RISK & RESILIENCE
Lessons for global procurement Coca-Cola’ s approach offers several key insights for procurement professionals managing global supply chains in uncertain times:
Flexibility over efficiency: Whilst singlesource, highly optimised supply chains may offer cost advantages during stable periods, maintaining multiple sourcing options provides essential flexibility during disruptions.
Local knowledge, global capabilities: Understanding local markets and building local supplier relationships provides market intelligence and reduces costs, but these benefits must be balanced with global supply chain capabilities that can respond to local disruptions.
Strategic partnerships within diversified portfolios: The most effective approach combines broad supplier diversity with deep strategic partnerships, rather than choosing one approach over the other.
Cross-functional integration: Modern supply chain risks require responses that extend beyond procurement, necessitating close collaboration with legal, finance, public affairs and operational teams.
For procurement professionals navigating similar challenges, Daniel’ s approach demonstrates that successful global procurement requires balancing seemingly contradictory objectives: local focus with global reach, supplier diversity with strategic partnerships and cost efficiency with supply chain resilience. In an uncertain world, it could be the key to procurement excellence.
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