Supply chain impact – Some key challenges in Africa

With low projected growth in the US and EU, and the realization that the BRIC countries won’t be able to do it all on their own, there is renewed interested in Africa. It is a continent with enormous potential with some of the fastest growing economies on the planet. However, for any company new to [...]

Micro distribution in emerging markets– key issues to consider

There is increased interest in micro distributors and the potential they hold within an inclusive business model. Well documented micro distribution models include the Coca-Cola MDC (Micro-distribution centre) in Africa and Unilever’s Shakti model in India. Micro distributors can be found in emerging markets where markets are fragmented and modern trade (e.g. Walmart, Tesco) is [...]

Humanitarian Logistics and the Transformational Agenda after an Emergency

There is more to any Humanitarian disaster than an immediate RESPONSE. It is not earthquakes that kill people – it is buildings; and so, many countries make themselves more RESILIENT to disaster ensuring that building standards can withstand geo-meterological threats and, that logistics procedures are in place to deal with worst case scenarios and facilitate [...]

CIVETS and the transformational agenda

Mature markets are struggling and emerging and developing markets are becoming increasingly attractive to companies and investors looking for growth. Put this in perspective. Despite a 25% depreciation in sterling since 2007, only 4% of UK Exports go to the so called BRICs combined – this is less than the UK exports to Sweden! The [...]

Pics – Madagascar market visit

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South Sudan – questions to ask prior to entry

South Sudan – questions to ask prior to entry I recently visited South Sudan as part of a Public Private Partnership project. For any private partnership, alliance or investment, entering an unknown country with limited or no experience can be a daunting undertaking. For example, in South Sudan the infrastructure is weak and there are [...]

Simalarities and differences between consumer beverages and medicine supply chains

There is increased interest in the similarities and differences between consumer beverages (e.g. Coca-Cola) and medicine supply chains. There are are number of initiatives under way, specifically from a Public Private Partnership perspective. There is a lot to learn from the Coca-Cola system. However,  it is also important to take into consideration some of the [...]

Reasons distributors in emerging markets fail

Implementing a 3rd party distribution system in emerging markets can be a challenging undertaking.  Below are a number reasons why distributors in emerging markets fail, and warning sign to look for. Financial management – A few years back we ran a project in for a consumer packaged goods company in Sri Lanka. During our assessments [...]

Voltic success story – decentralized bottling in Ghana

In the early 2000s, Voltic Ghana’s leading bottled water producer faced a common problem encountered by many beverage companies in emerging markets. How to sell water to the bottom of the pyramid (BoP) with hundreds of informal vendors already selling sachets at cut throat prices? The BoP water market held significant potential, but with low [...]

Evolving Supplier Relationship Management (SRM)

Managing supplier relationships used to be a zero sum game. Most companies focused on short terms goals where price was the main focus. Bullying suppliers were commonplace in some organizations. Employees took great pride in “facing down suppliers” and relationships were viewed on “how much money we will make”. However, with the increase in outsourcing [...]

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