Purchasing practices for food companies can have everything to do with the quality of the final product. We’ll look at what to keep in mind and why a food industry consultant can help you instil better metrics without overspending.
1. Check Your Suppliers
Do you really trust the suppliers you’re using? Food companies rely on suppliers for healthy, quality products, so this relationship is critical to your organization. Everything from communication to oversight on the production line needs to be spot on. If you’re constantly worried that shipments will be delayed or delivered with the wrong ingredients, it’s a sign you need to change vendors.
2. Compare Cost and Quality
There’s usually a middle ground here. You don’t want to go too low or you’ll likely compromise the quality. Of course, going too high can quickly price people out of the market. A food industry consultant can show you how to find the best deals by thinking outside the box.
3. Find Out for Yourself
Before you sign anything, you should be visiting operations, verifying equipment, investigating reputation, etc. The more you know, the easier it will be to feel confident about moving forward. This information can also be vital in a negotiation procedure. Always set any terms you agree to in writing so there’s no confusion in the future.
4. Have a Replenishment Strategy
When you’re ready to replace your stock, you need to have a clear procedure in place. Everyone should know how new orders will come in, when they’re going to ship, and how they’ll arrive. There is a lot of room for confusion here, so it all needs to be spelled out here.
5. Streamline Your Relationships
Decision makers at food companies might be inclined to branch out in terms of suppliers. This is a great way to save money, but the reality is that it can cost you more in terms of time and paperwork than you realize. Relying more on one or two suppliers can make it easier for everyone and still wind up being a cost-effective solution.
6. Be Respectful of Your Suppliers
Supplier relationships go both ways. The more communicative you are and the more you look for the win-wins in every scenario, the more positive interactions you’re likely to have. When you have consistent suppliers, you have consistent products (which is ultimately what any customer is looking for).
7. Consider Technology
Technology is changing quickly in food product tracking. If you’re working with suppliers who aren’t willing to update their processes, it could easily hold you back. A food industry consultant can tell you more about how enterprise software is improving a variety of processes and how you can incorporate this into your daily operations.
Implementing Better Practices with a Food Industry Consultant
The Greater Goods was founded to give you a clearer picture of how to grow your bottom line. Our clients look to us to ensure that they’re operating as efficiently as possible, so they’re prepared for whichever direction the industry pivots. The right food industry consultant can do wonders to double-check your current practices and adjust them when necessary. Contact us today if you’re interested in learning more about how we can help.