As the EU imposes an oil embargo on Iran and the screws tighten on neighbouring Syria, foreign companies doing business with the affected countries are scrambling to stay on the right side of the law while hedging against their losses. 

Olam International – a Singaporean agricultural products and food ingredients company – is reaping the rewards of its global expansion, which has largely focused on Asia and Africa. But while it has recently revised upwards its long-term net profit forecast, food price volatility, poor weather and its large debts are potential hazards in the horizon.