Hunting for the True Source of the Baby Formula Shortage

In this week's Dial P audio podcast, Kelly Barner makes a thorough and data-driven examination of the current baby formula shortage. Although the earliest news coverage started in January of 2022, we actually have to go back to September of 2019 to fully understand the source of the crisis parents are facing today. From out of stock rates that have been increasing since November of 2021, to plant closures and recalls, to any available prognostication about when the shortages are expected to end, this story is a complex one – and it serves as a sad but fascinating study of what can go wrong when quality concerns meet lagging inspections and unpredictable consumer demand. Kelly covers relevant information about: • How long the Sturgis, Michigan plant was an issue – and who (beyond the whistleblower) knew about it • How the federally funded Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) assistance program may have contributed to the market over-concentration we have today • What procurement and supply chain professionals can learn from this set of unfortunate circumstances to apply in the future