WASHINGTON -- The Grocery Manufacturers of America here is gearing up for the release of studies involving marketing- and trading-partner relationships.
The study, which is being authored by Deloitte Consulting, examines successful innovators; identifies key principles for driving growth through innovation; and develops a road map on how to adopt these principles.
Another study about to be released contends that the industry has more to accomplish on the trading-partner front. Despite improved communication recently between manufacturers and retailers -- in areas ranging from collaborative planning, forecasting and replenishment to efficient packaging -- this study finds more work lies ahead.
The Trading-Partner Relationship study, led by consultant Towers Perrin, stresses that a "one-size-fits-all" mentality for relationships will not work anymore. The study examined customer teams, sales forces, and new organizational models for the future.