Erich Hinrichs

Consultant

Over thirty years produce experience in Europe, Russia, Africa, and Latin America. Expertise in supply chain management, sales, and marketing. Fluent in German, Dutch, and English; communicates also in French, Spanish, and Italian.

Selected Accomplishments

Strategic Marketing
As General Sales Manager Europe of a major global produce company, directed sales and marketing in European Union countries, East Europe, Switzerland, Scandinavia, and Russia. Implemented innovative promotion, sales contract, and pricing structure with wholesalers and supermarket chains to penetrate target market and customer segments. Coordinated shipping and discharge programs to meet customer requirements.

Sales and Distribution Management
Directed and managed Europe sales organization including hiring, training, performance analysis, volume allocation and pricing, and customer profitability analysis. Implemented market research to help develop customer strategies. Worked with key international customers in business reviews and program analysis.

Advertising and Promotion Implementation
In selected European markets, developed and implemented trade and consumer programs that met and improved customer target objectives. With customer staff, designed and implemented consumer promotions
to move volume during selected times of the year. Worked with advertising and promotion agencies to develop and execute advertising and promotion campaigns.

Strategic Sourcing
Identified and developed sourcing programs in Latin America and Africa for bananas and pineapple for Europe. Consulted with fresh fruit importers and distributors in Russia, Norway, and Germany on sourcing, shipping, logistics, ripening and handling techniques, sales, and promotion.