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New GMA Task Force Will Focus on E-commerce Issues Impacting DSD Companies


WASHINGTON, DC, July 10, 2001- The Grocery Manufacturers of America (GMA) has launched a new task force to focus on critical e-commerce issues that impact the food and consumer product industry's direct store delivery (DSD) system.

DSD companies deliver their products, which typically have high turnover at the store or are fragile and/or perishable, directly to retailers, rather than through a warehouse system. DSD categories include snack foods, carbonated beverages, bread, milk, frozen pizza and beer.

The new task force, which is a subcommittee of GMA's standing DSD committee, will:

ú Recommend technical requirements for DSD companies to participate in industry exchanges and other business to business initiatives

ú Act as a voice for the DSD community on critical e-commerce initiatives in the food and CPG industry

ú Act as a liaison between DSD companies and trade exchanges, standards organizations and Application service providers

ú Share best practices for DSD with the food and CPG industry

Among the task force's first initiatives will be a white paper outlining DSD business models and processes, and recommending technical requirements for DSD companies to participate in industry exchanges and other business-to-business enterprises.

"This new task force will open the lines of communication between DSD companies and the trade exchanges serving our industry," said Ann Dozier, director of e-business and customer systems, Coca-Cola Enterprises, and chair of the task force. "The exchanges and other service providers can use the DSD e-commerce task force as a resource for new concepts and for ensuring that planned standards and service offerings are compatible with the needs of the DSD community."

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Based in Washington, D.C., the Grocery Manufacturers Association is the voice of more than 300 leading food, beverage and consumer product companies that sustain and enhance the quality of life for hundreds of millions of people in the United States and around the globe.

Founded in 1908, GMA is an active, vocal advocate for its member companies and a trusted source of information about the industry and the products consumers rely on and enjoy every day. The association and its member companies are committed to meeting the needs of consumers through product innovation, responsible business practices and effective public policy solutions developed through a genuine partnership with policymakers and other stakeholders.

In keeping with its founding principles, GMA helps its members produce safe products through a strong and ongoing commitment to scientific research, testing and evaluation and to providing consumers with the products, tools and information they need to achieve a healthy diet and an active lifestyle. The food, beverage and consumer packaged goods industry in the United States generates sales of $2.1 trillion annually, employs 14 million workers and contributes $1 trillion in added value to the economy every year.
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