Supply chain

Supply chain management is a challenging and complex field within a global grass seed concern. It covers the entire chain from grass breeding right through to the delivery of grass seeds to the customers. Continuous developments in the field of information technology make this an extremely dynamic field of work.

Supply Chain Management
Characteristic of the grass seed sector in general and the Royal Barenbrug Group in particular are:
- the worldwide Research & Development, Seed Production and Sales of grass seeds.
- the wide range of 300 varieties registered with plant breeders rights, and specific blends of these.
- the wide spectrum of applications with specific quality and certification specifications.
- a large number of grass seed growers as international suppliers of grass varieties produced under contract. 

The challenge
Our logistics managers are constantly challenged by the question: how can we minimize the total cost of this complex supply chain while maintaining optimum customer service and product availability. This involves stock management, transport & distribution, handling, quality control, certification and collaboration between international suppliers and customers.

Specific focal areas are:

International grass seed production
For the propagation of grass seeds, we have contracts with growers all over the world. To spread the risks, grass seed cultivation takes place in various climate areas, ranging from Sweden to New Zealand. Effective collaboration and communication is essential to guarantee product availability when it is required. External factors such as the weather can have a substantial effect on the crop planning. The work therefore demands creativity, stress-resistance and timely reactions to changes.

Grass seed processing
Our processing plants are fitted with the most modern machines and equipment, so that we can respond quickly to the wishes of customers. Priorities are reducing throughput time and optimizing the production planning. The wide range of varieties, specific blends and packaging demands great flexibility and continual adjustments. It is our challenge to ensure that this all takes place smoothly.

Seed quality and certification
Quality is an important aspect for grass seeds. The uses of grass are extremely diverse, from the closely mown greens on golf courses to tasty tender grasses that provide grazing for dairy cattle. Obviously, the different uses involve different quality requirements for the product. Barenbrug has its own certified laboratories around the world in order to carry out these specific quality assessments and certification.

Logistics
The seasonal peaks and the international suppliers and sales make the logistics an interesting and challenging job. Besides this, the peaks in sales before the sowing season and in deliveries after the grass seed harvest are strongly influenced by the weather conditions. In spite of this, products must be collected and delivered every day at the right place and time. Logistics ensures that this process is carried out as efficiently as possible, in collaboration with our logistics services providers and in consultation with the sales, production and growing departments.