The days between the holidays are often the right moment to step back. Not from day to day business, but from our own routines.
When I look at our sourcing from Asia, I ask myself less what we could do cheaper. The more relevant question is what we need to do better to remain relevant in the long term.
The expectations of Asian producers have clearly changed. They no longer look only for volume and purchase orders. They expect clarity in processes, reliability in forecasts, clean communication, an understanding of their internal structures and decisions that are not questioned again with every market fluctuation.
For us this means fewer short term ad hoc requests and more structure. Less price fixation and more joint planning. Less distance and more genuine interest in what is happening on the producer side.
Sourcing from Asia is no longer a pure procurement model. It has become part of a shared value creation, where both sides have to invest. Time, transparency and commitment.
2026 will be the year where cooperation becomes a decisive success factor. Not by talking about partnership, but by living it consistently on both sides.
Standing still is not an option. Not for us. And not for our partners.
That’s the chemistry.
Siggi.
(Personal view, not representing company position)
