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Agricultural products & machinery

Market potential check for US agricultural drone exporter (Bulgaria, Czech Rep.)

Completion: 2024 - 07
Target markets: BG,CZ
Objective: US company in final stages of developing a drone for agriculture purposes (to dispense up to 25 gallons of liquid herbicides or fertilizers) requested information on business potential in Bulgaria and Czech Republic, with a view of considering their participation in a trade visit.
Results: EasyLink conducted research into legal regulations, current methods of applying chemicals in agriculture, and potential and appetite for using drones in farming in both countries. Bulgaria was found to be the first European country to introduce legislation that allow the use of drones for such purpose, while the Czech Republic continued to allow such use on the basis of exceptions granted by a regulatory authority. Interest from the agricultural sector in the new technology was identified in both countries and EasyLink recommended to proceed in due course.

UK agricultural technologies company seeks new distribution partners in Poland and the Czech Republic

Completion: 2024 - 02
Target markets: CZ,PL
Objective: EasyLink had previously assisted this client in finding partners for their advanced slurry management system in both countries. After 10 years of successful collaboration, the client sought to build on these achievements by engaging with new potential partners and exploring fresh opportunities.
Results: Our consultants in Prague and Warsaw first compiled tailored lists of new potential partners and provided updates on companies from the previous research, including details on their activities and sales figures. The client prioritized 14 companies in each country, which were subsequently approached by EasyLink with an offer to meet and discuss potential partnerships. During a week-long visit in May 2024, the client met with 8 potential partners, with 2 additional leads expressing interest in meeting at a later date. The client was highly satisfied with the outcome, stating that “his time was fully maximized, and he was just in time for each meeting,” and that “the week was probably the most positive market visit he has made abroad.”

Agricultural commodities trader exploring new markets in CEE

Completion: 2022 - 09
Target markets: RO&PL
Objective: The US supplier specializes in delivering pulses and other grains in bulk from US farmers to domestic and international markets. The company wished to locate food ingredient buyers and wholesalers for long-term business arrangements in Romania and Poland.
Results: Both countries have developed agricultural and food industries. Poland is a leading producer and processor of fruit, meat, dairy products and mushrooms. Romania ranked fourth in the EU for wheat production in 2021. Imported grains are mainly being re-exported. EasyLink team put a lot of effort into finding prospective partners in both countries. In Poland, we found eight (8) companies interested in meeting with our US client. Due to time constraints on the part of the Polish companies, four (4) face-to-face meetings were eventually arranged. In Romania, four (4) companies expressed interest in meeting. Easylink prepared relevant itineraries for both countries and assisted with the logistics and interpretation.

Biotech company specialized in animal feed ingredients in search of a distributor in the Czech Republic

Completion: 2022 - 02
Target markets: CZ
Objective: EasyLink was commissioned to conduct market research in the Czech market to find a potential distributor for an Irish company specializing in the production of cutting-edge nutritional products for livestock such as feed additives or eubiotics.
Results: The consultant reviewed all companies involved in livestock nutrition consultancy, distribution of feed additives, compound mixes for livestock, and supplementary assortments for farming. It was important to find a company that also visits farms or is involved in animal consulting as direct contact with farms is necessary for the proper promotion of a new product of this kind. It turned out that the market is partially saturated in this sector, however, the consultant still managed to find 3 companies interested in the proposed collaboration offer.

Irish producer of pasteurizers, homogenizers and separators wishes to enter the Czech market

Completion: 2022 - 02
Target markets: CZ
Objective: The main objective of this research was to identify a suitable distributor for the client's range of compact pasteurizers and smart milk vending systems.
Results: We approached 14 pre-selected companies (from a list of 31). Market feedback indicated only limited potential due to the existence of a large number of local manufacturers of similar equipment in the country, selling directly to customers, hence there is little room for and limited number of intermediaries who could become distributors for a foreign supplier. Only one company has confirmed interest in meeting our client to discuss possible cooperation and a conference call was arranged.

French plant breeder requests a qualitative market study in the Czech Republic and Latvia

Completion: 2021 - 03
Target markets: CZ,LV
Objective: The company requested EasyLink to conduct qualitative, in-depth interviews with 20 Czech and 15 Latvian wheat growers and with other important stakeholders of the Czech and Latvian wheat seed markets.
Results: EasyLink consultants identified and successfully approached respondents in both countries selected per agreed criteria (e.g. specific geographic location or minimum wheat acreage). Each interview took about 45 minutes and contained questions on farmers’ common wheat growing practices and discussions on new wheat varieties and trends in the wheat selection and purchasing process.

EasyLink was hired to identify a suitable distributor for an Irish company.

