Ready to navigate the complex world of food service procurement and dairy supply chain management? In this episode of The Grounded Podcast, we sit down with Jeff McNally, a procurement expert with over 30 years of experience working with brands like Starbucks, Papa Murphy’s, and IPC for Subway.

Jeff shares his proven strategies for ensuring guaranteed supply, balancing hybrid sourcing models, and adapting to evolving consumer preferences for high-quality, locally sourced products. From tackling the unique challenges of dairy procurement to leveraging data and AI for smarter decisions, this episode is packed with practical insights for leaders navigating today’s fast-changing food service industry.

Takeaways:

• Why guaranteed supply and cost-effective sourcing are critical to staying competitive.
• How hybrid strategies can leverage the strengths of both large and small suppliers.
• The role of flexibility and communication in adapting to changing market conditions.
• Why fostering transparent, trust-based relationships with suppliers drives long-term success.
• How technology and AI are transforming procurement forecasting and decision-making.

Quote of the Show:

• “California, Wisconsin, New York, New Mexico, are really the states that drive dairy production in America. The significant portion of the dairy comes from those states, so you need to have a really solid network.” - Jeff McNally

Connect with Jeff:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-mcnally-6b721419/

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