Food and Beverages

Food& Drink Manufacturing sector is experiencing radical changes in recent years. On one side a sharp increase in commodities, transportation and logisprices resulting in manufacturers facing up to a doubling in their cost base. This was rapidly followed by one of the sharpest recessions in living memory. Whilst the industry does have some reputation for being recession proof, the drying up of cash and the changes in shopping habits have had an enormous impact on many companies. Retailers and consumers demand ever greater product complexity, delivered to tighter lead times, further pressure is placed on manufacturers.

These challenges present opportunities for the most efficient manufacturers who can consistently lead the market in terms of price, service and quality. For some, there is an opportunity to expand and take market share. These are the companies who will shape the future in this rapidly changing time.

Whether food and drink manufacturers develop high-margin branded or low-margin private label products, the drive for industry leading productivity, waste control, new product development performance, supply chain efficiency, plant maintenance and risk management is more important than ever. With inevitable constraints on extra investment, driving the most from current equipment and people is paramount.

SD&S can provide business improvement expertise in achieving step changes in yield variances, labour cost, operational efficiencies and NPD in food and drink manufacturing businesses. Typical results are:

• 20-50% reduction in waste
  
• 15-25% materials and stock reductions
  
• 10-20% improvement in yields
  
• 10-25% in labour cost as a percentage of sales