Biofuels: Where Policy Writes the Market
5 June 2026 A report by Transport & Environment (T&E), the Brussels-based clean transport campaign group, featured this week in Le Monde, projects that global biofuel demand could rise by 30% in 2026 and as much as 70% by 2030, well above earlier forecasts of 40%. The drivers are familiar to anyone watching energy markets closely. Amid instability in the Middle East and rising fossil fuel prices, countries with strong agricultural sectors are lifting their blending mandates. Indonesia is raising the palm oil content of its biodiesel to 50% from July; India, Malaysia, Brazil and the United States have all revised their targets upward. It is a moment that rewards a steady hand and genuine market literacy. As Gapuma’s own biofuels trader Charles Percheron told Le Monde: “It’s a market that wouldn’t exist without political will. Regulations can stimulate demand, but they can also curb it.” This is a market built on political will, then, where regulation can accelerate demand just as readily as it can restrain it. Reading those signals – anticipating where mandates move next, and pricing the second-generation feedstocks that may follow – is precisely the kind of judgement that defines good trading. That a national newspaper of record turned to Gapuma for that read says something about where the firm now sits in the conversation. We’re proud to see our people’s instinct and expertise recognised on the international stage. Read the full piece (In French) here: https://www.lemonde.fr/economie/article/2026/06/04/la-ruee-vers-les-agrocarburants-un-risque-pour-la-securite-alimentaire-mondiale_6696904_3234.html
Ghana: Where it all began, and where we headed next
There are companies that arrive in a market, and there are companies that were born in one. For Gapuma Group, Ghana is the latter. When our founder, Jack Bardakjian, started the business in 1999, the very first trade was in Ghana – a decision he took, in his own words, “against all the advice and all the predictions.” Twenty-six years on, that instinct has become the foundation of everything we are: an international commodities group sourcing from more than thirty countries and delivering to over fifty, with an active in-country presence in West Africa that traces directly back to where we began. So when Ash Unadkat, our Office and Quality Manager, made his first overseas trip on behalf of the company this month – accompanied by our Procurement Consultant, Raj Thakkar – it was no accident that the destination was Accra. You return to your roots when you want to grow. The timing could hardly be richer. Ghana stands at a genuinely interesting moment. The 24-hour economy initiative, the Accra–Kumasi Expressway, and continued development across the gold, oil, energy, cocoa, and financial sectors are reshaping the commercial landscape – the same sectors that have anchored the bilateral relationship between Ghana and the United Kingdom for generations. That relationship runs deep. Ghana was the first sub-Saharan African nation to win independence from colonial rule, in March 1957 – a milestone that made it a trailblazer for a continent. The bonds forged since, in language, trade, the Commonwealth, and a vast and vibrant diaspora, remain among the closest the UK holds anywhere in Africa. Our London-based Ghanaian colleague, Yannick Annor, captured that spirit beautifully after meeting the President of the Republic of Ghana in London on 31 May. He wrote of a diaspora encouraged to return, invest, and bring their knowledge home – and of his own reasons, as a French-Ghanaian, for choosing the UK precisely because it kept him close to Ghana. “We all have a role to play in shaping the future of our country,” he said. We could not agree more, and we are proud to play our small part. And then there is the football. In exactly twenty days, on 23 June, the Black Stars meet England at Gillette Stadium in their first-ever competitive fixture between the two nations. Whatever the scoreline, there is something fitting about it: two countries bound by history, meeting on the world’s biggest stage, just as one of them welcomes us back to where our story started. From a single trade in 1999 to a quarter-century of partnership – Ghana, it has always been you. 🇬🇭
Gapuma exhibiting at WAMPEX 2026
