Los Grobo: Farming's Future?

David E. Bell; Cintra  Scott

Case | HBS Case Collection | December 2010 (Revised January 2011)

Los Grobo: Farming's Future?

by David E. Bell and Cintra Scott

Abstract

This case describes the international expansion plans of the second largest grain producer in Latin America, Los Grobo. Based in Argentina with US$550 million in annual sales, Los Grobo also operated in Brazil, Uruguay, and Paraguay--usually with local partners. Los Grobo had an unusual business model: it did not own land nor farm machinery. Instead, it created a network of partnered producers and suppliers. In other words, it outsourced as much as possible. CEO Gustavo Grobocopatel believed that Los Grobo's network model was the best way to work within "farming's new paradigm," in which knowledge and technological advancements were farmers' most important tools.

Keywords: Agribusiness; Business Model; Ownership; Networks; Expansion; Information Technology; Agriculture and Agribusiness Industry; Argentina;

Format: Print

23 pages

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Citation:

Bell, David E., and Cintra Scott. "Los Grobo: Farming's Future?" Harvard Business School Case 511-088, December 2010. (Revised January 2011.)

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Teaching Note | HBS Case Collection | May 2020

Danone: Changing the Food System

David E. Bell, Federica Gabrieli, Daniela Beyersdorfer, Amy Klopfenstein and Aldo Sesia

Teaching Note for HBS No. 520-053.
This is a teaching note for the case “Danone: Changing the Food System?” The case examines the efforts of one of the world’s largest food and beverage companies to resolve the social, environmental, and economic issues within its supply chain. Chairman and CEO Emmanuel Faber and One Planet and Water Cycle Vice President Eric Soubeiran believe that the global food system is broken, and needs radical transformation to save the planet. The case provides an overview of Danone’s efforts to change the food system, including Cost Performance Model (CPM) contracts with dairy farmers and encouraging suppliers to prioritize regenerative agriculture and the ethical treatment of animals. However, it remains unclear whether consumers are willing to pay a premium for sustainably-produced products. At the conclusion of the case, Faber and Soubeiran wonder what Danone should do next to repair the food system. The note contains suggested assignment questions, a sample board plan, and a suggested discussion plan.

Keywords: Food; Goods and Commodities; Agribusiness; Animal-Based Agribusiness; Plant-Based Agribusiness; Strategy; Corporate Strategy; Environmental Management; Environmental Sustainability; Climate Change; Agriculture and Agribusiness Industry; Food and Beverage Industry; Europe; France; Paris;

Citation:

Bell, David E., Federica Gabrieli, Daniela Beyersdorfer, Amy Klopfenstein, and Aldo Sesia. "Danone: Changing the Food System." Harvard Business School Teaching Note 520-066, May 2020. View Details

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Los Grobo: Farming's Future?

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