Refining Supplier Network Structure and Procurement Efficiency for a European Consumer Goods Company

The Opportunity

A European consumer goods company operating in the gift, stationery, and creative play sectors sought to improve procurement efficiency and strengthen its sourcing structure across China and Southeast Asia. As the business expanded, the client wanted better visibility into supplier capabilities, opportunities for SKU consolidation, and ways to reduce operational and supply chain risks.

We were engaged to support supplier identification efforts, review procurement processes, and assess opportunities to improve sourcing efficiency and supplier management practices across key product categories.

The client faced several procurement and sourcing challenges across its regional supplier network, including:

• Limited visibility into alternative sourcing opportunities across China and Southeast Asia
• Increasing complexity in supplier management and SKU structures
• The need to improve procurement efficiency while maintaining product quality and supply continuity
• Limited standardization in supplier evaluation and selection processes
• Operational risks related to supplier concentration and procurement governance

The client also wanted a more structured understanding of where procurement improvements and supplier consolidation opportunities could create the strongest operational impact.

OUR SOLUTION

We began the engagement by reviewing the client’s existing supplier landscape, product categories, and procurement priorities. We collected product samples, technical documentation, and sourcing requirements to better understand the operational setup and supplier expectations.

To identify potential sourcing opportunities, we conducted structured supplier screening across China and Southeast Asia using market research, industry insights, and supplier capability assessments. This helped create a shortlist of qualified suppliers across key sourcing regions.

In parallel, we reviewed the client’s SKU structure and procurement processes to identify opportunities for consolidation and operational improvements. The assessment included production processes, material usage, supplier management practices, and cross-functional discussions with procurement and HR teams.

Throughout the engagement, we provided practical recommendations focused on procurement efficiency, supplier diversification, and operational risk reduction. The project has helped the client build a more structured sourcing approach while improving visibility across its supplier network and procurement operations.

The RESULTS

Through the engagement, the client gained better visibility into supplier capabilities, sourcing risks, and procurement improvement opportunities across China and Southeast Asia.

The project helped the client:

• Identify qualified alternative suppliers across key sourcing markets
• Improve visibility into procurement and operational risks
• Find opportunities to improve SKU efficiency and sourcing processes
• Strengthen supplier management and procurement governance
• Reduce reliance on a concentrated supplier base