Introduction: A Trusted Partner in the Produce Industry
CDS has been a key player in the Canadian fresh produce industry for over 25 years. Specializing in multicultural produce, the company is known for offering premium garlic, peeled garlic, ginger, and a wide array of exotic produce from around the world. As the Business Development & Sourcing Manager, Jasmine Monteil plays an integral role in the company’s growth and strategic sourcing efforts. A critical part of CDS’s success has been its partnership with Blue Book, a tool that aids in managing risk, securing partnerships, and identifying new business opportunities.
Business Builder Intelligence: Supporting Growth and Relationship Building
According to Jasmine, Blue Book has been instrumental in helping CDS grow, particularly in the area of business development. “Blue Book has been very instrumental in supporting us in our growth. As you grow, you know, there are risks associated with business expansion,” she explains. The platform is a valuable resource for monitoring and evaluating potential business partners.
Jasmine utilizes the Blue Book system frequently—at least once a week—ensuring that the company only pursues partnerships that align with their high compliance standards. “I always use, I mean, I go on your system, very friendly system, at least once a week because I look after the business development, to ensure that I’m pursuing projects that have legs and that I’m working with people who are in line with our high level of compliance.”
Credit Intelligence: Mitigating Risk with Confidence
Managing risk is essential in the fast-paced produce industry, where decision-making must be swift and well-informed. For CDS, Blue Book’s Credit Intelligence platform is a crucial tool that helps mitigate risks both on the buying and selling sides of their business. Jasmine notes, “Blue Book is like a benchmark for us… It helps us mitigate the risks, and it helps on the buying side as well as on the selling side.”
In addition, using Blue Book has given CDS the confidence to engage in business with stakeholders across the globe. “In our fast-moving industry, I would say that the risk is essential and crucial when it comes to making informed decisions. It’s part of a vision of a sustainable business. You need to use certain tools that are efficient tools to give us trust, you know, to negotiate with other stakeholders.”
Market Intelligence: Keeping CDS Ahead of the Curve
Market intelligence is another area where Blue Book plays a significant role for CDS. The company uses Blue Book’s resources to stay up to date on market trends, pricing, and emerging opportunities. As Jasmine points out, CDS’s multicultural product offerings have put them at the forefront of an expanding market for diverse produce. “The future looks bright for us. There’s a growth in demand in multicultural items, and the good news is we’ve been on that trend for twenty-five years.”
Staying informed about market changes and trends is vital, especially as the demand for exotic and multicultural produce continues to rise. “We do everything we can to keep up with the trend. But whatever we do, we do it with intention,” says Jasmine. Through Blue Book, CDS can monitor these developments and ensure they are making the best decisions for the future.
Procurement Intelligence: Building Strong, Reliable Partnerships
When it comes to sourcing high-quality products from across the globe, Blue Book’s procurement intelligence has proven to be invaluable to CDS. The platform aids in identifying reliable suppliers and negotiating better terms. Jasmine emphasizes, “If another business is in the Blue Book, it’s a benchmark of fewer risks. Risk zero doesn’t exist, but it really is a good sign if they’re on the Blue Book and if the rating is good, this is good, whether it’s a supplier or a customer.”
By leveraging Blue Book’s extensive database, CDS can better understand the financial stability and reputation of potential suppliers, allowing them to make informed decisions that align with the company’s high standards.
Business Builder Intelligence: Reinforcing CDS’s Reputation in the Market
Jasmine also utilizes Blue Book’s Business Builder Intelligence platform to ensure that CDS maintains a strong presence in the market. The platform allows CDS to advertise their offerings, strengthen their brand reputation, and attract the right stakeholders. “Blue Book offers platforms that are very useful to help us stay on the map, putting us on the map when needed,” Jasmine explains.
By using targeted digital ads and showcasing their expertise in multicultural produce, CDS reinforces its reputation as a trusted leader in the garlic and ginger market. “It’s very, very important for us to stay top of mind with key stakeholders, specific buyers in the industry,” says Jasmine. “It helps us put us on the map and keep us top of mind.”
A Global Perspective: Expanding Beyond Canada with Blue Book
Although CDS has primarily focused on the Canadian market, their strategic alliance with Gestalt Capital has fueled plans to expand beyond their home base. Jasmine anticipates using Blue Book even more extensively in the future as the company moves to broaden its reach. “We are willing to expand not just in Canada but beyond, and in due course, I will use the Blue Book even more when it comes to expanding to the other side as well.”
Having worked in multiple global markets, Jasmine knows firsthand how valuable Blue Book can be for international businesses. “I’ve operated in different markets in the world. I am European, so I used to be in Europe. And I worked with America, and from that point, I knew about the Blue Book. I also operated in Asia. So, you know, Blue Book is international,” she explains. For CDS, Blue Book is not just a tool for Canadian operations, but a key component of their global strategy as they continue to expand.
Conclusion: Why CDS Trusts Blue Book
For Jasmine and CDS, Blue Book is much more than a business tool—it’s a trusted partner in their journey of growth and risk management. “Blue Book is like family now. No, that’s the truth. It’s very easy. And I do know it’s a fast-moving environment,” says Jasmine, praising the responsiveness and efficiency of Blue Book’s customer service.
As CDS continues to grow and expand, they rely on Blue Book for its comprehensive insights into market trends, credit evaluations, and procurement opportunities. “To all my industry peers, I do recommend working with Blue Book. And if you’re not already using this wonderful tool, I recommend you get in touch with them and get on board. You won’t regret it,” Jasmine concludes.
In an ever-evolving industry, Blue Book helps CDS navigate the complexities of business development, making it a critical asset in the company’s ongoing success.
