Specialist plant proteins

China is a land of great opportunity.  It also has the potential to catch out the unwary. Fortunately, having worked there numerous times over the years, I have a good sense of what to look out for.

So when my client asked me to devise their sourcing strategy that included a fair few materials from China, I felt well placed to help them. My mission was to in-source the procurement of their materials, securing sufficient high quality product for their break-neck growth.  I organised a meticulously planned field trip and coached their new procurement executive how to source from China.

To address specific technical areas, I drafted in one of the world's leading agronomists to make up the trio. We learnt a vast amount about the materials, such as the majority of rice used for production comes from outside China to ensure GMO free product and a stable rice supplier needs a strong customer base for their rice syrup. We made huge strides forward and are on track with our plan.

On an aside, China continues to fascinate me especially the expansion of their middle class which is set to grow to a staggering 76% by 2022. Car ownership is rocketing and luxury brands at that, internet shopping is booming and the consumer's diet is becoming more protein rich. This later point could cause many a buyer frustration as China not only hangs on to their materials for the home market but also hoovers up resources from around the world. 

The Result?

A robust global sourcing strategy, a well trained team and a very happy customer!

As a final word, the UK needs to learn from China how to upgrade our rail network.  China's trains are super quick and efficient with a huge network. Next time you're in China take the train!