Route to Market & Supply Chain Blog

The Pareto Principle, or the 80/20 rule, states that for many phenomena 80% of the result comes from 20% of the effort. This principal is often applied in business, and for good reason, it works. Targeting our effort and resource where it will have…

The new normal brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic has shed light on so many issues regarding corporate Route to Market (RtM) strategies. What many companies now face is the truth that has been hidden for years - we cannot race with unstable or…

A colleague who works for a global multinational in a large African market has asked an interesting question, which also points to a wider issue across the Route to Market function. I feel it is worth sharing as a topic of discussion. The question…

As we come to the end of a very tough 2020, attention is turning to what the next year will bring. In FMCG organisations around the world, General Managers, Sales Directors, Heads of Sales and Department Heads, are all scrambling to finish the year…

This post is Part 2 of a series of posts discussing indirect distribution management, and specifically the characteristics and the key differences between FMCG Distributors and Wholesalers. You can read Part 1 which includes the Characteristics of…

The focus of this article is on indirect distribution. Previously, I have discussed how to achieve Route to Market (RtM) Excellence by effectively using the different types of distribution, our DIME approach, and specifically Direct and Indirect…

In my last blog we discussed how the Total Cost to Serve (TCTS) can impact the FMCG Route to Market. Since then, I have had several questions and comments asking for some examples of TCTS models. So, in the link below, I have provided some examples.…

COVID is rapidly changing the FMCG/retail environment, but these changes are vastly different from market to market and sector to sector. Let us consider some examples: Consumers are moving to online ordering – this is true, but in many markets this…

This is such an important issue, and over the last number of weeks, I have been asked about it frequently. Digital and online ordering has played a key role in many markets for some time in RtM strategy and execution. In many cases its applicability…

Assessing your distribution options is one of the most important elements of any Route to Market strategy. Choosing the wrong distribution strategy, although often not evident in the short term, can cripple a company’s long-term growth, and ability…

In my last post we explored ways that you can ‘Reinforce Your Route to Market During These Unprecedented Times’ while working from home. I also provided a list of questions you could use, to allow you to review current RtM performance post COVID-19.…

The global spread of COVID-19 is an incredibly challenging and worrying time for all of us. The loss of life is already significant, and its spread continues. Many countries around the world are in some form of restricted movement or lockdown. From…

Over the last few months I have been writing a blog series on Route to Market Success (RtM) in emerging markets, describing how Enchange has been using the 20 Steps to RtM Excellence to win in these markets for our clients. In my last post, we…

Before we even begin to look at how to develop Route to Market (RtM) strategies and execution plans for Fast Moving Consumer Goods Companies (FMCG) in emerging markets like Africa, we need to understand and remind ourselves of a few basic principles…

I am in the middle of writing a blog series on Route to Market (RtM) success in emerging markets, with a specific focus on Africa. I have been receiving some excellent feedback throughout (many thanks!). One topic has come up several times and I…