Verden – The European Logistics Association (ELA) presented
this year’s award for innovative solutions in logistics to Mars Deutschland for its
cooperation strategy, AGENDA 2017. The jurors recognized the company’s
project for its “excellent composition, problem-solution-result description and
rich illustration“. The award ceremony took place at the EUROLOG 2010 industry
conference on 12 May in the Polish city of Poznan.

Competition on the Shelf, Not on the Road
Mars Deutschland has initiated a strategic restructuring of its logistics with
AGENDA 2017. The primary goal: the reduction of distribution costs and at the
same time an improved level of service for the customers. The key element is
the collaboration between various manufacturers, trade partners and logistics
service providers whose hitherto parallel efforts and independently organized
logistics chains are to be consolidated by means of a cooperation platform. In
doing so, Mars is not only preparing itself for the future and the need to
respond to challenges much more quickly, efficiently and environmentally
consciously. With its motto, “Competition on the Shelf, Not on the Road”, Mars is
inspiring more trailblazing changes for the entire industry.

A few examples: one result of cooperating with other manufacturers is a
savings on distribution to customers. Working together with trade and logistics
partners makes it possible to jointly operate a fleet of trucks. A reduced
replenishment lead time for the trade partners means fewer goods in stock.

Ultimately, any possible problems can be addressed more quickly through
constant and direct communication between all partners and efficiency can be
optimized long-term through regular exchange.

In addition to individual partnerships, Supplier Days, regularly recurring events,
have been established. They originally served the purpose of solidifying already
existing relations between Mars and its logistics partners. Over the course of
AGENDA 2017, the development has been expanded into collaborations with
trade partners and between the logistics partners, thus bringing together ALL
parties involved in the end-to-end supply chain.

European Award for Logistics Excellence
With its prize-winning concept, Mars Deutschland acts within the scope of the
European Logistics Association (ELA), which presents the European Award for
Logistics Excellence every year. The umbrella organization brings together 30
national organizations located in nearly every country of Central and Western
Europe. It has as its goal a cooperation forum in the logistics branch for the
advancement of trade and industry. Within this framework, ELA is establishing
uniform standards for training and continued education in logistics for Europe.

Mars Deutschland is a subsidiary of the US family-owned business known as Mars,Incorporated, one of the leading global manufacturers of branded products. In their main business segments of Chocolate, Petcare, Food, Drinks and Plantcare, Mars had annual sales in Germany of about 1.3 billion euro in 2008 and currently employs about 1,800 associates. Wrigley and its chewing gum segment has also been part of the company since October 2008. Some of the most well-known brands in pet food are Whiskas, Pedigree, Chappi, Kitekat, Cesar, Sheba, Frolic und Trill. The chocolate segment is best known for brands like Snickers, Balisto, M&M's Mars, Twix and Celebrations. Uncle Ben's and Ebly are among the flagship brands in our human food business. Chewing gum and confections are represented by well-known brands such as Wrigley's Extra, Orbit and Airwaves.

You can also find additional information at: www.mars-presse.de