It was a case of ‘Back to Basics’ at The Consumer Goods Forum Supply Chain Conference 2010 at the Palace Hotel, Berlin this week, with speakers from across the grocery, logistics and business world addressing some of the ways in which simple measures can help optimise supply chains and lead to a leaner, greener industry.
ESM was there too, and a full report will follow in the next edition of ESM. Among the highlights of the two day conference were: Peter van Kralingen of Albert Heijn, explaining how his business is now the conductor of the supply chain process from start to finish; perfect for a retailer in which nine out of ten of the most sold articles are fresh products. Thomas Paroubek of Migros outlined the benefits of multimodal transport (the Swiss retailer uses 50% rail and 50% truck transport), and how his team was able to cut logistics costs by €40 million a year.
Mirko Warschun of AT Kearney in Germany outlined the challenges and complexities for retailers hoping to emulate the discounter supply chain model, while Nigel Bagley of Unilever told the audience how trends such as increaser urbanisation are leading to a demand for changes in packaging, types of products available, and the need to address e-customers.
This event highlighted the many complexities in the rapidly changing logistics environment but also clearly outlined the savings, both in terms of money and the environment, that are possible through optimised supply chain processes. Congratulations again to The Consumer Goods Forum, and a full report will follow in the next ESM. (15 Oct)© 2010 - ESM: European Supermarket Magazine