Completion: 2020 - 09
Target markets: CZ
Objective: The Irish company involved in manufacturing intelligent mineral dosing systems for livestock was interested in expanding their distributor network to the Czech Republic.
Results: Due to previous projects from the agricultural sector, EasyLink could use its in-house database of companies as a reliable resource of information alongside the consultant's own market knowledge and contacts. Other sources used to develop the initial list of potential distributors included business directories, desk research, interviews with potential customers, etc. The result was a list of 25 companies that best suited the client's requirements. Four companies have confirmed their interest to discuss possible cooperation. Conference calls were arranged with three companies.

Recruiting food buyers from the Czech Republic for a "reverse mission" to Portugal

Completion: 2020 - 02
Target markets: CZ
Objective: In cooperation with a Portuguese partner and following up on a previous project, EasyLink was asked to help recruit a Czech buyer to visit Portugal and meet with members of a food cluster.
Results: EasyLink succeeded in delivering one important Czech company that sent their manager to visit Portugal to meet with prospective suppliers in February 2020.

US producer of equine supplements explores the Russian market

Completion: 2020 -
Target markets: RU
Objective: Our client produces a range of equine supplement products designed to improve horses' diet, performance, health and well-being and exports to over 30 countries. To develop their sales in Russia, the client commissioned EasyLink to conduct market research into the regulatory situation for these specific products incl. the process and cost of registration, the size and structure of this sector in the target country and to identify and approach potential distribution partners.
Results: EasyLink provided the client with a report covering the size and intricacies related to the registration of the product as well as an initial list of 33 potential distribution partners. The client chose 5 specific companies to be contacted during the second stage of the project. A major representative of several horse feed and supplements producers for the territory of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and the Russian Federation agreed to proceed to direct talks with the client.

A cluster of agro producers from a Portuguese region asks EasyLink to source buyers from CZ

Completion: 2019 - 09
Target markets: CZ
Objective: A cluster organization of food and agriproducts from the Portuguese region Ribatejo / Santarém, turns to EasyLing to help to find for them buyers from big importing companies, in order to invite them for AGRIBUSINESS 2019 trade fair followed by an inverse B2B mission. The Czech buyers would go on a 3-day B2B business trip, which consists of 2 days of B2B meetings at the trade show and then one full day of meeting selected producers directly at their production sites and farms.
Results: EasyLink conducted interviews with most known importers of groceries and fruits, to inform them about the opportunity and present the Agricluster's producers and their products. This effort resulted in 2 foodstuffs importers sending their buyers to the Santarém region, as well as one buyer from the top Czech 3 fruit importers.

The manufacturer in the grain handling industry from Latvia in search of potential partners in the Czech Republic

Completion: 2019 - 06
Target markets: CZ
Objective: The Latvian leading manufacturer in the grain handling industry in Baltic countries whose core products are conveyors and grain dryers contracted EasyLink to provide a list of possible partners and arrange business meetings with selected ones.
Results: We drew up an overview report of the industry in question and highlighted the main market indicators. In close collaboration with the client, we selected 32 companies to be contacted, 6 of which were interested in meeting. Based on the results we compiled a detailed itinerary for our client providing assistance related to traveling, accommodation arrangements and interpreting during the meetings.

Mapping opportunities in the Polish bovine semen market

Completion: 2019 - 05
Target markets: PL
Objective: U.S. supplier of bovine semen for dairy cattle wished to receive an overview of the Polish market to help them assess its potential.
Results: In 2018, the number of dairy cows in Poland increased by 3.7% to 2.23 million heads. It was the first year since 2008 when the population of dairy cows increased. Currently, dairy cows constitute about 35% of all cows bred in Poland. The value of bovine semen imports reached almost EUR 7.3 million in 2018, up by 12% compared to the previous year. Since 2010, it has risen almost 2.5 times. More than 70% of bovine semen is imported from other European countries. Four domestic semen producers seem to dominate the Polish market.

Mapping the Polish animal feed market

Completion: 2019 - 01
Target markets: PL
Objective: EasyLink´s report was to assist a U.S. manufacturer of conventional and organic feed in assessing the potential of the Polish market.
Results: The agrarian structure of Polish agriculture remains very fragmented, especially when compared to other EU countries. The sector is dominated by very small farms. The number of large farms (over 50 hectares) amounts to almost 35,000, accounting for 2.5% of the total number of farms. There are 798,000 farms keeping livestock (55.8% of all farms). The average size of a Polish farm keeping animals is also smaller compared to other European countries. The total livestock population in Poland reached almost 200 million animals in 2017. Imports of industrial feed amounted to 408,000 tons in 2016, of which 97% came from other European countries (mostly from Germany). Exports from the United States did not exceed 2,000 tons.

