Commodity complexity demands specialty CTRM – why general solutions fall short
Commodity trading isn’t just about contracts, prices, and shipments. It’s about managing deeply specialized processes that vary wildly between commodities — from cocoa’s dual-currency pricing to the logistics of containerized sugar or jute-bagged coffee.
And yet, many traders are still trying to make general-purpose CTRM solutions fit their niche needs. The result? Inefficiency, workarounds, and missed opportunities.
At Agiboo, we believe that commodity complexity demands specialty software. That’s why Agiblocks was built — not for every trader, but for those who demand more.
The hidden problem with general CTRM solutions
Legacy CTRMs or generalized platforms often promise broad functionality. But in practice, that breadth comes at the expense of depth.
Let’s say you’re a cocoa trader. Does your current system:
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Handle dual-currency pricing across ICE (GBP) and NYMEX (USD)?
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Track bean size, infestation data, and UTZ certifications?
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Support semi-finished product pricing linked to the cocoa bean via ratios?
If the answer is no, you’re not alone.
Generic systems often require costly customizations to manage what should be core functionality. Worse still, these add-ons rarely integrate cleanly into reporting, hedging, or P&L workflows.
Four commodities, countless requirements
Agiblocks is uniquely equipped to handle the specific demands of four of the most complex soft commodities: Sugar, Coffee, Cocoa, and Grains. Here’s a brief look at what makes each one unique — and how Agiblocks meets those needs.
Cocoa
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Dual-market pricing (ICE vs. NYMEX)
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Certification handling (e.g., UTZ)
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Semi-finished product management (e.g., cocoa liquor)
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Ratio hedging support
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Tolerance/franchise in weight loss during shipping
Coffee
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SAS/NANS contracts based on sample approval
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Premiums per pound, not per ton
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Franchise and tolerance logic for shrinkage
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Certification substitution within stock
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Bag-level logistics with regional unit conversion
Sugar
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White premium tracking (raw to refined conversion)
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Break bulk vs. container logistics
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Polarization-based pricing
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Deposit payment terms and complex logistics tracking
Grains
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Silo-level inventory per stakeholder
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GMO tracking and regional compliance
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Multimodal transport (e.g., rail logistics)
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Extreme pricing variability based on origin and test weight
Each of these would be a major project to implement in a standard CTRM. In Agiblocks, they’re available out of the box.
Built-in functionality, not workarounds
What sets Agiblocks apart is that it doesn’t rely on custom development or workaround logic to meet the needs of specialized traders. Instead, it offers:
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Commodity-specific business logic
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Real-time position and risk management
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Hedging tools aligned with actual trading behavior
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Support for certifications, premiums, differentials and contracts types
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Modular implementation for fast onboarding
This design not only improves usability, but dramatically shortens implementation time — often from months to mere weeks.
Real impact, real clients
Agiblocks isn’t just theory. It’s used by dozens of traders in cocoa, coffee, sugar and grain markets. Clients like Albrecht & Dill, with over 200 years in cocoa trading, chose Agiblocks after realizing their legacy system couldn’t adapt to the realities of modern trade.
Their verdict?
“It was the perfect fit, and the level of integration is amazing.” – Carlos Schröder, Albrecht & Dill
Conclusion: is it time to go specialty?
If you’re a commodity trader working with specialized processes, ask yourself:
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Are you still relying on spreadsheets or outdated tools?
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Is your current CTRM a good fit for your actual workflows?
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Could delays, mismatched data, or manual workarounds be costing you margin?
Agiblocks was designed for you. From hedging sugar premiums to tracking UTZ-certified coffee samples, it offers a complete, ready-to-deploy solution for soft and agricultural commodities.
Request a demo
See Agiblocks in action. Schedule a free personalized demo and experience how specialty CTRM functionality can transform your operations.
The post Commodity complexity demands specialty CTRM – why general solutions fall short appeared first on Agiboo.
