Improved FX hedging services for a complex European supply chain

See how FX hedging services and instant payments helped a UK manufacturer reduce currency risk, protect margins, and pay European suppliers faster and reliably.

Success at a glance

Fresh-produce manufacturing

Challenge

Payment delays and inflexible currency risk management.

Solution

Dedicated FX strategy support and SEPA instant payments.

Results

Same day payments keep suppliers happy, and a rolling hedging strategy helps improve margin forecasts.

The Challenge

Tackling currency exposure and payment cutoffs

In the fresh produce industry timing, pricing, and quality are critical to success. For the past six years Convera has helped a UK-based manufacturer thrive in this competitive market.

Operating within a complex European supply chain, the client sources key ingredients from suppliers across the eurozone, including Spain and the Netherlands. The business manages weekly payment runs ranging from €100,000–€200,000 in the off-season and rising to €300,000–€400,000 during peak months.

At this scale, even minor fluctuations in the GBP/EUR exchange rate can materially impact input costs, margin forecasts, and cash flow predictability.

Prior to working with Convera, the business used forward contracts and vanilla options to help manage foreign exchange exposure, but lacked the proactive support needed to continuously refine its strategy in response to market movements.

Operationally, the business also faced inefficiencies in its payment processes. Weekly payment runs were scheduled on Fridays using ACH transfers, which carried an early cutoff time. This increased the risk of delayed supplier payments if deadlines were missed, potentially affecting supplier relationships and operational continuity.

The Solution

Aligning tailored FX strategies with instant payments

Convera worked closely with the manufacturer to deliver an integrated approach that aligned FX strategies with operational workflows. Key elements of the solution included:

  • A consultative FX strategy that combines structured and enhanced options, tailored to the company’s risk appetite and budget rate targets.
  • Implementation of a rolling hedge program, enabling the business to layer positions and adapt dynamically to changing market conditions.
  • Proactive account management, with ongoing monitoring and timely restructuring of trades when market conditions shift.
  • Migration of cross-border payments to the SEPA Instant network, ensuring same-day euro delivery.


The Results

From volatility to visibility: Operational confidence across Europe

Working with Convera, the manufacturer has achieved meaningful improvements across its financial operations and supplier relationships.

By implementing a rolling hedge strategy supported by advanced FX solutions, the business has consistently maintained its budget rate, helping to stabilize input costs and margins even during periods of GBP/EUR volatility.

At the same time, the shift to SEPA Instant payments has transformed how the company pays its European suppliers. Payments that once faced timing constraints now arrive within minutes, ensuring reliability every Friday and reinforcing trust across the supply chain.

With Convera managing both FX execution and weekly payment runs, the manufacturer has reduced internal workload and gained greater visibility over its currency strategy. This combination of efficiency and confidence has supported broader growth, enabling the business to expand into year-round production and improve overall profitability.

Convera has transformed the way we manage both our payments and our FX exposure. With their support, we consistently achieve our budget rate, our suppliers are paid within minutes, and I can confidently delegate our strategy knowing it is being actively managed and optimized.”

UK based fresh-produce manufacturer

Finance Director