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Cruise Supply

C
ruise supply companies are the larger operators combining their B&S remains ahead of the game by
having to stay ahead of the game purchasing powers, which does make making sure it is fully compliant with all

in other ways as a new trend hasit harder for the likes of us. It means the European and American regulations
seen the larger cruise operators buy their we are facing a completely different EU regulations and by up-scaling its

products direct from the manufacturer.ball game. It becomes more difficult service level, Mr Verhagen said.

Despite the booming worldwide to keep your position in the market. He said: “B&S is 100% in compliance
cruise market suppliers still faceBefore, these larger companies,with all the European and American

many challenges, said Fred Verhagen, who own lots of different branded regulations and we are also upgrading
Managing Director of B&S Global Cruise ships, would buy in their products our already excellent service to our

Supply in Dordrecht, the Netherlands.individually. But now they buy the cruise line clients with additional tasks
The largest suppliers of cruise ships products direct for the whole company that might assist the cruise line in their

in Europe, B&S supplies 85 cruise ships so they are taking a larger chunklogistics and procurement operation
worldwide with food, beverages and of the market, but they still need a worldwide. Gone are the days of local

consumables. Each summer season it distribution partner to do so.supply, it is now a worldwide theatre.
serves at least 75 cruise ships in Europe “This has been happening for the“By being part of a large organisation

alone. It supplies all the major andlast two to three years and now it’s we also have the advantage of our
relationship with some of the world’s
niche market cruise lines from luxury to becoming more and more common. So for
contemporary, as well as expedition ships.companies like us you have to be forward most recognised brands. They are

Mr Verhagen said one of the thinking and provide other services.referred to as A brands such as Bacardi,
challenges the supply industry faces is “We have to be innovative and Heineken, Philip Morris and Budweiser

that larger cruise lines are combining create a service that the cruise lines to name a few. We have a very close
their purchasing power, and often go need and appreciate. Supplyingand transparent relationship with

direct to manufacturers, bypassing the the cruise industry has changed these companies, which often gives us
more local suppliers.dramatically over the last ten years better pricing and special promotions

He said: “The cruise business isand it becomes more and more difficult for our cruise line clients. Obviously
a booming industry at the moment. to keep in tune with the industry’s other companies also might have these

However in terms of supply you do seerequirements.”relationships with some of the A brands,

The SHIP Supplier Issue 67 2015 17