Capitalizing on Key Trends

two trends that appear to have sufficient breadth and depth to maintain their relevance to wholesale distribution

Given the lingering amount of uncertainty, unpredictability, and volatility in the global and domestic economy, making predictions of any sort is likely to be a risky proposition.  However, two trends that appear to have sufficient breadth and depth to maintain their relevance to wholesale distribution are as follows:

• The continued expansion of the broadly defined "green business segment," including renewable energy generation; energy efficiency; carbon and water efficiency; waste reduction; recycling; and in the food sector, organics an sustainability
• An expanded role or government in areas such as environmental, labor, and safety regulations; international and domestic trade; and of course, taxes and tax incentives.

ACTION POINT: These trends are more relevant than ever to wholesale distribution--both in terms of opportunities and challenges--and therefore must capture a share of management's attention and investment going forward.  Capitalizing on these trends now can help distributors gain a substantial competitive advantage down the road.