Procurement

Gap, Adidas, Nike rank top 5 in Better Cotton leaderboard

The top 15 companies in BCI's rankings account for 88% of the Better Cotton sourced in 2018.
By Andy Burt • June 19, 2019
USTR hearing: 7 days of tariff testimony begin

More than 300 businesses or associations plan to provide testimony on how the proposed tranche four China tariffs would impact their businesses.
By Matt Leonard • June 17, 2019
Cargill CEO says industry will 'fall short' of 2020 goals to end deforestation

The CEO pledged $30 million to accelerate new efforts to address deforestation, beginning with the soy industry in Brazil.
By Emma Cosgrove • June 14, 2019
Column
The 4 pillars of procurement for small businesses

One doesn’t have to be a Fortune 500 company to establish strong supply chain management foundations that will contribute to future growth.
By Rich Weissman • June 13, 2019
Walmart updates supplier pricing tool to manage tariff costs

The new tool for suppliers is proof the price hikes Walmart executives predicted are not just likely, but the system designed to enable them is already in place.
By Morgan Forde • June 13, 2019
FDA taps Merck for blockchain pilot project

IBM, Walmart and KPMG will also be a part of the initiative, which aims to track medicines and ensure their integrity.
By Kristin Jensen • June 13, 2019
Ralph Lauren commits to sweeping sourcing changes in new sustainability strategy

Based on these new goals, Ralph Lauren is going to have a very different supplier base in 2025 than it does today.
By Emma Cosgrove • June 13, 2019
Beyond Meat supply chain ready for fast food volume, CEO says

After supply chain bottlenecks in 2017 and 2018, CEO Ethan Brown told analysts Friday the company has secured production capacity beyond what current forecasts require.
By Emma Cosgrove • June 12, 2019
Report: Nokia and Ericsson look to shift supply chains away from China

The two technology companies, which make 5G technology, are looking to move away from China to avoid security concerns and tariffs.
By Matt Leonard • June 11, 2019
UPS: Millennial procurement professionals more likely to buy direct from manufacturer

Millennials are increasingly taking over procurement and sourcing positions and are doing the jobs differently than their predecessors.
By Matt Leonard • June 11, 2019
Anheuser-Busch will expand work with BanQu after blockchain pilot

The technology connects Zambian farmers to a mobile platform that allows their sales to be more easily tracked, increasing supply chain visibility and creating financial records for under-banked farmers.
By Matt Leonard • June 10, 2019
Texas, Michigan would be hit hardest by Mexico tariffs

The states imported billions of dollars worth of goods from Mexico in 2018, and even the 5% tariff level would result in billions in extra cost that would have to be paid by either businesses or consumers.
By Matt Leonard • June 07, 2019
Human trafficking, slavery rife in Pacific tuna supply chains

The Business and Human Rights Centre recommended enhanced digital traceability, among other actions, to reduce risk in tuna sourcing.
By Morgan Forde • June 07, 2019
Gap commits to 100% sustainable cotton sourcing

Additionally, the apparel brand considers the entire life cycle of a garment in its sustainability accounting, as many textiles end up in the landfill.
By Emma Cosgrove • June 07, 2019
How can procurement managers get their workforce on board with emerging tech?

Many aspects of the procurement function are ripe for digitization, but emerging technologies will only succeed if employees trust the results.
By Deborah Abrams Kaplan • June 06, 2019
KFC meets with developers to explore plant-based poultry

The major hold up for companies wanting to source plant-based poultry is heavy hitters like Impossible Foods or Beyond Meat simply haven't invented it yet.
By Lauren Manning • June 06, 2019
Report: 35% of procurement execs expect trade risks to hike sourcing costs

Companies are dealing with the uncertainty surrounding trade by reviewing internal controls and procedures, forecasting prices using simulations and looking for new suppliers.
By Matt Leonard • June 06, 2019
Tariffs could raise prices up to $25 at Ugg, Calvin Klein

Apparel brands that were safe from the Trump administration's tariff increases now find themselves highly exposed to the proposed tranche four tariffs, which include apparel, leather and textiles.
By Morgan Forde • June 05, 2019
At 1-800-Flowers, IT strategy and vendor sharing decided by council

CIO Arnold Leap views individual brands as a portfolio of customers who "have a slightly different view of the world."
By Samantha Ann Schwartz • June 05, 2019
Off-price retailers emerge as rare winners in trade war

Any business that can capitalize on uncertainty is sure to fair well in the midst of a global trade war. Burlington, Ross and TJX are able to do just that.
By Emma Cosgrove • June 05, 2019
Williams-Sonoma will halve China sourcing in the next year

The retailer made 2019 forecasts anticipating a jump from 10% to 25% on list three tariffs and "unfortunately, our pessimism turned out to be true," said CFO Julie Whalen on a recent earnings call.
By Emma Cosgrove • June 04, 2019
Mexico tariffs could cost Chipotle $15M

CFO Jack Hartung told CNBC that if tariffs, which could go as high as 25%, become permanent, the restaurant would have to consider increasing menu prices.
By Julie Littman • June 03, 2019
Dollar stores prepare to pass on new tariffs to shoppers

On recent earnings calls, both retailers touted their teams' ability to mitigate list three tariffs, even after the increase from 10% to 25% on May 10. But list four is another story.
By Emma Cosgrove • June 03, 2019
US announces tariffs on all imports from Mexico starting June 10

Tariffs on Mexico throw a wrench into what seemed to be smooth sailing for ratification of the USMCA.
By Shefali Kapadia • UPDATED: May 31, 2019 at 10:12 a.m.
SRM 101: Using people to unlock value

Supplier Relationship Management places the focus on how suppliers and buyers can work more closely during the entire lifecycle of a product.
By Craig Guillot • May 30, 2019