Case Study: Don’t Cry Over Sour Milk
The Problem
The international supply team at one of the world’s largest food and beverage companies faced a debilitating production challenge; the company’s New Zealand dairy operation was affected by a number of regional differences, including weather, soil composition, and cattle feed. The result was an unfamiliar flavor in their milk, causing concern amongst their customers and significantly impacting business.
The team had heard about a new technology called Spinning Cone Column (SCC) technology which could potentially eliminate the chemicals causing the off flavors in their dairy production. Before testing the technology, however, they wished to consult with others who had used it before to ensure that it performed as advertised.
Critical Issues
Regional Focus Technical Insight Strategic Sourcing Connections
The Solution
Maven launched a search targeting professionals with specific experience with SCC technology in New Zealand. Maven quickly delivered several candidates with backgrounds in the SCC equipment industry that could provide guidance to the client and assist them with incorporating the necessary technology into their dairy production facility. The supply chain team decided to speak with a Maven member who had direct connections in the SCC market in New Zealand. By the end of the short Telephone Consultation the client had a clear understanding of the SCC technologies available for dairy production in the region. The Maven member was then able to connect the client directly with regional resources who met their specific sourcing needs, and assisted them in implementing the SCC technology to extract the foreign compounds. The client was able to successfully retain the desired flavor profile of their dairy production and maintain expected dairy export forecasts.
“We had a great conversation with the Maven you identified. He had a ton of experience with SCC technology and was able to connect us directly with the right regional resources for acquiring the equipment we needed”
– Senior Supply Chain Sourcing Manager
