Welcome to the Digital Era, where manual supplier sourcing is as obsolete as a fax machine
By Martin Fitzgerald - Co-Founder of Kwayga
Are supermarket buying teams still sourcing food & drink suppliers like it’s 1999? 🙄 Let’s be honest—if you’re still sourcing suppliers manually you’re setting yourself up for failure. Supply chain disruptions have shown just how fragile outdated sourcing processes are. And guess what? Spreadsheets and “gut instincts” aren’t cutting it anymore.
Traditional methods had their day, but today’s world demands more. Disruptions, new private label products needed, trending products needing to go from ‘Tik Tok to Trolley’ in record times are the new normal, and if your buying team wants to stay competitive, AI driven digital solutions aren’t just an option, they’re your survival kit.
Visibility and Efficiency: Supercharge your sourcing process
AI driven digital tools for buyers provide instant access to a broader supplier network, letting your buyers benchmark on everyday items with engaged, verified,well matched suppliers that HAVE CAPACITY NOW!. These tools also allow the buyers to adapt quickly when—not if—the next disruption hits and engage with suppliers of new/trending/award winning products where networks don’t exist. Why limit a buyer to a handful of suppliers when they can tap into a global network at the click of a button?
With AI-powered tools like Kwayga, you can identify reliable suppliers in minutes—yes, minutes—not weeks or months. When disruptions hit (because they will), you’ll have backup options ready to go, keeping your shelves stocked and your team stress-free. More suppliers, more options, more flexibility. It’s sourcing at its finest.
Automation: Because your buying team has better things to focus on
Remember the days when your team spent hours chasing quotes, sending RFIs, and drowning in emails? Well, that’s over. Automation is here to do the heavy lifting, so your team can focus on the strategic decisions that drive value.
And the bonus? More productivity, less cost, better products on shelves faster. You’re welcome.
Transparency, accountability, and fewer headaches
Digital platforms aren’t just making your job easier—they’re holding your suppliers accountable. Imagine having real-time insights into supplier sustainability practices and compliance with regulations like the EUDR. No more surprise issues or last-minute scrambles to find compliant partners.
And no, “I didn’t know” isn’t an excuse anymore. With digital solutions, you’ll know everything in real time—sustainability, capacity, performance. You name it, it’s there.
So, what’s it going to be: Evolve or get left behind?
Here’s the cold, hard truth: If you’re not embracing digital transformation, you’re going to be left in the dust. Platforms like Kwayga are empowering supermarket buying teams to stay ahead of the game, adapt to disruptions, and make sourcing smarter, faster, and more resilient.
