| Critical Issues The implications of centralized purchasing for buyers and suppliers break out as follows, according to U.S. Dairy Export Council research. Buyer benefits*Volume, price and services leverage
*Fewer suppliers, leading to fewer complications
*Cost savings
*Specification standardization Supplier benefits*Larger volumes
*One-stop shopping
*Full-service suppliers favored
*Long-term partnerships more likely Supplier challenges
*Fewer opportunities to sell
*Pressure on distribution infrastructure
Difficult to dislodge established suppliers | 
