AB INBEV
“ This supports the understanding that the supply chain can deliver value within your business .”
And for AB InBev , the supply chain is everything . From the sourcing of raw materials like wheat and barley from a variety of farmers , to retaining production efficiency and product quality across new markets and distributing beer to countries across the continent . Let ’ s also not forget the sustainability requirements within the supply chain , which adds a new layer of complexity to the procurement role – sourcing goods provided using sustainable energy .
Commercial perspective : Retaining necessary product quality of global products The commercial value for AB InBev comes from several factors in the supply chain . As the company operates on a localised basis , product quality and cost optimisation are crucial outcomes the business strives for when dealing with multiple breweries that produce the same great products .
The procurement function is responsible for ensuring that not only the products meet the company ’ s legacy – high-quality – standards , but are produced in a costeffective , equitable way .
“ When you look at industrialisation in Africa ’ s markets , procurement is critical . It plays a critical role in developing suppliers to deliver at the right quality ; the consistency from suppliers on a multinational level ,” says Els .
“ Localising suppliers so that we ’ re not so reliant on global supply chains – ocean freight from Chinese , European or American ports – has become a huge value-add for us , because we are able as a procurement team to do that faster and quicker than most of our competitors .”
146 September 2023