Improving Performance And Reducing Operational Costs Within Milk Supply Chain

In the present research is done an attempt to observe and analyze milk supply chain and its specific features. The case analyses is built on the base of one of the biggest Swedish dairy cooperative, Milko. As a result of this research some measures for improving performance and reducing operational costs are suggested.Special attention in the research is given to food quality and quality control, as far as Sweden is the country known for having one of the highest standards to food quality and exporting its agricultural models to many countries in Europe.The case study is covering all parts of milk supply chain from farmer to the consumer. The information for this case study is taken from personal interviews with representatives of Milko cooperative. Special attention is given to the demand forecasting methods. The description of the company performance is covering raw product supply, incoming logistics, production, outcoming logistics and customer orders.The analyses of Milko's milk supply chain was done with a help of JIT, Push/Pull and Efficient/Responsive models. The analyses'emphasis was on finding strategic fit via achieving the balance between supply chain responsiveness and efficiency. The special attention was paid to such drivers of supply chain performance as facilities, transportation and coordination. In the last chapter of the research were suggested some measures for improving the performance and reducing operational costs of milk supply chain.