UK poultry farm software targets the massive Polish poultry market

Completion: 2018 - 05
Target markets: PL
Objective: EasyLink was commissioned to carry out an extended partner search project in Poland to identify opportunities and arrange meetings with potential end-users for a UK-based developer of supply chain software for the poultry sector. In the first stage of the project, EasyLink was to provide a report containing top-line information on the poultry white meat sector, egg sector and feed mills incl. production data and regional distribution of leading poultry/egg farms; identify and competitive software as well as a compile a database of potential partners. The second stage would focus on contacting top-priority companies selected by the client and arranging meetings with interested parties.
Results: To complete the first stage of the project, EasyLink provided a 45-page long report with a market overview and profiles of 46 potential partners – poultry meat processors, egg packers, feed mills and software solution companies. 26 high priority companies were selected for the contacting campaign and 5 companies expressed interest in meeting the client, including some of the largest meat/egg processors in Poland (e.g., Cedrob, Ovovita). The client was able to meet 4 potential customers in May 2018 and the project earned high marks on all accounts.

Mushroom picking prototype attracts the interest of Polish mushroom growers

Completion: 2017 - 11
Target markets: PL
Objective: Our UK client has developed an innovative tool designed to reduce labor costs in the picking of mushrooms. With the final prototype being built, they wished to visit Polish mushroom farms and mushroom equipment distributors to discuss the needs of local mushroom growers and present the product.
Results: EasyLink contacted 28 companies and was able to secure meetings with 2 largest Polish mushroom farms and 2 equipment distributors. Initial feedback was very positive.

Stable outfitters in Poland

Completion: 2017 - 05
Target markets: PL
Objective: A German client wishes to identify outfitters of poultry, pig and cow stables in Poland (both Polish and international companies).
Results: In a short period of time we produced a list of 23 companies meeting the criteria. The information provided included contact details (address, telephone, email), website, number of employees, turnover and brief description.

Background check in Poland for a US manufacturer of poultry processing equipment

Completion: 2017 - 02
Target markets: PL
Objective: Our client is a manufacturer of poultry processing equipment. The company is in talks with a Polish company and would like to use our desk research services to learn a little more about this potential partner.
Results: EasyLink consultant in Poland collected and analyzed information based on the data from the Polish court register of companies, such as financial statements, ownership structure and capital ties of companies belonging to the group. The consultant conducted search of online sources to gather as much information as possible, without performing in-market interviews. The information provided included a thorough profile of the company's activities in Poland and abroad, its strategic partners, information on fixed assets, turnover, net profit, ownership and capital ties, EU funds and participation in trade shows.

Research in Turkey for US designer and manufacturer of agricultural implements for hay bale collection

Completion: 2016 - 04
Target markets: TR
Objective: The client requested research of the market in Turkey, in order to assess its export potential. The research was to cover market size, market structure, key competitors and examples of potential distribution partners.
Results: EasyLink consultant in Turkey produced a report covering the following: general overview of the agricultural sector, number of small hay farms, the structure of distribution, number of small square balers and front-end loaders, etc. EasyLink also identified the key competitors and potential distributors in the sector. The information provided helped the client to assess its potential in the Turkish market and evaluate further steps regarding the market entry.

U.S. novel equipment for poultry processing evaluates the Polish market

Completion: 2015 - 09
Target markets: PL
Objective: Our client, designer and producer of a novel humane stunning method for poultry had heard of Poland being a European poultry powerhouse and wished to learn more about the market and explore initial responses to his product.
Results: In 2014, Poland produced 2.1 million tons of poultry meat, 7% more than in the previous year. Poland thus became the biggest producer of poultry meat in the entire European Union accounting for 14% of total poultry production. Ca. 200 poultry producers/processors operate in Poland and approx. 60 of them can be described as "bigger sized" and comparable to bigger producers of poultry meat in Western Europe. Due to market structure, the Polish poultry business is extremely competitive. The average net margin in the poultry business accounts for only 2-3%. This situation forces companies to become more effective and invest in new production technologies. As a result, several big companies undergo ambitious investment programs in order to strengthen their market position. EasyLink contacted 9 poultry processing giants to verify the route to market and scope out opinions on the client’s technology. Several companies provided useful comments and would be interested in receiving more information and potentially meeting the client.

U.S. producer of feed trailers evaluates the Czech and Polish markets

Completion: 2015 - 09
Target markets: CZ,PL
Objective: A U.S. company considering entering the CEE market with their range of feed trailers, feed trucks and accessories contracted EasyLink to provide an evaluation of the market potential for their products and possible obstacles they could face. EasyLink’s main task was to contact 7-8 distributors of agricultural trailers and other machinery, consult the product offer and market potential with them and report any inkling of interest.
Results: EasyLink contacted 9 companies in the Czech Republic and 7 in Poland and forwarded product materials to all of them. Overall feedback suggested that neither of the markets would be a suitable target mainly on account of low demand for long-haul transport of feedstuff due to local geographical conditions and market structure. Additionally, the trucks’ build would have to be overhauled to suit EU policies and certificates and fierce local competition in the form of local producers as well as German and Austrian imports would have an undisputable advantage where transport costs are concerned. EasyLink thus recommended the client to refocus their efforts on more eligible markets. Two companies, one in each country, expressed interest in discussing the matter further and their contact information was passed on to the client.

