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Evolution of category management in UK supermarket fresh produce networks: a return to direct supply channels?

A study of the impact of category management on suppliers and implications for future sourcing practice.

Year of Publication2008

Food sector multiple retailers have in recent years invested in close category-management-based supply channel relationships with key or preferred suppliers. However, critics contend that the development of CM can be used by retailers to reinforce power and lead retailers to a preference for larger suppliers who dominate a product category. The purpose of this study is to establish whether CM has run its course and whether circumstances are again evolving towards a more direct sourcing philosophy, where stripped-down suppliers can gain a direct route to multiple retailers?

This item is categorised as follows

• Subject Collection > Food & drink > Food & drink supply chains
• Subject Collection > Business > Marketing & product development

Additional keywords/tags

innovationretail supply networkscategory managementfresh produce