Supervisor
Alan Foran
Programme
MA in International Business
Keywords
Raw milk supply chain, logistics disruption Brazil, Danone operations.
Abstract
The research examines the Danone Brazil raw milk supply chain through the Poços de Caldas factory which operates with more than 1,200 employees and functions as a key facility in Latin America. The research investigates two main questions about how Brazilian road-based transportation affects raw milk inventory stability and which localized tools or emerging technologies would enhance supply reliability.
The research design combined survey data from 42 participants with three interviews. The study reveals that stockouts and overstock and waste occur frequently because of poor road conditions and seasonal disruptions and limited local autonomy which results in monthly milk rejection of 47,000 litres. The centralized planning system of Danone maintains worldwide consistency but it limits the ability to adapt to Brazil's unpredictable logistics environment.
The research develops lean practices together with stronger transport partnerships and strategic digital technology implementation to achieve global standards while accommodating local realities which benefits both academic discussions and practical supply chain enhancements.
Date of Award
2025
Full Publication Date
2025
Access Rights
open access
Document Type
Capstone Project
Resource Type
thesis
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
https://doi.org/10.63227/652.299.133
Recommended Citation
Nakanishi, K.
(2025) Road Dependence and Inventory Challenges: A Case Study of Danone Brazil’s Dairy Supply Chain. CCT College Dublin.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.63227/652.299.133