Background check of a Polish company for a major US manufacturer of poultry processing equipment

Completion: 2015 - 08
Target markets: PL
Objective: A US manufacturer of poultry processing equipment is in early discussion with a potential distributor in Poland and asked EasyLink to perform a desk research-based background check in order to provide more information about the company.
Results: The EasyLink consultant in Poland explored all publicly available data to compile information about the size of the company, revenue (latest financial information available online), creditworthiness and any published information on the company that might give the client a better feel for them. The collected and analyzed information is based on the data from the Polish court register of companies, such as financial statements, ownership structure and capital ties of companies belonging to the group. The report containing all the collected data provided a valuable background on the potential partner and helped the client to assess the potential for future partnership.

Initial list of prospective resellers and distribution partners

Completion: 2015 - 04
Target markets: PL
Objective: The client wished to introduce their natural soil amendment in Poland and requested EasyLink to compile an unqualified list of prospective resellers and distribution partners in Poland.
Results: EasyLink identified and prepared short profiles of 27 companies to be targeted as prospective business partners. The pool of candidates included companies with knowledge and contacts in the "green" industry, including agriculture, horticulture, gardening/landscaping or turf/golf; the companies were purchasing cooperatives in the agricultural market, large soil and substrate and seed producers as well as resellers of farm and gardening supplies.

Irish horse nutrition producer evaluating the Czech market

Completion: 2015 - 04
Target markets: CZ
Objective: The client has approached EasyLink with a request for comprehensive market research in the field of horse nutrition. EasyLink’s task was to provide details specifically on competing brands in the market, profiling of competitors’ activity in the marketplace and their approximate market share; distribution channels and consumption of horse feed and preferred packaging and delivery terms.
Results: In the absence of any official third-party reports combined with the lack of information on the horse feed market in the Czech Republic available in secondary resources the report is heavily based on interviews with market experts. EasyLink conducted over 20 telephone interviews with people within the horse-related community (trainers, owners, nutrition specialists, producers as well as distributors of horse feeds). The output was a 28-page report detailing all the above-mentioned areas, which helped the client to assess their potential on the Czech market and consider certain pre-market entry aspects.

US manufacturer of seed equipment and food processing machinery visits the Czech Republic and Poland

Completion: 2014 - 11
Target markets: CZ&PL
Objective: Our client manufactures equipment for the husking and cutting of sweet and seed corn, blanching of vegetables and pasta, snipping of beans, mixed vegetable metering and processing equipment, and vegetable washing systems. Since the company had successfully supplied its equipment directly to customers in Europe and has sales agents in all states of the US and in South America and Asia, the company now wished to expand to the CEE region and find distribution partners in the Czech Republic and Poland.
Results: A market overview and database of potential partners were provided to the client prior to the market visit. The market overview was a 15-page report detailing the vegetable and seed processing market (sowing area, harvest), overview of end customers, import/export analysis, information on duties and tariffs, competition, and overview of relevant trade fairs and publications. In the next stage of the project, we approached 33 prospective partners in the Czech Republic and 24 in Poland. All prospects were provided with information about the client and its product literature. We then followed up with all of the approached companies to assess their level of interest in meeting the client. 5 meetings were arranged in each country. Besides potential distributors, we arranged a meeting with a prospective end-customer in the Czech Republic for the client to view their production plant and possibly offer the client’s equipment. Upon his return to the US, using Skype the client approached companies in the Czech Republic that were interested in further talks but were unable to meet the client during his visit.

US biotech producer targeting CEE

Completion: 2014 - 11
Target markets: CZ&PL
Objective: The client is a supplier of high quality agricultural products that are designed to increase crop yields. The company seeks exclusive distributors in the Czech Republic and Poland currently selling direct to farms or to other dealers, ideally having national coverage.
Results: EasyLink shortlisted and approached 27 distributors in the Czech Republic and 30 in Poland. The fact that the client required having meetings in the capital cities only to a certain extent influenced the final number of meetings arranged (at least in the Czech Republic). We still managed to arrange 5 meetings in the Czech Republic (two of them being with the TOP distributors in the sector) and 8 meetings in Poland.

