DAI, SIPPO, and Promise II Impact Project Host Virtual Buyer Mission to Empower Indonesian Essential Oil Exporters

DAI selected 23 high-qualified exporters from across Indonesia to join buyer mission. The selection was made based on seven key criteria, including production capacity, export volume, export experience, legality for export, certification for export, documentation, and preferable certification (such as SEDEX, REACH, Kosher, and Halal). Two of exporters selected were supported by the Promise II Impact project in Aceh provinces. These two exporters have implemented traceability system for patchouli, to ensure the sourcing of the products, which highly required by the European buyers.

As a preparation to the mission, DAI in collaboration with SIPPO and Promise II Impact held a two-days training session on how to effectively engage with European buyers, which covers topics on the importance of documentation, clear communication, and strategy to identify potential buyers through online platforms. This event successfully built exporter’s readiness and confidence in dealing with buyers during the B2B matchmaking program.

Furthermore, after several years of intense capacity building with DAI, this year, they have strengthened skills and roles in buyers engagement. As a results, two international buyers from UK and the Netherlands) and two national influential buyers in Indonesia attended the buyer mission. The President of European Federation of Essential Oil (EFEO) also joined as a speaker in this event where all participants were able to gain valuable insights into EU regulations, sustainability trends, and global market dynamics from EFEO’s presentation.

“We thank SIPPO and Promise II Impact project for this collaboration and support. This event is important for us to increase the export numbers of essential oils from Indonesia, and also to give more opportunities for all actors in this industry to learn on marketing the products to the buyers directly” said by Mr. Suprapto from DAI during the closing of the event.

While this event has been successful, SIPPO noted that better preparation of the program is needed. “SIPPO highly appreciates the collaboration with DAI and Promise II Impact project – as a SECO funded program. We are very happy to see DAI leadership throughout the process. This was a very good learning experience for all of us, and it helps us to develop a strategy to ensure the future matchmakings will be more effective and impactful”, said Andina Auria Dwiputri, SIPPO Export Promotion Manager Indonesia.