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 [...]

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 [...]

Transformational Retail

In an exclusive interview with the London Times (17 June 2011), Kishore Biyani, the founder of the Future Group (India’s largest retailer with more than 1,000 stores in 83 Indian cities), highlighted the problems facing International Retailers such as Tesco entering the Indian market: “They won’t be able to find spaces and they will find [...]

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 [...]

Transforming the eco-system of logistics

Ever since 2006 on India’s National Day, the 26th January, the Future Group’s Big Bazaar superstores hold the Big Sale – Sabe Saste Din – and thousands of items are priced, in the words of one advert, as “cashews for peanuts”. This year the sale lasts for a few days but the first year saw [...]

Key distribution issues in emerging markets – Updated

Channel strategy – companies must map out a clear channel strategy and identify which channel the selected distributor will service. A poorly defined channel strategy can severely damage any distributor roll-out. It is critical that companies understand how channels function and operate. One size does not fit all. Selection criteria – companies need to understand [...]

Transforming the Indian leather industry

Robert Bell writes: Years ago I worked in a company called Irish Leathers in a place called Carrick-on-Suir in Ireland. I followed the process through from the livestock in the surrounding fields; the slaughter house; raw skin collection and then, the production of wet blue hides before the finishing process began. The colouring and plate [...]

Video: Growing up- Vietnam Consumers

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