Client worried about the political situation in Ukraine requests local insight

Completion: 2014 - 09
Target markets: UA
Objective: Our client is a supplier of high-quality agricultural products that are designed to increase crop yields. The company has a distributor in Ukraine but has some worries that the current situation in Ukraine may impact their credit terms and cause serious financial harm to the client. The company asked EasyLink to search local media and make interviews with Ukrainian companies that are distributors for international producers in the agricultural sector to see whether the sector experienced any downturn during the troubles.
Results: EasyLink analyzed the current situation of the Ukrainian grain and wheat market (statistics, opinions and forecast) and interviewed 3 large agricultural distributors located in Kiev and the surrounding region to assess the threats induced by the current political situation in Kiev. The results facilitated the client in decision-making about the next steps to be taken and strategies developed for the months to come.

Follow-up support after a market visit: translation of email communication

Completion: 2014 - 08
Target markets: CZ
Objective: Command of English in some companies in the agricultural business in the Czech Republic is still limited. Following a full partner search project which led to a market visit with a series of potential customer meetings, EasyLink was requested to assist with further communication.
Results: During a period of approximately two months, EasyLink provided a swift turnaround on translations of business emails from our UK client to prospective Czech buyers and vice versa. Fees were based on text length.

UK agricultural technologies company assessing potential in the Czech Republic and Poland after visiting Romania

Completion: 2014 - 06
Target markets: CZ&PL
Objective: With the assistance of EasyLink the client already successfully explored the Romanian market. Now EasyLink was commissioned to search for similar opportunities in the Czech Republic and Poland, this time with more focus on poultry breeding.
Results: EasyLink conducted market research into poultry integrators, poultry farms, feed mills supplying to poultry farms, and farms & feed mills dealing with other types of livestock, i.e. cattle and pigs. EasyLink approached 52 prospects in the Czech Republic and arranged meetings with 8 companies. In Poland, EasyLink contacted 35 companies and organized 8 face-to-face meetings. The client’s overall impression of the visit was very positive and they stated it was well organized.

UK producer of nutritional premixes for the livestock sector targets Romania

Completion: 2014 - 05
Target markets: RO
Objective: EasyLink’s task was to research, identify and arrange meetings with end-customers in the farming sector for a company dedicated to the research, development, and manufacturing of quality premixes, pre-starters, starters and concentrates together with specialty products for the intensive livestock sector (the company has expertise in the pig, poultry, ruminant, companion animal and equine sectors).
Results: EasyLink’s team based in Bucharest identified and screened 25 potential partners and approached them with the offer to discuss partnership opportunities. The partner search report delivered to the client prior to their market visit provided an in-depth understanding of the market and a clear strategy for further progress. EasyLink arranged 9 meetings and provided comprehensive in-market support.

Polish supplier of special substrates targets Czech customers

Completion: 2013 - 06
Target markets: CZ
Objective: Our client, a successful producer of special substrates and supplier of wickerwork products, commissioned EasyLink to conduct a partner search with a focus on nurseries with their own retail/wholesale of garden supplies or garden centers with own plant production with the potential to be interested in both substrates and wickerwork products.
Results: EasyLink conducted initial market scoping and established there are three associations of interest to the project, one associating with nurseries and two focused on garden centers. EasyLink also identified strong competition in the form of local producers as well as a strong foothold of a German company supplying special substrates with a potential to complicate the client’s entry into the market. Our consultant compiled a list of 27 companies matching the criteria set by the client, which were subsequently contacted on a managerial level. Five companies expressed interest in meeting the client, including one of the largest nurseries with garden centers in the country. EasyLink arranged four (4) meetings to be held in July 2013 and provided assistance related to traveling and accommodation arrangements.

Supplier of renewable energy products seeks a partner in Poland

Completion: 2013 - 06
Target markets: PL
Objective: The U.K. client provides supply, installation and maintenance of various renewable energy products and specialist waste sludge handling solutions for agricultural and commercial environment. The client wishes to promote its Automatic Slurry Bubble System (ASBS) for farmers working with livestock. EasyLink was enlisted to identify local distributor partners involved in slurry management.
Results: The EasyLink consultant in Poland conducted market research into companies involved in slurry management, supplying technology to farmers such as tanks, silos. 26 companies were identified and approached and 6 meetings with potential partners arranged.

UK supplier of agriculture technologies presents their unique innovative slurry mixing technology in the Czech Republic

Completion: 2013 - 04
Target markets: CZ
Objective: The client requested EasyLink to conduct market research into the dairy industry, which they focus on the most and to find suitable business partners that would be interested in distributing their highly innovative system for slurry mixing to Czech farms and beyond.
Results: EasyLink conducted research into companies within the animal husbandry industry involved in the distribution and installation of dairy equipment and slurry handling technologies, construction of slurry tanks and design of slurry management systems, and compiled a shortlist of 38 companies. The client handpicked 16 companies of which 9 expressed interest in discussing eventual partnership! After a market visit in April 2014, when 7 meetings took place, our client received considerable interest and was able to appoint a distributor, who placed his first order within 2 months after the in-market visit.

