Helping suppliers to maximise their potential
Growth is an important element in the business but continuous growth is even more important. Therefore, we ensure that we help our partners conduct business in sustainable manner.
Through SQMP (Supplier Quality Management Programme), we encourage and motivate our suppliers to apply the highest standards of business practices. As a recognition for those who meet the highest score of the SQMP criteria, we reward them with the "Preferred Partner Certification". A preferred partner has to consistently deliver quality at a prescribed level, ship the correct amount of its products on time at competitive prices and in a trustworthty, and yet flexible manner.
OUr SQMP covers all our suppliers: packaging, raw material and perfumery. The intention of the programme is not only to extend the business relationship but also to achieve a better growht rate. We want to grow together with our business partners in a sustainable manner. The programme started in 2000 and its success has allowed us to enhance the criteria of selection. It now includes health, safety and environment precautions and also commitment to corporate social responsibility.
Generating opportunities to develop local economies
In order to delight our consumers, our products need a large and efficient sales and distribution network. We understand that in a highly competitive market place, effective distribution of products to the reach of consumers is essential.
To established and maintain this network, we have worked in partnership with a wide range of independent distributors rather that establishing our own distribution system. It is a very unique form of partnership as it promotes entrepreneurship, employment and profitability for local business owners. We understand that synergies within these value chains create and enhance the livelihoods of thousands of people in a sustainable manner.
With our strong distribution system we manage to tap approximately 550 000 outlets. They are served by more than 350 well-motivated distributors. We do this on a weekly basis, meaning that every week we ship, replenish and sell a new batch of goods to each outlet. This is possible because of the involvement of 17 sales offices and two central warehouses that continuously supervise and support our distributors. In total, around 25 000 direct income generating opportunities have been created.
