"For mainstream players closer collaboration with channel partners will be key. Again, from the US, we are seeing growing interest in “flowcasting” with retailers sharing highly detailed store level data with suppliers in order to improve demand forecasting and enable production planning throughout the supply chain, not just one or two weeks ahead but up to 65 weeks out for longer term planning purposes. Many manufacturers will come to the conclusion that this sort of collaboration (is) essential for the efficiency, profitability and growth of their businesses." - An Appetite for Change: Food and Beverage 2012, Deloitte & Touche LLP, July 2007

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