The Situation
Dole's online store offers a serrated produce knife sourced exclusively from a single domestic vendor with whom we have partnered for several years. We separately engage a decoration vendor to pad print their logo on these knives.
Given the typically long lead times, we maintain on-hand inventory to expedite order fulfillment. However, this system proved inadequate when a recent client order for 600 knives exceeded both our stock and our primary vendor's immediate capacity.
The Symphonix Solution
Recognizing the limitations of our current single domestic vendor and the separate decoration process, we proactively engaged our international sourcing partners. Our goal was to identify a vendor who could not only manufacture this precise serrated knife but also provide in-house decoration services.
This integrated approach would streamline our supply chain, reduce lead times, and ultimately create a more efficient and cost-effective process for fulfilling future orders of this popular item in Dole's online store.
The Execution
To ensure accurate replication, we initiated the project by sending physical samples of the Dole produce serrated knife to a select group of our international vendor partners. This allowed them to evaluate the material, dimensions, and construction necessary for an exact match.
Our efforts resulted in a promising partnership with a vendor who demonstrated the ability to not only source and decorate the knife precisely to Dole's specifications but also offered significantly faster production timelines and more competitive pricing.
Recognizing the long-term benefits, we presented Dole with a thorough proposal outlining the advantages of direct bulk procurement from this new vendor, emphasizing substantial cost reductions and a dramatic decrease in order lead times.
At Dole, they aim to make the world healthier and more sustainable by marketing the most nutritious foods with the lowest environmental impact. By combining global scale with local expertise, they are creating a fresh produce leader. Click here to learn more about Dole: www.dole.com/about-us
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Ross Smith is an accomplished marketing and creative executive with over 25 years of experience driving brand growth and delivering impactful campaigns for global and regional organizations. Currently serving as an Account Executive at Symphonix Solutions, Ross brings a unique blend of strategic business development and creative leadership, helping clients translate complex marketing objectives into clear, compelling solutions. His career includes senior creative and leadership roles at Bank of America, BHC, Imagine, and as principal of his own consultancy, where he partnered with leading brands such as Lowe’s, Belk, Neiman Marcus, and Husqvarna. With deep expertise spanning brand development, promotional strategy, and multi-channel campaign execution, Ross has a proven track record of building strong client relationships and guiding teams to deliver results that balance creativity with business objectives. Respected for his ability to align brand vision with flawless execution, Ross is recognized as a trusted advisor to clients and colleagues alike — a leader who combines big-picture thinking with meticulous attention to detail.
