Basis Commodities

Who We Are

The Basis Commodities Group was established in 2014 by founder and Managing Director, Chris Whitwell, to assist flour and feed manufacturers with their raw material needs.

Since then, Basis Commodities has grown into a successful global agricultural commodity consultancy business with a team of experienced professionals located between offices in Sydney, Dubai and Singapore.

Our reach extends across the globe, connecting a network of trusted associates in Europe, North and South America and Asia.

Meet the Team

Our team is made up of industry professionals with over 100 years cumulative experience in agricultural commodities across grain trading, supply chain management, contract execution and finance.

Chris Whitwell

Managing Director

Chris founded Basis Commodities in 2014 after more than 28 years’ experience in developing and managing teams for a number of major commodity companies including GrainCorp, AWB & Sucden across Asia / Oceania, the Middle East, Europe & Africa.
Button
Steven Foote

Finance & Operations Manager

Steven’s previous roles encompass commodity trading, foreign exchange, banking, shipping, logistics, contract, documentation and operations. Prior to joining Basis in February 2019, Steven held General Manager and Leadership roles with Agricultural businesses as well and managed the container packing and export program at GrainCorp.
Button
Glenn Gibbons

General Manager - Asia

Glenn Gibbons has over 30 years’ experience in the grain industry with AWB (Australian Wheat Board), Bogasari Flour Mills and GrainCorp. At AWB he performed various roles, including management, in grower liaison, logistics/supply chain, trading and domestic and international sales and marketing. At Bogasari Glenn was involved in the procurement of various origins of wheat for one of the largest flour milling groups globally. He opened the Singapore office for GrainCorp and was instrumental in helping to develop and build their presence in Southeast Asia. He has lived and worked in Singapore for over 18 years. He is a respected figure within the Australian and Asian grains industries with many trusted relationships and connections.
Button
Musab Jafar

Operations Manager - Dubai

With a strong background in operations and business analysis, Musab brings 12 years of valuable experience to the Basis Commodities team. Joining the team from Dal Foods, his expertise lies in optimising efficiency, streamlining processes, and driving business growth. Throughout his career, Musab has consistently delivered results by implementing process improvements and cost-saving initiatives, while fostering a culture of continuous improvement. With a strategic vision, analytical mindset, and strong leadership abilities, Musab is poised to drive operational excellence and enhance customer satisfaction at Basis Commodities.
Button
Clive Newstead

Ocean Freight consultant

Clive has a broad range of commercial shipping experience covering tankers to dry cargo via shipping finance and journalism. He has spent nearly 30 years navigating global shipping markets as both a Principal and Shipbroker with his most recent role being Partner and Director at MR Shipping in Melbourne. This involved a key focus on the Panamax to Handysize freight sector in the East of Suez/Middle East and Pacific areas.
Button

Our History

Basis Commodities was founded in 2014 to assist Food & Animal Feed manufacturers with their soft commodity procurement needs.

Since then, we have grown into a successful agricultural commodity business with offices in Sydney, Dubai and Singapore.

2023

Basis Commodities expands Dubai operation and opens an office in Singapore.

Glenn Gibbons, General Manager - Asia, and Musab Jafar -Operations Manager Dubai join the business.

2022

Nader Hassan joins Basis Commodities as General Manager of Basis Commodities Consulting DMCC in Dubai

2021

Basis Commodities assists in the export of over 180KMT wheat to Saudi Arabia from Australian Ports.

2019

Steven Foote joins as Finance Manager. Basis Commodities sources feed barley from UK and soybeans and wheat from the US.

2018

Basis Commodities makes first fodder sales to the Middle East.

2017

Basis Commodities completes first container trade and charters first bulk vessels for clients. Elias Azar becomes GM of Basis Commodities in Dubai.

2015

Basis Commodities opens Dubai office. Basis Commodities organises their first feed barley cargo from Australia.

2014

Basis Commodities founded by Chris Whitwell in March 2014.

Trade Partners and Suppliers

Our team is made up of industry professionals with over 60 years cumulative experience in agricultural commodities across grain trading, supply chain management, contract execution and finance.

Partners and Agency

Rochford

Basis Commodities' joint venture with Rochford provides our clients with access to advice on cash flow, funding, FX hedging, profitability and transaction cost modelling and the accounting treatment of hedging programs to reducing profit and loss volatility.
Button
Balco Australia

Balco is redefining the Oaten Hay Industry. The Balco quality and procurement team work hand in hand with growers to set the benchmark in quality standards across the industry.
Button
HMD Insurance

HMD is a principal-owned insurance and risk adviser, committed to building long-term partnerships and delivering perpetual value to our clients.
Button
MR Shipping

MR Shipping was established in 2010 in Melbourne, Australia. The company offers shipbroking services in the dry cargo market from Handy to Panamax sizes.
Button