Grains fundamentals: Focus turning to new crop outlook

Matt joined Kpler’s Insight Team in January 2025 as a Grains & Oilseeds Analyst, based in London. Prior to Kpler, Matt was a Cereals & Oilseeds Analyst at the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), conducting both domestic (UK) and global analysis of the respective grains and oilseeds markets. Before becoming an analyst at AHDB, Matt acquired a Masters of Science in Agricultural Economics at the University of Reading. At Kpler, Matt contributes to the Insight reports and conducts supply and demand analysis to support on the grain balance sheets.

Ishan joined Kpler’s dry bulk and Insights teams in October 2023. Based in Dubai, he has over 12 years of experience with global grains markets research and trading. Ishan is building an understanding of agricultural markets and trade within Kpler, to add to and support its dry bulk data offering. He is also building analytical tools and balance sheets for major ags like wheat, corn, soybeans and barley, with focus on developing all the support required for trade decision-making by Kpler clients. Ishan has worked as Head of Research at Invivo and as Associate Trader at Olam International. He founded Integrated Research Dubai and was a consultant for major trading houses across the globe, before joining Kpler.

Julia leads the Americas efforts for the Agricultural & Dry Bulk Commodities unit of Kpler. She holds a B.S. in Physical Oceanography from University of California, Santa Barbara and previously worked as a Senior Maritime Analyst focusing on driving sustainability and efficiency in the maritime industry through voyage optimization. As a Market Data Analyst, she closely monitors Kpler’s granular data on vessel movements, trade activity, and macro flows in Grains and Oilseeds, Fertilizers, Forest Products, and other Dry Minor Bulks.

Rebecca Gerdes is a Product Manager and Analyst at Kpler, focusing on the company’s container shipping data offering. She was trained at Hapag-Lloyd and worked in the Trade Management department, where she was involved in shaping and operating services to serve the needs of global trade. She holds a Master’s degree in Digital Logistics and now works on improving visibility in container logistics by developing data tools that serve a broad range of stakeholders with independent, accessible insights.