Procurement

Valentine's Day: When cacao isn't just another commodity

Sourcing enough chocolate to keep up with Valentine's Day demand is a vastly different experience depending on the maker, and the chocolate.

By Deborah Abrams Kaplan • Feb. 14, 2019
Retail imports strong ahead of possible tariff hikes

Talks began in December to resolve the U.S. trade dispute with China, but retailers have been preparing for higher costs on imports since last year, according to the National Retail Federation.

By Gary Wollenhaupt • Feb. 13, 2019
How companies overspend millions on IT procurement

If a company doesn't know what it already has, it's easy to buy the same thing again — and again, and again.

By Jen A. Miller • Feb. 12, 2019
Cargill commits to sustainably sourced seaweed

Through the Red Seaweed Promise, the company will work with producers on "improving production and harvest practices."

By Matt Leonard • Feb. 08, 2019
Tariff hike delay has helped out ag shippers, but not for long

Though a stay of tariff increases got soybeans moving again, the looming March 1 deadline for another tariff hike means traders and farmers are still in uncertain terrain.

By Emma Cosgrove • Feb. 08, 2019
Supplier cyber risk concerns auto industry

In a new study, 73% of respondents expressed concern about the cybersecurity of third-party providers.

By Barry Hochfelder • Feb. 07, 2019
How Bulletproof brews a transparent coffee supply chain

For wellness brand Bulletproof, the promise of superhuman health has to be backed up by a relentless sourcing strategy.

By Emma Cosgrove • Feb. 06, 2019
Unilever discloses tea suppliers amid consumer pressure

Shoppers may not have the clout or leverage of those spending millions of dollars in the supply chain, but consumer supported organizations like Freedom United prove their influence by increasing transparency in the tea supply chain.

By Rich Weissman • Feb. 06, 2019
Walmart, Target, 100+ others saved $19.3B through sustainability

Procurement managers of major corporations can exert influence upstream to meet climate goals, but engaging with suppliers remains fairly uncommon.

By Emma Cosgrove • Feb. 06, 2019
UK to offer simplified customs in case of 'no-deal' Brexit

The changes are meant to alleviate some of the headaches in the supply chain causing concern among U.K. importers.

By Matt Leonard • Feb. 06, 2019
UK manufacturers stockpile resources ahead of Brexit

Trends such as low output and manufacturing job cuts in January show worrying signs for U.K. manufacturing.

By Matt Leonard • Feb. 05, 2019
Trump executive order extends Buy American policy

The directive asks federal agencies to encourage contractors on infrastructure projects to buy iron, aluminum, steel, cement and other goods domestically.

By Kim Slowey • Feb. 05, 2019
Trade risks drive companies to stockpile inventory — is it a risky move?

Building inventory helps to ensure supply, but brings added risk and cost that could cause just as much harm as the trade shifts they are meant to avoid.

By Deborah Abrams Kaplan • Feb. 05, 2019
Procurement execs see 'inertia,' legacy systems as roadblocks: survey

The role of the CPO has transformed from cost control to a strategic business partner in unlocking value across the organization through digital transformation.

By Gary Wollenhaupt • Jan. 31, 2019
J.Crew Group selects sustainable denim supplier. Is it a natural fit?

Apparel retailers are increasingly proactive in pursuing sustainable sourcing, but social pressures and outright crisis still play a hand in redirecting the industry.

By Andy Burt • Jan. 31, 2019
Boeing prepares its supply chain to hit new production record

Even though the manufacturer delivered a record 69 737s in December, the CEO emphasized its supply chain is still not running at 100%.

By Emma Cosgrove • Jan. 31, 2019
Tariffs to cost Harley-Davidson more than $100M this year

Executives on an earnings call proceeded under the assumption the 10% tariff on $200 billion worth of Chinese goods will increase to 25%.

By Emma Cosgrove • Jan. 30, 2019
Investors demand McDonald's, Chipotle de-risk meat supply chains

The coalition of investors, which represent $6.5 trillion in managed assets, also sent letters to Domino’s Pizza, Wendy's, and the owners of Burger King, KFC and Pizza Hut.

By Emma Cosgrove • Jan. 29, 2019
Column
Breaking up with suppliers is easier than you think

Buyers may let emotion get in the way of the right business decision, agonizing over misplaced feelings of betrayal and disloyalty to a supplier community that often defines relationships a bit differently.

By Rich Weissman • Jan. 28, 2019
Amazon pushes for more companies to create exclusive brands

After finding it was too expensive to develop exclusive brands independently, the retail giant started pushing established food and beverage manufacturers to take on the R&D work.

By Nina Sparling • Jan. 28, 2019
Hershey sharpens focus on deforestation in cocoa supply chain

The company's efforts are part of a $500 million commitment to cocoa supply chain sustainability announced last year.

By Emma Cosgrove • Jan. 25, 2019
UPS, Delta and Walmart share tactics for combating human trafficking

Executives spoke at the relaunch of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Task Force to Eradicate Human Trafficking.

By Matt Leonard • Jan. 24, 2019
A trade deal with China is 'miles and miles' away, Commerce secretary says

Wilbur Ross said it shouldn't be surprising a deal hasn't yet taken shape since "trade is very complicated."

By Emma Cosgrove • Jan. 24, 2019
How product recalls spread through the supply chain

Traceability and inventory planning can help supply chain managers weather the storm of a recall.

By Barry Hochfelder • Jan. 22, 2019
What's the buzz about global warming affecting world coffee supply?

Even as companies like Nestlé and Smucker invest in their supply chains, a new report shows climate change could make many species of the bean extinct.

By Jessi Devenyns • Jan. 18, 2019