Source : Procurement Leaders
Kellogg’s, the world’s largest producer of cereal, spent over $350m with suppliers from minority groups during 2011, as its supplier diversity programme continues to expand.
The programme began two decades ago and now supports over 200 companies owned by women, ethnic groups and disabled veterans. In the last ten years alone spend through this programme has seen a sixfold increase and in 2011 it hit $353m on goods and services from first-tier suppliers.
John Bryant, president and chief executive officer of Kellogg’s, said: “Our company is strengthened by a workforce that’s reflective of the diverse consumers we serve."
"Similarly, we are also strengthened by working with a diverse supplier base that can help us better understand and address our consumers’ needs. And we know when our suppliers succeed, we succeed."
Commenting on the programme Eric Dobyne, Chicago Regional Director, US Department of Commerce, MBDA, said, “The company’s supplier diversity program is unequivocally best in class, and it’s evident that diversity initiatives across the company are supported from the top down."
“Kellogg goes above and beyond the status quo to fully incorporate innovation and diversity into its global supply chain."
Going forward, Kellogg’s is adding companies owned by gay and lesbian business people to the programme and will track spend with these groups in the future.