Fortnum & Mason overhauls product development and supplier management

Fortnum & Mason is overhauling how it handles product development and supplier management, aiming to simplify processes and support its next stage of growth.

The retailer is bringing in a centralised system covering product information, quality controls and supplier relationships, to cut back the growing complexity behind its luxury food and gifting ranges.

Product specifications, approvals and supplier paperwork will sit in one place, replacing manual processes and making it simpler for teams to take products from development to launch.

Fortnum & Mason works with suppliers ranging from big international brands to small independent producers. It wants better visibility across that supply chain while keeping the ‘quality standards associated with its Piccadilly flagship’.

Teams will also have a clearer view of ingredients, packaging, regulatory requirements and sustainability information, which should help the business react faster to change and lighten administrative work.

Laura McLindon, head of technical at Fortnum & Mason, said the investment would let teams and suppliers work from the same current information instead of relying on separate systems and tracking things by hand.

The retailer chose Oracle Retail Brand Compliance Management for the project, extending an existing relationship with Oracle.

The move is part of a broader effort at Fortnum & Mason to modernise its operations and become more efficient without diluting its heritage-led offer.

Earlier this year it launched Fortnum’s Connect, a clienteling platform that gives store staff more access to customer information so they can offer more personalised shopping.