
Meet FWD’s latest new members
We spoke with Spencer Wicks, CEO of Expana (pictured), and Alex Koumpas, co-founder of Orderit, to find out what they have to offer the wholesale sector
SPENCER WICKS, CEO, EXPANA
WN: Tell us about you…
Expana is a global information provider, delivering pricing data on more than 800 commodities across both food and industrial sectors, helping wholesalers secure better prices for raw materials.
Our easy-to-use platform, which is trusted by thousands of companies, provides you with exclusive access to the world’s largest pricing database, along with forecasts, analysis, supply and demand insights, news, cost modelling, weather information and much more.
We don’t just provide data; we deliver the specific intelligence wholesalers need. Our platform covers 28,000 raw material prices, from proteins, grains and dairy to packaging and energy, giving you the tools to stay competitive and make smarter decisions in today’s market.
WN: Why do wholesalers need this?
Wholesalers need accurate, up-to-date market information to make informed decisions. Whether you’re aiming to sell your commodities at a higher price or secure raw materials at a better rate, Expana helps you achieve those goals and boost profitability through data-driven insights.
Our platform tracks price changes and input costs, giving wholesalers full visibility into their spending. With customizable dashboards and access to thousands of news stories and data points in a searchable archive, Expana puts all the essential information at your fingertips. Global wholesalers trust Expana to help them negotiate better deals and protect profit margins, keeping them competitive in today’s fast-moving market.
WN: My one piece of advice for wholesalers is…
The advice I always offer wholesalers is the importance of having access to reliable and comprehensive pricing information. In a rapidly changing market, staying informed about price fluctuations and supply chain dynamics is crucial. With accurate data, wholesalers can make informed decisions that help them stay competitive and at Expana, we provide the kind of trusted, actionable insights that thousands of companies rely on to navigate the complexities of the wholesale market.
Our platform offers detailed pricing data across a broad range of commodities, enabling wholesalers to negotiate better, manage risk and optimize their strategies. In today’s fast-paced environment, having this kind of dependable information is no longer optional – it’s essential.
ALEX KOUMPAS, CO-FOUNDER, ORDERIT
WN: Tell us about you…
Orderit provides a gamechanging AI-powered solution for wholesalers and distributors that streamlines their ordering processes, reducing the reliance on large operational teams. Our tools improve efficiency, minimise errors and help wholesalers save costs while adapting to market changes. By automating key processes, we enable businesses to respond proactively to customer demands, boosting overall productivity and profitability.
Orderit AI is a web-based app that converts all customer inquiries into ERP-ready orders, no matter how they’re submitted. Even if an order is handwritten and photographed or sent via voice note, we seamlessly translate it into an ERP order. This tool helps wholesalers adapt to any client request, allowing them to scale their business without needing to expand their operations team.
WN: What do wholesalers need to know about your offer?
Orderit AI integrates seamlessly with existing systems, making it effortless for wholesalers of any size to adopt our solutions. Our AI tools continuously learn and improve on every interaction, delivering enhanced accuracy and efficiency as your business grows.
Additionally, we provide 24/7 support to ensure smooth integration and help you achieve long-term success, allowing you to focus on what matters most: serving your customers.
WN: My one piece of advice for wholesalers is…
Embrace automation if you want to stay ahead. Manual processes such as order entry can lead to errors and waste valuable time, especially as demand grows. By leveraging tools such as Orderit AI you can automate order processing, you can reduce manual entry time by 90%, eliminate costly mistakes and process 3x more orders without needing to add staff.
The right tech will help you scale faster, ensure flawless fulfilment and keep your customers happy in a competitive market.
AI Alex Kompas data Expana FWD members Orderit Spencer Wicks