DOUGH HANDLING


SUPPLY CHAIN COLLABORATION


supply chain FRIEND


Make your


Suzanne Callander reports on how the views about supply chain management are changing as they are increasingly being utilised in a more strategic way, to help ensure compliance, sustainability and to foster closer partnerships.


H argues


istorically, supply chains have been seen as cost. More recently, they are emerging as the new currency


of advantage for


competitive bakeries


that view their supply


chains as enablers of growth and innovation. “Sourcing is no longer just about securing materials at the lowest price; it’s about creating resilience, anticipating market demands, and fostering deep, sustainable relationships with suppliers,” says Gareth Clark, Sales Director at ACI Group. “Adopting agile sourcing practices, prioritising long-term supplier


and sustainability. It’s clear to me that the


businesses poised for success are those that view supply chain management as a tactical function and a strategic lever. These companies will unlock the full potential of their supply chains, transforming challenges into opportunities for growth, innovation, and long-term success.”


Building strong relationships partnerships,


and driving operational efficiency can transform supply chains into growth, profitability, and market differentiation engines.” This is particularly crucial in sectors, such as in bakery manufacture, where ingredients sourcing can be complex and often unpredictable. Gareth


that traditional sourcing


models cannot meet the evolving demands of today’s market. “Supply chains are no longer a simple sequence of transactions, as the name suggests. They are more like webs – intricate, interconnected systems influenced by any number of external factors,” he says. “The future of ingredient sourcing hinges on forging strong, strategic partnerships with suppliers who align with your own commitment to quality


Sourcing is no longer just about securing materials at the lowest price; it’s about creating resilience, anticipating


market demands, and fostering deep, sustainable relationships with suppliers”


28 Kennedy’s Bakery Production December/January 2024/25 bakeryproduction.co.uk


Continuing on the theme of collaboration in supply chains, Tomas Novotny, Sustainability Expert at Sedex – a technology company that specialises in data, insights and professional services for supply chain sustainability – believes that building strong relationships with suppliers is essential for maintaining visibility and improving sustainable practices across the supply chain. “Collaborative efforts with suppliers can lead to more effective communication, quicker resolution of issues,


innovations that benefit everyone, and shared best practices,” he says. “Sedex can facilitate collaboration by enabling seamless information sharing. Our centralised data platform and tools allow users to set clear expectations, monitor compliance, build capacity and work alongside suppliers on sustainability initiatives.” Tomas went on to highlight that sustainability and ethics are no longer just buzzwords – they have become critical components of a modern supply chain. “Consumers and stakeholders expect businesses to source materials and products responsibly, with a focus on environmental sustainability and fair labour practices. More sustainable sourcing practices also support wider business benefits, such as energy efficiency, with associated cost savings, and operational resilience through strong supplier partnerships.” Maurizio Capuzzo,


Chief Marketing


your


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36