Leading animal equipment wholesalers in the UK and Ireland targeting the Czech market

Completion: 2013 - 02
Target markets: CZ
Objective: Our client provides a range of over 4,000 animal health & equipment products for use in the agricultural sector. These include equipment products for cattle, sheep and horses as well as protective clothing, dosing equipment, electric fencing and animal grooming products. The aim of the client during the trade mission to CZ was to expand the base of export customers and gain an appreciation for the Czech market and to gain an understanding of the Czech consumer.
Results: Based on the market report submitted in December 2013 and subsequently provided feedback, the NITC consultant focused on approaching 14 companies selected by the client from the list of prospective partners incorporated in the report. In the course of the project, 13 completely new companies were added to the shortlist (a mix of companies active in the equine as well as pet market). The consultant approached 27 companies and arranged meetings with 7 prospective partners.

Troubleshooting in the import of emu oil to the Czech Republic

Completion: 2012 - 07
Target markets: CZ
Objective: The client is a manufacturer of emu and ostrich oil for use in cosmetics. Their shipment of emu oil was stuck at the Prague airport and was not allowed into the country.
Results: EasyLink was asked to call the veterinary administration, the customs office at the Prague airport and the company importing the product to the Czech Republic to figure out what the problem was. To be able to provide a satisfactory explanation to the client, the relevant information was sought through the veterinary administration in Brussels.

British producer of cow mattresses eyes partners in the Czech Republic and Poland

Completion: 2012 - 06
Target markets: CZ&PL
Objective: Our client wished to explore export opportunities in the Czech Republic and Poland and tasked EasyLink to carry out a partner search project to find suitable partners – distributors established in the dairy sector and representatives of large cattle breeders (more than 1,000 heads) – in the two territories. The client also opted to meet already existing contacts in the market and entrusted EasyLink with the organization of the meetings.
Results: The client was presented with 2 reports for each country consisting of a market overview, a meeting itinerary including suggested travel arrangements, profiles of companies that were interested in the client’s products, and an overview of other contacts we were able to gain during the project, including a list of 20 largest cattle breeders in the Czech Republic (by the number of heads). Overall, our consultants contacted 75 companies and arranged 11 meetings, which were all very positive and generated requests for quotations and orders within months after the visit.

Leading U.S. manufacturer of hog equipment seeks certification for Russia

Completion: 2011 - 11
Target markets: RU
Objective: The company requested EasyLink’s assistance in identifying major companies in the area of inspection, testing and certification, plus wished to conduct a detailed investigation and evaluation of the “Gost-Test” Certification Center.
Results: EasyLink consultant identified four largest certification companies that assist in obtaining Certificate of Compliance - certification of goods produced in Russia and imported from abroad. We also found out that Gost-Test is not an independent certification agency, but one of the brand names and websites of OrgTestStandart Ltd.; we delivered an in-depth profile of the company.

EasyLink analyses the Polish poultry processing market and identifies specific sales leads

Completion: 2011 - 02
Target markets: PL
Objective: A well-established U.S. manufacturer of innovative and cost-efficient chicken and turkey processing equipment wishes to evaluate the potential of the Polish market. The company also wants to receive end-user contacts and sales leads. The company has an office in Russia from where the Polish market would be served.
Results: We generated a total of 10 sales leads! The consultant successfully introduced the client to representatives of the 22 largest poultry processing plants; the reps were interviewed about their needs to upgrade their facilities. The final report also included a general overview of the poultry industry in Poland; the country generates almost 11% of EU poultry meat production; in 2010, Polish poultry meat production amounted to 1,368 thousand tons. We also mapped the key competitors and compiled regulatory information pertaining to poultry processing, and listed sector events, associations and journals.

Business partner search and meeting itinerary for a Latvian producer of grain handling equipment

Completion: 2009 - 12
Target markets: UA
Objective: EasyLink was requested to identify prospective distribution partners in Ukraine and schedule face-to-face meetings with the top candidates.
Results: Easylink’s consultant compiled an initial list of 23 businesses; their managers were interviewed over the phone to introduce the client and its equipment (also providing technical data files) and ascertain their level of interest in representing the client in Ukraine. Due to the remote location of several prospective partners, the visit including 8 face-to-face meetings, had to be spread into 4 full days. EasyLink also made hotel and transportation arrangements to make the client’s visit as smooth as possible.

