wherEX tendering platform transacting more than 400 billion in inputs and services in the aquaculture industry

The implementation of a bidding platform in the aquaculture industry has enabled more efficient process management for companies in this sector. Improved performance and increased productivity are some of the benefits provided by wherEX to these companies. This translates into more sustainable growth for the industry.

What happens when this digital transformation is incorporated into business-to-business marketing? Historically, procurement of industrial products and services has been done through the familiar 3-bid-only format. These are generally known suppliers, which limits access to new bidders. In addition, it is almost always the same awarding companies.

In addition to the above, this has sometimes brought some problems in terms of opportunities and transparency in the processes, among other ailments that have harmed many companies.

The digital service wherEX has provided a solution to this problem. This B2B bidding platform is based on artificial intelligence and big data. The project was created so that companies in this sector, as well as others, can quote or bid for all types of products and services through open, efficient, traceable and transparent processes. It also seeks to provide new business opportunities and access to more buyers.

Initially, this procurement portal was created to provide a solution to the salmon industry, but later it was opened to various sectors such as airlines, mining companies, food companies, manufacturing companies, among others.

The co-founder of wherEX, Felipe Manterola, indicated that "the aquaculture industry is very present in wherEX. This industry was part of the beginning of our company. 25% of the companies that currently use our bidding platform correspond to this sector. At the same time, we have more than 11 thousand suppliers. Most of them are small and medium-sized companies that benefit enormously from accessing the tenders of large companies".

wherEX figures and achievements

To date, more than 400 billion in inputs and services have been transacted through this platform. This year, more than 250 billion is expected to be traded. An important part of the aquaculture industry value chain will be traded on the wherEX bidding platform.

Likewise, in the last three years, the number of requests has increased by 214% and the number of suppliers bidding has increased by 214%.

In relation to the most traded categories in the aquaculture and fishing sector, services are the most demanded. Corporate services and those focused on maintenance, installation or fabrication are mainly sought after. Tenders related to fish transport, anchoring and diving are also in demand. This is followed by supplies for nets, pontoons and materials for proper operation.

Finally, it should be noted that as part of wherEX's sustainability policy, two seals were launched for suppliers. One of these is the SME Seal, whose objective is to identify suppliers that are small and medium-sized companies. The second is the Local Seal, which seeks to identify those suppliers that are from the same region as the buyers. In this way, companies can know the real contribution they are making by choosing local products and services.