THE PROCUREMENT INTERVIEW
“ By integrating our sciencebased approach with on-the-ground farmer partnerships, we are working to future-proof our rice sourcing strategy”
Dale Creaser, Vice President of Global Supply Chain, Mars Food & Nutrition
Integrating science and tech Mars Food has also invested in R & D capabilities to accelerate agricultural transformation across its ingredient supply chains. Historically, the company relied on a single rice variety for its Ready-to-Heat rice products, creating constraints on supply chain resilience and adaptability.
To address this limitation, Mars formed a dedicated group of R & D and commercial experts to accelerate the introduction of new rice varieties. The company has expanded from one to four rice varieties, partnering with the University of Arkansas on harvest and moisture studies. Early results show promise: 7-9 % higher yields versus 2024 averages, stronger resilience through varietal diversification and reduced greenhouse gas emissions per metric tonne of milled and parboiled rice due to higher yields.
“ By integrating our science-based approach with on-the-ground farmer partnerships, we are working to futureproof our rice sourcing strategy, while delivering on our sustainability commitments,” says Dale.
Balancing competing procurement imperatives The question of how procurement balances cost, quality and sustainability imperatives runs through Mars Food’ s transformation journey. Dale challenges the traditional view that these represent competing priorities.
“ The traditional view sees cost, quality and sustainability as competing priorities, but our experience demonstrates that they’ re increasingly interdependent,” he argues.“ While sustainable sourcing requires some upfront investment, it also reduces our exposure to long-term risks – like climate shocks – and costs.”
32 December 2025