1. What did you learn about Grainli’s role in the pet food value chain?
We learned how crucial Grainli® is as a connector between raw-material suppliers and global pet food producers. Grainli plays a key role in ensuring reliable sourcing, consistent quality, and transparent communication across the entire value chain—linking producers in Europe with markets in Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. Through its focus on quality checks, sustainability, and secure supply, Grainli ensures that manufacturers receive safe, high-quality ingredients. This showed us how essential a strong ingredient partner is for creating safe, nutritious, and trustworthy pet food products.
2. Which topics or trends in pet nutrition stood out to you during your time here?
We noticed several key trends shaping pet nutrition. The rising demand for high-quality, traceable animal proteins really stood out to us, as did the growing focus on sustainability, plant-based options, and alternative proteins. Functional ingredients and nutrition are becoming increasingly important, driven by pet owners who expect more human-grade quality, natural ingredients, and clear transparency. It became clear how quickly the industry is evolving – and how essential it is to stay ahead of regulatory, sourcing, and consumer trends.
3. Were there any specific projects you worked on that had an impact on your development?
Each one of us worked on several projects that had a significant impact on our professional development. On one hand, conducting market analyses and supply–demand assessments for key animal protein products strengthened our commercial thinking and gave us a deeper understanding of how global markets move – and how trading decisions are made in real time.
At the same time, our work on Lamb Meal production and the identification of potential suppliers in Australia was especially impactful. Navigating strict regulations, understanding production limitations, and speaking directly with suppliers in Australia and New Zealand gave us valuable insight into the complexities of exporting this product to the EU. This experience sharpened our communication skills and expanded our knowledge of international sourcing.
In addition to this, we explored various niche ingredients within the pet food market, which involved connecting with suppliers worldwide. This broadened our industry perspective and further strengthened our confidence in handling global sourcing challenges.
4. What new knowledge or skills did you gain in the areas of raw materials, quality assurance, or product development?
We gained a great deal of new knowledge and skills in the areas of raw materials, quality assurance, and product development. Since we had not worked with pet food ingredients before, almost everything was new—from the wide diversity of products to the very specific requirements different clients have. Compared to our previous experience with larger-volume commodities, the variety of pet food ingredients and their individual quality criteria presented a steep but valuable learning curve.
Throughout the year, we developed a strong understanding of raw material specifications, key quality requirements, and what truly matters for pet food manufacturers. We also learned how to evaluate suppliers, assess risks, and understand the technical side of ingredients—from processing methods to sustainability factors. While we know it takes years to master all of this, we’re proud of how much we pushed ourselves and of the solid foundation we built in understanding pet food raw materials and quality assurance.
5.How did you experience working with customers or partners from the industry?
We found working with customers and partners from the industry incredibly insightful. It showed us how diverse manufacturers’ needs can be and reinforced the importance of clear communication, reliability, and trust in building long-term partnerships.
While language differences occasionally made communication challenging—especially during calls—these moments helped us improve our communication skills and adapt to different working styles. Overall, engaging with customers and suppliers was truly a highlight. Everyone was open, professional, and willing to share their knowledge, which made the experience both motivating and enriching.
6. What professional lessons or insights will you take with you into your future career?
We learned that global supply chains rely heavily on strong relationships, accurate information, and fast, well-informed decision-making. Our experience also highlighted the value of cross-functional collaboration, attention to detail, and proactive communication—especially when balancing quality, cost, and supply security.
These lessons taught us to approach challenges analytically and to consider both technical and commercial perspectives in our decisions. We’ll also take with us the importance of staying curious, taking initiative, and having the confidence to tackle new challenges in our future careers.
7. What was your best experience while working at Grainli?
Our best experiences at Grainli were a mix of learning, industry exposure, and the inspiring team spirit we encountered every day. We especially valued the opportunity to learn from the international trading team and to travel to meet customers and suppliers—it made our work both meaningful and exciting.
Attending industry events such as the Logistics Fair in Munich and the Anuga Fair in Cologne were major highlights as well. These fairs gave us the chance to connect with transport partners, gain broader industry insights, and see firsthand how the pet food and logistics sectors operate.
And of course, every team event stood out. They were always fun, motivating, and a great way to connect with colleagues outside the office. Overall, we were able to experience so much during our time at Grainli, and we truly appreciated every opportunity we were given.
8. What professional lessons or insights will you take with you from your time at Grainli into your future career?
We learned that global supply chains rely on strong relationships, accurate information, and fast, well-informed decision-making. Our time at Grainli also showed us the importance of cross-functional collaboration, attention to detail, and proactive communication—especially when balancing quality, cost, and supply security.
These experiences taught us to approach challenges analytically and to consider both technical and commercial perspectives. Above all, we’ll take with us the value of staying curious, taking initiative, and having the confidence to step into new challenges in our future careers.
9. How did you find working in an international team?
Working in an international team was a very rewarding experience, even though it came with some challenges. As non-native German speakers, there were moments when speaking German would have made certain tasks or conversations with colleagues, clients, or suppliers easier. However, the supportive team environment helped us navigate these situations and learn quickly.
Overall, working in such an international setting was truly inspiring. It pushed us to think differently, communicate more clearly, and appreciate diverse perspectives—experiences that significantly contributed to our personal and professional growth.
10. What will you miss most about Hamburg and Grainli?
What we will miss most about Hamburg and Grainli is the people—the team atmosphere, the constant support, and the friendships we built throughout the year. The Grainli team was truly wonderful to work with, and we are very grateful for how supported we felt, especially while living so far from home and navigating daily life in a new language.
We’ll also miss Hamburg itself: the beautiful lake, the neighborhood we lived in, and the city’s great food, culture, and easy access to the rest of Europe. It quickly became a home away from home for us, making this experience even more special.
We as Grainli are very thankful for Islay & Eliza and wish them all the best for their future.
