Mars discloses tier 2 cocoa suppliers in step toward supply chain transparency

Publicizing suppliers, along with other recent moves, backs up Mars' Cocoa for Generations plan, which has the aim of attaining a deforestation-free cocoa supply chain by 2025. 

By Emma Cosgrove • Updated Nov. 12, 2020

Procurement, seeking respect, may be looking for a seat at the wrong table

Respect from senior management is critical, but it may be unhelpful when dealing with suppliers.

By Rich Weissman • March 25, 2019

Explore the Trendline➔

Top 5 stories from Supply Chain Dive

Here’s how companies are navigating evolving global trade and tariff policies, rising costs and operational uncertainty across supply chain networks.

By Supply Chain Dive staff

Slow progress prompts new thinking around deforestation in palm oil supply chains

Companies with expressed goals for ridding their palm oil supply chains of deforestation are learning that quick fixes aren't going to cut it. 

By Emma Cosgrove • March 22, 2019

Alibaba platform adds procurement, fulfillment services

The new initiatives, coupled with recent logistics acquisitions, offer an advantage to international brands that see potential in the Chinese market but are unsure how best to target consumers. 

By Shefali Kapadia • March 22, 2019

Williams-Sonoma shifts sourcing to plan for 25% tariffs

The question remains what impact planning for a tariff increase will have on the balance sheet this time next year.

By Emma Cosgrove • March 22, 2019

Starbucks teases coffee traceability app feature, compostable cup trial

The innovation will allow customers to scan their packaged coffee with their phones to learn about its origin and journey to store, a move that could brighten the chain's brand halo. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • March 21, 2019

Flooding halts railroads, cripples agriculture along Missouri River

After a harsh winter, this disaster is essentially adding up to an entire first quarter deflated by supply chain disruptions for the area. 

By Emma Cosgrove • March 21, 2019

Digital transformation behind in procurement

The rise of analytics has affected every link of the supply chain, but procurement is late to the party. And even with gains in analytics and digital transformation, the discipline still is lagging in other areas.

By Barry Hochfelder • March 21, 2019

H&M to phase out cashmere amid sustainability push

The fast-fashion retailer is dropping the luxe fabric until its supply chain meets the company's environmental and animal welfare standards. 

By Kaarin Moore • March 20, 2019

Counterfeit goods total $509B, 3.3% of global trade and growing

The e-commerce boom has created a greater circulation of small parcels — a "growing conduit for counterfeit goods," according to the OECD. 

By Shefali Kapadia • March 19, 2019

Yum Brands works on science-based carbon emissions reduction targets

If Yum makes a commitment and sets emissions reduction targets in the Science-Based Targets Initiative standards, it would become the second restaurant group do so.

By Emma Cosgrove • March 19, 2019

Suppliers and buyers clash over tomato trade policy change

The U.S. plans to withdraw from an agreement that set minimum prices for imported Mexican tomatoes and resume an investigation into Mexican tomato dumping.

By Emma Cosgrove • March 18, 2019

Nestlé and Mondelez double down on plan to eliminate deforestation

The companies joined West African governments and 31 other businesses to help protect the cocoa supply chain that is important for food production and local economies.

By Cathy Siegner • March 14, 2019

Primark debuts denim jeans made from organic cotton

While the upside of sourcing organic cotton by a fast fashion brand is clear, the effort doesn't erase the many ethical issues associated.

By Emma Cosgrove • March 14, 2019

Parliament votes in favor of Brexit extension

The British Parliament voted yesterday against a "no-deal" Brexit. Now the problem is finding an alternative. 

By Matt Leonard • Updated March 14, 2019

Tyson uses DNA to trace beef through the supply chain

Customers of Tyson Fresh Meat can now trace select beef products back to the ranch of origin by asking the company to run a DNA test. 

By Matt Leonard • March 14, 2019

Supply chain issues hinder growth at Adidas

The company expects 3-4% growth in the first half of the year, followed by a rebound in supply, leading to higher growth in the second half. 

By Emma Cosgrove • March 14, 2019

Brazil and Canada win big from US-China trade war with record soy exports

Canada quadrupled its soy exports to China, a sign that tariffs intended to increase competitiveness of U.S. goods often have the opposite effect. 

By Emma Cosgrove • March 13, 2019

Amazon: A vendor purge or poor communication?

Thousands of sellers reported the retail giant was no longer placing orders with them, but new reporting suggests it simply failed to explain the situation. 

By Matt Leonard • March 12, 2019

Imports drop to annual lows with tariff hike on hold

Data from the National Retail Federation provide key insights into the retail supply chain that will help inform critical business decisions.

By Rich Weissman • March 11, 2019

SAP, Bumble Bee Foods team up to track tuna using blockchain

Consumers will be able to scan a QR code on the final product to find out where their fish was caught and how it made it to the store. 

By Matt Leonard • March 11, 2019

Dollar Tree builds business plans for 25% tariffs

In planning for the worst-case scenario, the discount retailer opens the possibility of increased margins in the latter half of 2019 if tariffs do not rise.

By Shefali Kapadia • March 8, 2019

Walmart tightens on-time, in-full rate for suppliers to 87%

The retailer toughened its OTIF policy from the previous requirement of 85% as it seeks greater control over inventory. 

By Matt Leonard • March 8, 2019

Investors call on soy trade companies to eliminate deforestation

In a letter, 57 investors with $6.3 trillion in assets asked for a "commodity-specific deforestation policy" and traceability from the largest publicly traded companies involved in the soy trade. 

By Matt Leonard • March 8, 2019

More than half of hospital leaders see supply chain improvement as path to higher margins

Despite being a high priority, many hospitals rely on outdated methods to manage inventory and related costs, and some barely keep track at all according to a new survey. 

By Meg Bryant • March 7, 2019