Route to Market & Supply Chain Blog

Recently I shared my methodology for the 20 Steps to Route to Market Excellence at the beginning of this blog series. You can read more about it here: The FMCG Leaders Guide to Route to Market Strategy & Execution in 20 Steps. The first step,…

‘Digital transformation’ is becoming something of a cliché these days. There is no question that information technology and digital has improved supply chain operations. For example, given availability of the right data, materials and inventory…

A few months ago, I hurt my knee whilst running. It was a rather tame event but my knee was clearly injured. Failing to heal over the next few days I decided to visit an Osteopath who specialises in sports injuries. He informed me that I had an…

In today's post, I would like to focus on steering clear of the obstacles that might disrupt your Route to Market strategy. As we step into 2024, leaders in consumer goods sector should be proactive in foreseeing major challenges in RtM and…

In this article, I will be delving into the ways in which consumer behavior can have a profound impact on your FMCG Route to Market Model. Trigger Factors Recently, I shared a post titled When Should We Review our FMCG Route to Market Model? The…

What is a Route to Market Model (RtM)? An RtM model is a set of commercial capabilities that focus on how to get goods/services to target customers effectively. It must encompass the following: Trade Coverage - Maximise availability in target…

The Age-Old Sales Question The End of Q2 is in sight. We have stuck to our plan, and we have faith. We have executed in the field, at least we think we have. We are managing our trade partners well, or so we have been told. The numbers are coming…

How Do We Increase FMCG Sales? We have developed a methodology over the last 30 years, which gives a step-by-step approach to ensuring that each element of the front-end distribution strategy is laser-focused on delivering excellence in FMCG RtM…

Moving to a new Distribution Partner (DP) arrangement can be daunting, challenging, stressful, costly, rewarding, and ideally, successful. But no matter what the scenario, there are risks involved. Producers who understand these risks and adapt…

Arguably the most important element of any Route to Market strategy for a consumer goods company is its Distribution Strategy. Very often, when results are not coming in, the distributors get the blame and may even be replaced. Too often, their…

How do we take a Sales or RtM Strategy (Plan) and transform it to Operational Execution? This is a question we are often asked, and one that many are facing right now. We are at the start of a new year; we have some grand sales and distribution…

With little overall growth expected in a number of African markets in 2022, the battle ground will likely be for market share. With this in mind, how do we ensure that we are best placed to win these battles? Given that most sales in African markets…

Recently I wrote about 10 Times you need Route to Market or Supply Chain Interim Managers. I had an excellent response and have since been talking to clients and Enchange colleagues. The discussions have centred around where the need for interim…

In the Four Frequent Flaws series we have looked at the entire supply chain right up to the consumer shelf, i.e. the Enchange 6-Part Model. What can go wrong, what can go right, what can I change quickly? FMCG CEOs are asking what they can do now…

Nearly there! The last step of the Enchange 6-part model when you finally get your product on the shelf. Actually, you do not do it yourself but you rely on Shane from the retailer back of store. How can you ensure Shane does an excellent job? We…