Why Landing a Major Retailer Is Just the Beginning

For FMCG founders, winning a listing in Coles or Woolworths is a huge milestone. But while it feels like the finish line, it’s actually the starting point. Without strong logistics and financial systems, your “big win” can quickly turn into sleepless nights, empty shelves, and cashflow crises.

That’s why Chelsea Ford, host of the Foodpreneur with Chelsea Ford podcast, invited Cameron Aboud and Joel Alderden from sc3sixty to share what brands must do immediately after landing their first major retailer order.

🎧 Listen to the full episode here:
Foodpreneur with Chelsea Ford – Episode 138

Key Takeaways from the Podcast

The Strategic Moves After Your First Big Order

Don’t assume landing a retailer means smooth sailing.
Put systems in place right away for inventory, compliance, and cashflow.

Avoid the Biggest Cashflow Traps

Long retailer payment terms can choke liquidity.
Miscalculating stock needs ties up working capital unnecessarily.

Inventory Planning – The Goldilocks Principle

Not too much, not too little.
Stock must be balanced to avoid write-offs and stockouts.

Why DIFOT Is Non-Negotiable

Delivering in full and on time is the metric that keeps shelf space safe.
Poor supply performance opens the door for competitors.

Fractional Support Is a Smart Move

Not every brand can afford full-time logistics or finance experts.
Fractional solutions give you expertise at the scale you need.

At sc3sixty, we help FMCG brands prepare for the realities of national retail. From Fractional CFO support to manage cashflow, to Fractional COO leadership for supply chain execution, our mission is to ensure suppliers scale without risk.

Landing a major retailer is a huge achievement. But staying on the shelf requires:

Smart forecasting and replenishment (Vendor Replenishment Planning).
Disciplined cashflow management to survive long payment cycles.
Operational leadership to prevent costly compliance failures.

With the right support, emerging brands can not only survive their first big order — they can use it as a platform for long-term growth.

Landing Coles or Woolworths is a milestone worth celebrating. But it’s what comes next that determines your brand’s future. By mastering logistics and finance, and seeking expert support where needed, FMCG suppliers can turn a breakthrough listing into a lasting success story.

👉 Listen to the full conversation with Chelsea Ford here:

Foodpreneur with Chelsea Ford – Episode 138

And explore how sc3sixty can help you scale smarter.

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