19 May 2026 West Africa’s largest mining industry gathering takes place from 3rd to 5th June at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel in Accra – and you will find us on the show floor. Gapuma is a premier provider of sourcing, procurement and logistics for a wide range of chemicals, solvents and other commodities, with products integral to leading industry sectors globally. In the extractives sector, that means supplying a comprehensive range of chemicals for ore processing and waste treatment, backed by strategically positioned warehouses and an efficient supply chain infrastructure to ensure timely delivery and uninterrupted production. Through our recent partnership with Servaco PPS Limited – one of West Africa’s foremost industrial and mining supply companies – we have deepened our operational roots in Ghana and across the region. Our stand at WAMPEX gives us the opportunity to build on that momentum, meeting clients, forging new partnerships and showcasing what Gapuma Ghana can deliver. Manning the stand will be Obert V J Chikwature, Bernice Boahene and Moses Gadabor. Joining them on one of the days will be Vaibhav Raj Thakkar (Senior Purchasing Manager) and Ash Unadkat (Quality and Compliance Manager) from our London office. WAMPEX brings together over 6,000 mining professionals from more than 25 countries – come and find us there. 📍 La Palm Royal Beach Hotel, Accra 📅 3rd – 5th June 2026
From Ironman to ‘Aidan’s Wall’ – How a personal challenge became a community legacy
18 May 2026 By Russell Brill Just under a year ago, I stood at the start line of Ironman Hamburg. A personal challenge – or so I thought. What followed was something I hadn’t quite anticipated. The generosity of so many people transformed what began as a gruelling test of endurance into something with real, lasting impact. The funds raised went towards outdoor climbing equipment at Oak View School* – my son Aidan’s school. And I’m delighted to say the project is now complete (* Oak View School is a Special Needs School). The result? A brand new climbing wall – dubbed ‘Aidan’s Wall’ – plus additional equipment that has created an engaging, challenging outdoor space for the children. It looks fantastic. More importantly, it will give kids a place to build confidence, push their limits and, above all, have fun. To everyone who supported, donated and cheered from the sidelines – thank you. You didn’t just help me cross a finish line. You helped build something that will last. In humble gratitude.
Gapuma Returns to Coatings For Africa 2026
6th May 2026 Hot on the heels of our success at Coatings For Africa 2025, Gapuma will once again be exhibiting at the Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg, from 24-26 June 2026. Leading the delegation will be Group Managing Director Jack Baradjkian, alongside Henry Greef, Gary Hayes, Dave Steward and colleagues from our South Africa office. Want to guarantee time with the team? Contact Ash in advance to secure your slot: ash@gapuma.com 📍 Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg 📅 24-26 June 2026 We look forward to connecting, catching up and showing you what we’ve been working on.
Gapuma’s Raj Thakkar heads to Cologne for Chemspec Europe
5th May 2026 Gapuma Group’s Raj Thakkar will be at Chemspec Europe 2026 at Koelnmesse, Cologne, on 6-7 May – one of the chemical industry’s most valuable annual gatherings. The event serves as a cross-sector sourcing hub for fine and speciality chemicals, bringing together producers, buyers, and technical experts from across pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, speciality materials, coatings, personal care, electronics, energy, and many other industries. With over 400 global suppliers on the exhibition floor, it is precisely the kind of concentrated, high-quality environment where meaningful business relationships are forged, and supply chains are sharpened. During his visit, Raj will be strengthening ties with Gapuma’s existing partners whilst exploring new supplier opportunities – the twin pillars of any serious procurement strategy. Face-to-face engagement remains as valuable as ever in a sector navigating one of the fastest-changing markets the industry has known. If you would like to arrange a meeting with Raj at Chemspec or simply open a conversation about what Gapuma can offer, contact him directly at raj@gapuma.com.
