The USD 3.7 billion tender coconut industry is remarkable in offering unique challenges throughout its supply chain, from cultivation to the last mile. Interestingly, as much as a whopping 95% of sales at the retail level are motivated by street vendors, who, in turn, must struggle through a fractured and inefficient supply chain. Dailygurus, a first-generation agri-tech company, is taking a radical leap to turn this industry around.
The Challenge: An Unorganized Supply Chain
Street vendors, who sell tender coconuts on roadsides, are integral to the coconut retail market. Typically, these vendors sell around 100-200 tender coconuts daily, amounting to approximately 1,500 coconuts per week. However, the traditional procurement model is riddled with inefficiencies. Due to logistics and economic constraints, vendors often purchase coconuts in bulk once a week. This results in several issues:
- Excess stock leading to storage losses of up to 30%.
- Capital crunch for small vendors as they invest heavily upfront.
- Loss of freshness, directly impacting sales.
Dailygurus: A Game-Changer for Street Vendors
Dailygurus identified the pain points early on and has been working for several months to develop a robust and reliable solution. Their approach is simple yet innovative: streamline the supply chain through technology and enable frequent, smaller orders. Here’s how they do it:
- Flexible Procurement: Vendors can now order every alternate day instead of once a week.
- Minimum Order Quantity: Reduced to 500 coconuts per day to match daily sales volume.
- Fair Pricing: Direct procurement from farmers ensures competitive rates.
- Reduced Losses: Lower stock volume means reduced spoilage and better product quality.
- Traceability: AI and blockchain integration provide end-to-end traceability, boosting consumer confidence.
Real Impact: Transforming Lives
Take the story of Murugesan, a street vendor who sells around 500 coconuts daily. During peak summer, when demand soared, sourcing coconuts became a daunting task. The existing model forced him to buy in bulk, often leading to storage problems and financial stress. Since partnering with Dailygurus, Murugesan now orders through their app every alternate day. With fresh stock delivered directly to his stall, he can focus on running his business smoothly, without worrying about procurement hassles.
Tech-Driven Solutions: The Future of Tender Coconut Retail
Dailygurus leverages AI and blockchain to create a transparent, efficient, and farmer-friendly supply chain. By minimizing middlemen and improving logistics, they empower small vendors to thrive, especially during high-demand seasons like summer. The initiative doesn’t just help vendors; it also bridges the gap between farmers and urban markets, promoting fair trade practices.
A Call to Innovate
Dailygurus is more than just a procurement platform; it’s a catalyst for change in the agri-supply chain. By addressing the challenges of street vendors, they’re making the tender coconut market more sustainable and profitable for everyone involved. If you’re in the tender coconut business, it might be time to explore how Dailygurus can help you transform your operations.
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