Czech agricultural producer wants to make direct exports to Poland

Completion: 2009 - 06
Target markets: PL
Objective: A medium-sized agricultural producer and processor of poppy seed and herbs, whose produce used to be sold to local wholesalers for further trading, has decided to reap the benefits of direct sales and requested assistance from EasyLink to identify potential customers in Southern Poland which they can supply easily with their own vans and trucks.
Results: EasyLink explored the Polish market and identified 19 prospective partners, including agricultural & food ingredients trading companies as well as food processors and bakeries. The client's business proposition was successfully presented to prospective partners, and 7 companies with confirmed qualification and interest were eventually short-listed and personal meetings arranged for the client. The client's feedback on our work given to us after the trip could not be more positive - all meetings were entirely relevant, and the client expected actual business opportunities to quickly translate into new export sales.

Australian manufacturer of wear parts for agricultural machinery seeks distribution partners in Ukraine

Completion: 2008 - 09
Target markets: UA
Objective: An Australian company wished to develop long-term export sales and commissioned EasyLink to identify prospective OEM customers and distributors of replacement parts.
Results: EasyLink’s consultant in Ukraine identified and approached 28 suitable dealers to evaluate their readiness for negotiation regarding partnership with our client. Following his in-market visit, which we organized, the client praised EasyLink for the level of research and information provided. Upon his return home he proceeded to discuss trading arrangements with both companies he met.

Two-country distributor search for a Dutch original manufacturer of rotating silage spreaders

Completion: 2008 - 03
Target markets: CZ&PL
Objective: The original inventor of the rotating silage spreader enlisted EasyLink to identify distributors who could market the product to livestock/cattle farmers harvesting their own silage/maize or contractors harvesting grass/maize for livestock farmers in the Czech Republic and Poland.
Results: EasyLink consultant identified and approached over 20 companies active in the distribution of agricultural machinery and recommended a pool of top prospects (all interested and ready to meet the client) for further talks regarding the distribution of silage spreaders.

Australian producer of agricultural machinery looking for distributors in Ukraine

Completion: 2008 - 03
Target markets: UA
Objective: An Australian producer of cultivation equipment enlisted EasyLink’s assistance in its quest to appoint an importer/dealer in Ukraine. The task included the identification and evaluation of relevant importers and dealers of agricultural equipment fitting a very specific profile and directly approaching a group of potential partners to verify their interest in representing the client in Ukraine. Last but not least, the consultant's task was to prepare a meeting itinerary and provide in-market support to the client during his trip to Ukraine.
Results: EasyLink’s consultant in Ukraine pre-selected and approached 16 most relevant importers and dealers of agricultural machinery, identified based on their market position as well as financial standing and share of import of products from the West. After evaluating their qualification and interest in representing the client, the consultant recommended the client to meet 8 entities, out of which the client selected the top 6 companies with whom face-to-face appointments were scheduled.

Data research on the production of sweet cherries in Poland, Ukraine and Turkey

Completion: 2008 - 02
Target markets: PL&UA&TR
Objective: Assisting the client in preparation of a detailed analysis of sweet cherry production trends and trade in Poland, Ukraine and Turkey by compiling pre-specified data
Results: Per the client’s request we collected data and other information to address a large number of topics such as sweet cherry production regions, acreage, varieties, varietal characteristics, the timing of harvest by variety and region, future trends in sweet cherry production including anticipated production and export volumes by variety, percentage of sweet cherry production consumed domestically and typically exported, industry growth plans and export plans, pre/post-harvest practices, government policies, and infrastructure development that might affect sweet cherry production and exports.

EasyLink identifies top buyers of choline chloride in the Czech Republic and Slovakia

Completion: 2007 - 12
Target markets: CZ&SK
Objective: To identify the largest buyers - end-users, processors or trading companies in each country to assist the client select and interview the 25 largest users in Central and Eastern Europe
Results: EasyLink identified the top 5 users by volume in each target country and provided data on their actual consumption. The key user groups covered by our research included producers of feed premix, nutritional supplements and pet products as well as traders with chemical raw materials. EasyLink provided contact details of all companies and their confirmed or estimated annual consumption volumes. As a bonus, EasyLink also furnished data on imports of choline chloride to the Czech Republic.

Manufacturer of nutritional supplements for the livestock industry seeks a partner in Poland

Completion: 2007 - 11
Target markets: PL
Objective: EasyLink was enlisted to identify local veterinary distributors and wholesalers for a U.K. producer of soluble glass products used in the livestock industry. Further, local approval or licensing requirements the company would need in order to market its product in Poland had to be identified.
Results: The consultant conducted research into companies involved in the distribution of feed additives and nutritional supplements as well as premixes for animals. Following telephone interviews with managers of pre-selected companies, the consultant recommended the client to meet a total of 7 entities (all ready to discuss partnership opportunities in Poland).

