Kellogg Invests $350 Million on Supplier Diversity Program

BATTLE CREEK, Mich.The Kellogg Companys commitment its U.S. supplier diversity program has spanned more than 20 years, and the program experienced a nearly sixfold increase in spending over then past decade, surpassing the $350 million milestone for the first time in 2011.

The companys supplier diversity program supports more than 200 companies owned by women, minorities and disabled veterans. In 2011, Kellogg spent $353 million on goods and services from diverse, first-tier suppliers, who supply goods and services directly to Kellogg and its co-manufacturers.

Our company is strengthened by a workforce that's reflective of the diverse consumers we serve," said John Bryant, Kellogg Company president and chief executive officer. "Similarly, we are also strengthened by working with a diverse supplier base that can help us better understand and address our consumers' needs. And we know when our suppliers succeed, we succeed."

Cathy Kutch, director of supplier diversity, Kellogg Company, said: Our supplier diversity program is about more than simply boosting spend or the numbers of women- or minority-owned companies in our supply chain. It's about partnering with companies to foster mutual success and sustainable growth."

Kellogg worked closely with the proprietor of Coalescence LLC to help the company grow. Today, Coalescence sells more than $21 million worth of custom flavorings each year to Kellogg alone, and also supplies other major food companies and restaurant chains. Kellogg also has been recognized for this commitment. Last year, the company was honored with the CEO Leadership Circle of Excellence Award from the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA).

The company recently added businesses owned by gays and lesbians to its diverse supplier database and will be tracking spending with this group in the future.