In Feb 2011 Unilever launched a specific programme, called 'Partner to Win', to work more closely with its key suppliers.
'Partner to Win' has enabled the company to create more long-term partnerships in co-creating new capabilities in order to achieve mutual growth for both partners.
"Unilever has a bold ambition to double the size of its business whilst halving the environmental impact of its products. Our recent financial results and update on the Unilever Sustainable Living Plan show we are making good progress in both areas. However to achieve our ambition, it is vital that we work in closer partnership with our strategic suppliers to ensure faster innovations and invest sustainably throughout our value chain. In 2011, our suppliers invested an estimated €1.3 billion in additional industrial capacity to support our growth", says Pier Luigi Sigismondi, Chief Supply Chain Officer Unilever.
Joint Business Development Plans (JBDP) are a key element of the 'Partner to Win' programme. Each JBDP set out Unilever's strategic business plans which provides a clear framework of how the two organisations will work together to deliver them over the long term. The plans cover all areas of procurement including packaging, chemicals, commodities and services.