Case | HBS Case Collection | October 2016

Yili Group: Building a Global Dairy Company

by William C. Kirby and Nancy Hua Dai

Abstract

From its humble beginnings as a local Chinese dairy company, the Inner Mongolia Yili Group has become one of the largest dairy companies in the world. To achieve this, Yili has aggressively expanded its footprint overseas including building the world’s largest integrated dairy production base in New Zealand and forming R&D partnerships in Europe and North America. As the company continues its growth in the context of a slowing Chinese economy, how can Yili integrate its new global resources and supply chain to meet local market needs and become a top five global dairy company in the process?

Keywords: global strategy; Globalized Markets and Industries; Global Supply Chain; growth and development strategy; brands and branding; competition; culture; Agribusiness; Animal-Based Agribusiness; Business Growth and Maturation; Food; Global Range; Local Range; Cross-Cultural and Cross-Border Issues; Global Strategy; Globalized Firms and Management; Nutrition; Employee Relationship Management; Growth and Development Strategy; Growth Management; Brands and Branding; Supply Chain; Agriculture and Agribusiness Industry; Food and Beverage Industry; China;

Language: English Format: Print 35 pages EducatorsPurchase

Citation:

Kirby, William C., and Nancy Hua Dai. "Yili Group: Building a Global Dairy Company." Harvard Business School Case 317-003, October 2016.

About the Author

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William C. Kirby
T. M. Chang Professor of China Studies, Spangler Family Professor of Business Administration
General Management

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