SSGA member profile: Curt Petrich of HC International, Inc.

When looking at what HC International, Inc. (HCI) all entails, you first have to look behind the scenes at who made the company what it is today. One contributor has been Curt Petrich, one of the founders and owners of HCI, who is also currently serving as the chairman for the Specialty Soya and Grains Alliance (SSGA).

HCI was founded in 1999 and specializes in agricultural products, ingredients and consumer packages products. They produce non-GMO and organic soybeans that primarily get made into natto, sprout, soy milk and tofu. To a smaller degree, they also fall into the miso category.

“When it comes to making our products, HCI is deliberate in the process, ensuring we create a quality product,” he says. “We listen to our customer’s needs and wants, which sometimes requires additional segregation and sampling at the grower level, setting us apart from many of the competitors. HCI also offers market updates that give an unbiased opinion of the market situation, helping the customer understand opportunities and risks within the supply chain.”

When SSGA first formed Jan. 2019, HCI became a member because of what they could offer.

“SSGA is committed to focusing on the priorities, opportunities and challenges in the IP soy and grain business,” Petrich says. “SSGA is a strong voice for policies and programs that will positively affect our member companies. SSGA is and will be the organization that will listen to the industry, address our concerns and be upfront and transparent on what can be done. I think although we are a small organization, we will be quite influential and powerful for the IP industry.”

Curt Petrich adds that SSGA has such a solid foundation due to the strong leadership it has been under since being formed.

“We have already witnessed many accomplishments and strides since the formation of SSGA,” Petrich says. “The future looks bright under our new leadership and staff.”