The signing took place against the backdrop of the second annual 'Partner to Win Supplier Summit' in London, where the group invited 160 strategic suppliers to meet senior managers from across the organisation, gain a deeper understanding of the company's strategic priorities and to share latest innovations.
The partnerships now cover more than €3billion of annual spend and support investment in growth, more sustainable practices and bigger and better innovations.
"Unilever has a bold ambition to double the size of its business, whilst halving the environmental impact of its products. The recent financial results and update on its Sustainable Living Plan shows it is making good progress in both areas. However to achieve our ambition, it is vital that we work in closer partnership with our strategic suppliers to ensure faster innovations and invest sustainably throughout our value chain. In 2011, our suppliers invested an estimated €1.3 billion in additional industrial capacity to support our growth," says Pier Luigi Sigismondi, chief supply chain officer Unilever.
"It's a similar story when it comes working closely together on innovation. Half of Unilever's innovation pipeline now comes from our suppliers. From last year's 'Partner to Win Supplier Summit' alone, more than 250 innovation ideas were taken into joint development programmes. This demonstrates the strength and commitment of our partnerships and the progress we are making."
Joint Business Development Plans (JBDP) are a key element of the 'Partner to Win' programme. Each JBDP sets out Unilever's strategic business plans and provides a clear framework of how the two organisations will work together to deliver them over the long term. The plans cover all areas of procurement including packaging, chemicals, commodities and services.
To celebrate and recognise suppliers that made a significant contribution in the categories of Innovation, Sustainability, Business Integration, World Class Enterprise Support and Capacity and Capability Development, Unilever hosted the 'Partner to Win Awards'.
Sigismondi commented, "This event presented us with an opportunity to recognise some outstanding examples of excellence in our suppliers, who are leaders in their fields."
Winning through Innovation:
Winning through Sustainability:
Winning through Capacity and Capability Development:
Winning through Business Integration:
Winning through World Class Enterprise Support:
Linfox Logistics - During the worst floods in Bangkok for 50 years, the company demonstrated an unprecedented level of support and service to the group's business
For further information, go to www.unilever.com/aboutus/supplier/
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