DF GRUPO SUPPLY CHAIN

Everything needed to provide solutions right across the process

In this article we will talk about the parties and process that make up the DF GRUPO supply chain.
But let’s start by defining the supply chain and objectives of any company.

Activities, facilities and means

A supply chain is a strategic and logistical function embracing the operations required for a good to reach the end customer in optimal conditions following its departure from the source logistics facility.

The supply chain is defined as the set of activities, facilities and means of distribution needed to implement the process of selling a product, whatever its nature.
This process encompasses activities such as the search for raw materials, processing, manufacture, transport and delivery to end consumer.

The objectives of any supply chain

As mentioned above, the core objective of any supply chain, regardless of the nature of the company it is part of, is to meet end customer needs.
This primary objective involves all these other objectives:

• Optimisation of distribution times.
• Responses to changes or contingencies in demand or supply.
• Avoidance of unnecessary loss or shrinkage.
• Proper handling of inventories and warehouses.
• On-time goods and services delivery.
• Establishment of appropriate communication and coordination channels.

Examples and supply chain basics

A standard and simplified supply chain example would be:

• Raw materials (procurement, growing…)
• Production
• Transport and logistics
• Sale (wholesale or retail)
• Storage
• Agencies or branches
• Billing
• Distribution and delivery

The example helps us conclude that a supply chain consists of three main elements:

Supply: the activities required to obtain and deliver the raw materials for subsequent production.

Manufacturing: the activities required to turn the raw materials into a good or service.

Distribution: the area responsible for delivering the goods or services we have just created to the end consumer via a transport network, commercial premises, etc.

Activities and types

Clearly, although the activities of a supply chain are conditioned by the function of the company it belongs to, certain activities are needed for a satisfactory outcome;

• Planning.
• Stock management.
• Purchase order processing.
• Transfers and dispatch.
• Monitoring and control of contingencies.
• Customer service.
• Warranty management.
• Payment processing.

In terms of types, we can find six different supply chains:

• Traditional:each part of the process acts autonomously and there is no excessive communication between them. This can lead to frequent development errors.
• Direct:only three parties are involved: the supplier, the company that sells the product and the customer.
  This short chain minimises breakdowns and streamlines speed and efficiency.
• Strategic: logistics are planned and distributed according to the location of each merchandise receiver.
  It may take longer, but it can save costs.
• Shared: the different parties involved in the manufacture agree to make the same supply.
• Synchronised:when working with large volumes you need a constant flow of information between parties to deliver on your objectives.
• Complex: characteristic of companies with different product lines and suppliers that need a complex chain to perform their activity (typical of large companies).

The DF GRUPO supply chain

DF GRUPO has transport and logistics centres related to the entire fertiliser industry supply chain.
Our chain covers everything from imports and in-house production to activities such as storage, packaging, processing and marketing.

The DF GRUPO production process is based on and conditioned by sales forecasts that must satisfy both purchases and in-house production. Our consolidated sales for 2018, 2019 and 2020 were as follows:

2018: 1,373,000 tonnes (total sales)

• 970,000 tonnes consolidated sales
• 403,000 tonnes inter-company sales

2019: 1,472,000 tonnes (total sales)

• 1,030,000 tonnes consolidated sales
• 442,000 tonnes inter-company sales

2020: 1,798,000 tonnes (total sales)

• 1,197,000 tonnes consolidated sales
• 601,000 tonnes inter-company sales

National and international presence

DF GRUPO operates out of Spain, Portugal, Algeria and Morocco, making it one of the leading groups dedicated to fertiliser production and sales.

Our commitment to a strong, mutual trust-based customer relationship that promotes respect and long-term loyalty has allowed us to expand abroad to markets such as France, Angola and Mozambique,

an expansion made possible by a team of professionals providing the solutions their customers need across all process areas.

More than 30 years’ sector experience has allowed us to build up a portfolio of over 5,000 customers, including retailers, cooperatives and farmers, who make up 70% of the Group’s total sales.

DF GRUPO logistics facilities

All DF GRUPO logistics facilities have been designed and sited considering the specific features of the agricultural sector and to optimise resources and service provisions.

• 250,000 m² of permanent storage facilities in Spain and Africa.
• 210,000 m² of in-house installations.
• More than 700,000 tonnes handled annually in our own facilities.
• 1,300,000 tonnes of logistics services
• More than 298 vessels unloaded in 2020.
• 89,364 tonnes of compacted product
• 64,805 tonnes of blending product
• 362,917 tonnes of packaged product
• Two manufacturing locations:
  • Capacity: 170,000 tonnes
  • Current production: 130,000 tonnes
• 12 blending and packaging locations:
  • Production plan: 140,000 tonnes
  • Bagged items: 300,000+
  • Potential for inhibition, colouring and treatment, among others.

Solution providers

DF GRUPO has a series of different companies to offer solutions across all stages of the supply chain process.

• Delso Logistics Services
  
• Vía Líquida
  
• Tránsitos Via Sur (Travisur)
  
• Deladubos
  
• Castellana de Graneles
• Granos y Almacenes de Ribadeo
• Euro Marocaine d’Engrais et Logistique (EMEL)
• Peninsular Logistics
• Fertiangola
  

A supply chain made into a value chain that reinforces the way of improving food production.
DF GRUPO’s capacity to produce compacted fertilisers, the investment it has made in R&D and its team of professionals with proven expertise means we can offer customers the products best suited to their crop needs.