust, presence, and long-term commitment. By maintaining close contact with partners across West Africa, we continue to enhance the resilience of our operations — from Geneva to Ghana, and every step in between. As the world shifts toward cleaner, more responsible energy sources, Gapuma remains at the forefront of ethical trading and sustainable innovation. This visit marks another meaningful milestone in our shared journey toward a smarter, more inclusive global energy future.
World Karate Championships End in Triumph
17th July 2025 The World Karate Championships drew to a close on Sunday in Malmö – and Gapuma was proud to stand behind some of England’s most promising young fighters. Held at the spectacular Malmo Arena, the 13th WUKF World Karate Championships welcomed nearly 4,000 athletes from 33 nations. Among them were members of the Dokan England and Ichiban Leeds teams – many making their international debuts – proudly supported by Gapuma. From day one, England’s athletes impressed. Medals in kata came from Salma, Ariz, Layjha, Kylie and Eleisha, securing an early haul of four silver and one bronze. Kumite and kobudo followed, with powerful showings by Elijah, Ahmed and Lewis – the latter placing fourth and fifth in a highly competitive kobudo division. The highlight? A bronze medal win in the 16–17 boys team kumite, with Adel sealing the victory in dramatic style through six unanswered points and a match-winning ippon. A huge thank you to Henry Greef, Gapuma’s South Africa Country Manager, who not only represented us on the ground in Malmö but also introduced us to the team and initiated the sponsorship. His energy, initiative and belief in the athletes made this partnership possible. Well done to every athlete, coach and supporter – Gapuma is honoured to be part of your journey.
Gapuma: The Brand
15th July 2025 At Gapuma Group, we’re taking our visual identity to the next level — placing renewed emphasis on the Gapuma name and logo as enduring hallmarks of a trusted global brand. But how are we doing it? By starting where it matters most: with our people. Every member of the Gapuma team will soon receive a custom-designed, Gapuma-branded t-shirt — not just a piece of clothing, but a powerful symbol of identity and belonging. These aren’t uniforms; they’re statements. Our goal is clear: to build cohesion across continents and nurture a shared sense of pride through something tangible. Worn proudly, these t-shirts become walking expressions of our values and team spirit — visible from our offices to our logistics hubs, and everywhere in between. With a careful focus on design, material, and print quality, the Gapuma t-shirt is no ordinary branded item. It’s a wardrobe choice — one that reflects who we are: professional, modern, and united. For over 26 years, the Gapuma name has represented trust, resilience, and excellence. This initiative is a step forward in reinforcing that identity — deepening internal bonds among colleagues and strengthening our external visibility with clients and partners alike. And this is just the beginning. The first batch of t-shirts has been manufactured, despatched, and is now en route. Watch this space.
Gapuma Group Proudly Supports Team Ichiban at the WUKF World Championships 🥋
8th July 2025 We’re immensely proud to support Team Ichiban as they head to Malmö, Sweden, to compete at the 13th WUKF World Championships as part of the Dokan England squad. After months of dedicated training, national competitions, and unwavering commitment, this talented group of karateka — from seasoned international athletes to promising first-timers — is ready to represent the very best of British karate on the global stage. The championships will take place at the renowned Malmö Arena, an iconic venue previously home to Eurovision, now set to host a week of elite martial arts, sportsmanship, and unforgettable memories. At Gapuma Group, we believe in backing excellence, discipline, and ambition — qualities that Team Ichiban embodies to the core. This marks the third World Championship we’ve proudly supported in just four years, a testament to our ongoing commitment to grassroots and elite sport alike. It’s been an honour to help make this journey possible, alongside our fellow sponsor, Indigo Car Hire. We wish the entire team strength, focus, and an unforgettable experience in Sweden. Win or lose, you’ve already made us proud. Let’s go, Team Ichiban!