Optimum company size

Sustainable international business: a model for the future

In order to be able to enjoy international products in a sustainable way in our latitudes, we need Economic practices that are based on solidarity and community support. The focus is on developing an international economy that is sustainable from an economic, social and ecological perspective.

When scaled to individual companies, this means that they should pursue a business model that offers a Healthy and sensible size in order to sustainably, i.e. permanently, support the necessary structures. In this case, growth is not the goal, but merely the purpose of achieving the optimum company size. Once this has been achieved, it is important for the company to stabilise itself economically, without further growth, and to take its expertise out into the world.

The growth of a tree as a metaphor

If we observe the growth of a tree, it first grows in quantity. It does this until it has reached a height at which it receives sufficient sunlight. It does not continue to grow indefinitely into the sky and towers above all life on earth. No, it is now developing its quality. It is growing larger in its crown, can purify more air and release fresh oxygen. Its root system becomes finer and brings more nutrients into the soil, which is greatly appreciated by microorganisms. The tree binds more carbon over the years as its trunk grows in circumference. After its lifetime, it contributes to the creation of humus when it decomposes.

The optimum farm size for TEIKEI Olive

In the case of TEIKEI Olive we consider an optimal operating size of 80 tonnes of olive oil per year. This corresponds to around 85 bottling campaigns, spread across Germany and Switzerland, in which 1,000 litres of olive oil are distributed to the local community.

On the Greek side, this means a community of approximately 15 small farmerswhich produce between 4 and 6 tonnes of olive oil per year. This quantity finances their annual requirements and also creates financial security for the families involved.

View of the optimum size for TEIKEI Olive

Once TEIKEI Olive has reached the optimal size of 80 tonnes of olive oil per year, the focus will shift from growth to stability and quality. The company will concentrate on consolidating the existing structures and ensuring long-term sustainability for the farmers and the communities involved. Future efforts could aim to share knowledge and expertise with other regions or industries to promote regenerative agriculture and sustainable business models globally. In this way, TEIKEI Olive is helping to build resilient supply chains and inspire other companies to adopt similar practices.