ofi has announced the next phase of its customer first strategy with the launch of a new commercial platform – ofi F&B Solutions – which will be part of its Ingredients & Solutions reporting segment.
The new platform consolidates its current category solutions capabilities and infrastructure to better support a diverse range of customer requirements. For customers looking to co-create new consumer concepts or application solutions, for example, will be supported by the new platform with its four Customer Solutions Centers in Amsterdam, Bangalore, Chicago and Singapore.
“With ever evolving consumer preferences, our global and regional customers across FMCG, retail and QSR channels are looking for trusted, reliable partners in identifying and capitalizing upon new opportunities,” said A Shekhar, Group CEO, ofi. “We have therefore combined our application and category capabilities into a dedicated platform to address customer requirements with even greater focus. In turn the F&B Solutions teams will draw on the strengths of our five product platforms – their global and sustainable supply chain capabilities, complementary portfolio of ingredients, and extensive ingredient expertise to provide comprehensive product solutions that delight consumers.
“This step change in our approach will be led by Sandeep in his new role as CCO for ofi. He brings strategic thinking, a customer first mindset and deep experience in ingredients. Along with his leadership team he will accelerate our capabilities and create value for customers.”
Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) Sandeep Jain added: “From beverages to confectionary, culinary to snacking, we are taking our application and R&D capabilities to the next level so that we can provide an end-to-end integrated customer experience. One that is built on deep consumer, category, and application understanding.
“This will open up more on-trend and inspired product ideation opportunities, which can be commercialised through the ofi network or via our co-manufacturing eco-system, increasing speed to market. Most importantly, we can strengthen relationships with customers and help make their ambitions real.”
This marks the latest step in the company’s journey to enhancing its category solutions capabilities. In November last year, it opened a new Customer Solutions Center in Amsterdam and later this year will be opening an expanded Chicago CSC.
Having worked for Olam Group for 26 years, Sandeep is an experienced business leader, with expertise across all ofi product platforms. He became CEO of ofi’s Dairy business in 2017, also taking on the role of Global Head of Sales in 2020. As CCO for ofi, he will drive sales excellence and customer centricity with more focused key account management processes.
In leading the new F&B Solutions platform, Sandeep will have responsibility for global strategy execution for the new platform enabling it to become both a Center of Excellence and a growth driver for the business. He will also continue to oversee the Dairy business globally.
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