Russia: Searching for a qualified partner

Completion: 2007 - 01
Target markets: RU
Objective: To identify qualified and keen business partners for a U.K. importer, exporter and processor of timber
Results: EasyLink researched Russia-based companies active in export, agent collection, and sales of pallet wood, processed timber and lumber products to identify, approach and evaluate prospective partners and assess their interest in doing business with the client.

U.K. specialist in product testing for the pest control industry seeks a contract research organization

Completion: 2006 - 10
Target markets: CZ
Objective: The client requested EasyLink to assist in the identification of a suitable partner contract research organization capable of carrying out product efficacy testing.
Results: EasyLink identified 17 research institutions currently carrying out product efficacy testing on vegetation and crops and evaluated their interest and readiness to discuss opportunities for cooperation with the client.

Partner search in the milking technologies market

Completion: 2006 - 08
Target markets: CZ
Objective: EasyLink was commissioned by a U.K. supplier of milking technologies to screen and recommend prospective partners amongst Czech suppliers of barn equipment, milking technologies & stalls & parlors and to provide information on local milk production and standards.
Results: Altogether 15 companies were interviewed to assess their qualification and interest in business partnership with the client.

Assisting an innovative company in developing new export markets

Completion: 2006 - 04
Target markets: PL
Objective: EasyLink conducted in-depth research and assessment of the market potential for a U.K. producer of the world’s first 100% fully biodegradable tree shelters to determine whether Poland should be a go-to-market.
Results: EasyLink team in Poland prepared a thorough market research report covering all the key areas of the client’s interest: the country’s overall environmental and forestry policy, planting plans, tree shelters use, pine weevil problems and management methods, and views of forestry and orcharding specialists on biodegradable tree shelters.

U.K. supplier of agricultural silage additives explores the Polish market

Completion: 2006 - 02
Target markets: PL
Objective: We were asked to pre-select and approach relevant Polish agricultural trading companies and assess their qualification and interest in further talks concerning cooperation with our U.K. client.
Results: Managers of a total of 20 companies were presented with the client’s offer and provided detailed product information. 5 companies with confirmed qualification and interest in partnership were recommended for further talks.

U.K. supplier of pest products targets Poland

Completion: 2005 - 05
Target markets: PL
Objective: Our client wished to identify and approach companies meeting very specific requirements.
Results: Out of 14 pre-approved prospective partners contacted, managers of four companies expressed interest in further talks concerning potential cooperation. The client was supplied with detailed information on their activities as well as specific responses from their managers.

Identifying key players on selected end user cereal markets

Completion: 2005 - 04
Target markets: CZ
Objective: Identify and profile the leading companies in selected plant categories (oilseed rape, maize, animal feed, barley and wheat)
Results: The consultant provided the requested information on 45 leading entities across 5 sub-sectors of the Czech cereal market that constitute the best end user markets for our client, a producer of cereals.

Czech Republic: U.K. producer of yeast monitors seeks local partners

Completion: 2005 - 04
Target markets: CZ
Objective: Identify, approach, evaluate and recommend qualified & interested suppliers of brewery equipment
Results: EasyLink’s consultant introduced 14 pre-screened companies to the client. Managers of 5 entities expressed interest in meeting the client to discuss the potential for cooperation.

U.K. supplier of milk tank control systems targets Poland

Completion: 2005 -
Target markets: PL
Objective: Partner search project and meeting itinerary preparation
Results: The consultant short-listed and approached 20 prospective companies and recommended sending pricing information to managers of 6 companies. After collecting their responses, meetings were arranged with 4 companies.

Store check for a Spanish distributor of potatoes

Completion: 2004 -
Target markets: SK
Objective: EasyLink was asked to identify brands of potatoes sold and collect their retail prices in Slovakia.
Results: The consultant carried out store checks in 10 supermarkets and hypermarkets in Bratislava to compile retail prices of potatoes.

Preparing initial contact lists of potential partners in 7 CEE markets

Completion: 2004 -
Target markets: EE,LV,UA,PL,HU,RO,RU
Objective: A Czech producer of water reed mowers requested EasyLink to conduct short initial research (to be followed by additional work depending on results) to identify key potential customers and sales channels such as local fishermen associations/clubs, watercourse management companies, holiday resort management/maintenance companies and other relevant contacts.
Results: For each of the seven CEE markets, EasyLink delivered profiles including contact information of over 40 prospective customers.

U.S. producer of agricultural enzyme products seeks to appoint an exclusive distributor in the Czech Republic

Completion: -
Target markets: CZ
Objective: EasyLink was commissioned to carry out a distribution partner search; this time the project was solely commission-based.
Results: EasyLink contacted pre-selected entities and evaluated their interest and qualification to become an exclusive distributor for the Czech Republic.