Gapuma Group Acquires Equity Stake in Servaco PPS, Ghana’s Leading Industrial and Mining Supply Company
PRESS STATEMENT: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 1 May 2026 Gapuma Group, the London-based multinational commodities company serving customers through its warehousing and distribution network, today announces the acquisition of an equity stake in Servaco PPS Limited (SPPS), one of West Africa’s foremost industrial and mining supply companies. Founder Rudolph Opata Matey retains his stake and continues as Managing Director. The partnership represents Gapuma’s most significant strategic investment to date on the African continent, and marks a new chapter in the Group’s long-standing commitment to building durable, operational businesses across emerging markets. Servaco PPS – headquartered in Tema, Ghana – was founded in 1998 and has grown over more than two decades into the region’s most comprehensive industrial supply and services company. Operating across Ghana, Sierra Leone and Burkina Faso, it serves the mining, quarrying, construction, oil and gas, marine, power, water and telecoms sectors, supplying products from over 30 of the world’s leading industrial brands. Its subsidiary, Servmet Technical Services, provides specialist equipment repair, refurbishment and engineering services, including a newly inaugurated engineering workshop in Ghana. Jack Bardakjian, Group Managing Director of Gapuma, said: “SPPS has built something genuinely impressive – a business with real roots, real clients and a reputation earned through consistent delivery in one of Africa’s most demanding industrial environments. Our role is not to change what works, but to give Rudolph and his team the operational backbone and supply chain infrastructure to execute at a higher level. This is exactly the kind of partnership we have been looking for in West Africa.” Rudolph Opata Matey, Managing Director of Servaco PPS, said: “This partnership enables SPPS to deliver even greater value to our customers while building a stronger, more sustainable business. Gapuma’s operational expertise complements our deep knowledge of Ghana’s industrial and mining sectors. Together, we are better positioned to meet the evolving needs of our customers and create opportunities for our team.” The investment will strengthen SPPS’s working capital base, enhance its procurement and supply chain capabilities, and support further expansion across Ghana and West Africa. Gapuma brings to the partnership its global sourcing network – spanning more than 50 countries – and its established expertise in procurement, logistics and supplier development across Africa, Asia and Europe. Current management and staff remain fully in place. Day-to-day operations continue under the same leadership, with planned growth in technical and commercial capabilities to follow. About Gapuma Group Founded in London in 1999, Gapuma Group is an award-winning sourcing, procurement and logistics specialist with global reach. The Group sources products from more than 30 countries and delivers to over 50 countries worldwide, with particular depth of experience across Africa. Operating from its London headquarters, Gapuma serves clients across multiple sectors – including industrial, chemical, agricultural and energy – managing every link in the global supply chain from procurement and finance to logistics and final delivery. www.gapuma.com About Servaco PPS Limited Servaco PPS Limited is a leading Ghanaian provider of industrial products, technical services and supply chain solutions, serving the mining, quarrying, construction, oil and gas, marine, power, water and telecoms sectors across West Africa. Founded in 1998 and headquartered in Tema, Ghana, the company operates through strategic hubs in Ghana, Sierra Leone and Burkina Faso, and supplies products from more than 30 of the world’s leading industrial brands. Its subsidiary, Servmet Technical Services, delivers specialist engineering and equipment services to major mining and industrial clients across the region. www.servaco.com.gh
Celebrating 27 Years of Excellence: The Gapuma Anniversary Milestone 🥂
26th April 2026 Huge congratulations to Jack Bardakjian and the entire global team at Gapuma Group Limited as we proudly celebrate our 27th Anniversary! Reaching this significant milestone is a testament to our resilience, vision, and the collective dedication of our incredible team. Over nearly three decades, Gapuma has evolved into a dynamic and forward-thinking organization. We pride ourselves on being an agile force in the industry—continually growing and innovating to stay ahead of the curve. Even amidst ever-changing economic landscapes and global challenges, our commitment to “keeping up with the times” ensures we remain a reliable partner in a fast-paced world. Our Success is Your Success This journey would not be possible without the unwavering support of our esteemed, loyal clients and trusted suppliers. Your partnership is the foundation of our longevity, and we are extremely grateful for the continued trust you place in us. Going Above & Beyond 🚀 At Gapuma, our philosophy remains unchanged: we strive to “Go Above & Beyond” in everything we do. Whether it’s navigating complex logistics or fostering global relationships, we are committed to delivering excellence without compromise. Here’s to the next chapter of growth, innovation, and shared success!
Final day of ChinaPlas 2026 in Shanghai — and what an exceptional week it’s been
24 April 2026 A hugely successful event for Gapuma Group Limited. Our team has made extensive new connections, strengthened existing relationships, and laid the foundations for long-term partnerships across the global plastics and rubber industry. Just as importantly, we’ve seen first-hand the innovation, expertise, and forward thinking shaping the future of our sector — a powerful reminder of the pace and potential of this market. Thank you to everyone who took the time to meet with Russell Brill, Mihael Nahmias and Kishor Ubrani (Gapuma, Ghana). We look forward to continuing the conversations.