Our purpose
Our goal is to help our clients build sustainable competitive advantage.
We do this by supporting organizations to deliver unique and differentiated value propositions, tailored to match their reality, and built with critical insight and practicability.
What challenges do we help our clients overcome?
Which direction should be taken to drive revenue, market share, or profitability.
We help organizations establish a clear strategic north and the roadmap to reach it, answering questions like:
- What is the best strategy to enter a new market segment or geography? (Should I enter it?)
- What changes must I make to my business model to meet the changing demands of my customers?
- Should I acquire my competitor? What are the risks? What are the value generation levers?
How to create a compelling value proposition that connects my portfolio of products/services to the needs of my customers.
We support our clients to understand their customers deeply, moving away from a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to deliver targeted and effective brand activation; determining how to:
- Craft a multinational sales strategy that can embrace a diverse range of countries, brands, channels, and consumer profiles
- Organize the portfolio to boost market share whilst optimizing profitability?
- Ensure the brand strategy is effectively translated into the field through commercial teams and their organization
Which business model will efficiently deliver distribution, drop size, and service level targets, tailormade to my market segments’ needs.
We help organizations determine the service model strategy which will empower it to effectively and profitably serve varied consumer segments across its target markets; addressing challenges such as:
- How do I adjust my channel strategy and everything it entails (assortments, pricing, service level, sales presence, etc.) to account for regional or geographic differences?
- How do I leverage partners, franchisees, distributors, wholesalers, and licensees to increase my presence while maintaining my identity?
- How do I build a deep understanding of my cost to serve with enough granularity to optimize my investments and drive profitability?
What are the execution levers to focus on to activate consumers and increase sales and profitability?
We help our clients translate their positioning into tactical actions which drive results, answering questions like:
- What category management strategy (assortment, pricing, product hierarchy, etc.) should I employ to deliver increased revenue and profitability?
- How do I deliver a customized and fluid customer experience across online and offline channels?
- How do I unite the inputs of advanced statistical analysis with ethereal and non-technical concepts such as style and branding?
What makes us different?
We achieve tangible results for our clients by bringing together expertise, method, and mindset.
EXPERTISE
Cross-industry expertise
- We combine your business knowledge with our multi-sectoral understanding and relationships with industry experts to bring relevant outside challenges, practical references, benchmarks, and best-practices.
Understanding of the commercial ecosystem
- Across the commercial arm of a business, there are natural tensions and overlaps, both inside and outside the company. Our teams can connect the commercial discussion with its impacts in both internal (e.g. production, distribution, finance) and external areas (e.g. wholesalers, retailers, merchandisers).
METHOD
Built from the outside-in
- We respect the ‘voice of the market’, listening to the consumers, clients, and stakeholders which compose each market through interviews, field visits, focus groups, and surveys. This ensures our approach is truly consumer-centred and free from the constraints of existing strategies
Strong and transparent technical base
- Our recommendations are supported by robust analysis and business model simulators which are presented openly for you to understand, adjust, and own after our project closure.
Movement and involvement
- Our teams guarantee the involvement, active participation and alignment of your professionals across all areas, not just commercial, ensuring a sustainable and smooth company-wide transformation
MINDSET
A unique project, a unique solution
- Our projects, solutions, and recommendations are always developed bespoke to your needs considering your unique context, starting point, the desired end goal, and the market itself.
Essence is as important as analytics
- We believe that the most important decisions should be made based on more than number crunching and quantitative analyses. Our strategies strive to balance the market needs with the inherent business essence, culture, and values.
Humility and respect
- It should never appear that we are delivering an “Integration project” but, rather, “our project”. We seek out and are open to your feedback and we respect that you know your business better than anyone else.
OUR SERVICES
Our support in addressing these challenges translates itself into solutions across 4 segments:
BUSINESS
STRATEGY
Providing a deep understanding of a market ecosystem (e.g. a new consumer segment, category, region or country) and recommendations as to how to enter.
Designing the optimal commercial strategy based on internal and external variables; and its pragmatic route to implementation considering the revenue, distribution, and capability ramp up.
An independent and rigorous commercial assessment of acquisition targets considering market environment, competitive landscape, company capabilities, and performance.
Supporting our clients to define their strategic paths/vision for the future and the concrete steps to achieve it (projects, investments, team, etc.) through a collaborative journey that builds understanding, leadership unity, and impetus for action.
Supporting our clients along their unique digital journey through a holistic approach considers people as well as technology.
VALUE
PROPOSITION
An in-depth analysis of the consumer base to define behavioral and market clusters to enable targeted and effective consumer-centric strategies.
Establishing the goals and activation strategies for a brand based on target consumer segments, positioning compared to competitors, and market performance.
Marketing & Trade Marketing Organization Design
Ensuring the brand strategy becomes a reality – empowering Marketing and Trade Marketing to translate strategy into execution, through the organization, management, and capability development.
Definition of a portfolio strategy that brings clarity on product/service roles and positioning considering the internal and external context; allowing better prioritization, investments, and innovation.
Development of the internal mindset, methodology, analytical tools, and governance to boost successful product or service innovation and time to market.
Delivering ROI optimization through coordinated actions across GTM, Product Portfolio and Commercial Policy driven by a deep understanding of costs at client and product level.
DISTRIBUTION
& AVAILABILITY
Definition/revision of the service model strategy that allows an organization to effectively and profitably serve varied consumer segments across its target markets.
Definition or revision of the indirect channel strategy, operating model, and distribution network with the goal of improving cooperation, efficiency, and sales.
Development of a high-performance sales force and culture through the formation of rituals, processes, tools and KPIs aligned to customer needs and the GTM model.
EXPERIENCE
& ENGAGEMENT
Improving sales and profitability by optimizing the assortment offered, its means of display, and enhancing the retailer’s differential to the shopper.
Translating the industry strategy into a consumer-driven store execution, to maximize the brand experience and sales performance.
Ensuring the best possible experience for customers through the clear definition of value propositions per journey and the internal service model to deliver them.
SUCCESS STORIES
CHALLENGE
An international cement producer launched a revision of its Go-to-Market strategy based on the thesis that its main growth driver laid in the indirect channel. The client sought our help in determining the best way to approach the indirect market – what service model to use, which companies to partner with etc.
APPROACH
The first step was an in-depth analysis of the market size and composition per region, type of cement use, size of the end-user company, and client drivers for decision making in the purchasing process (e.g. technical specs vs price).
This provided valuable market insights, identified key growth drivers, and highlighted financial opportunities in certain geographical regions. For example, we identified that 50% of the market were small stores receiving on average smaller drop sizes than what the client was historically able to deliver in a profitable manner. This provided the client with a clear opportunity to grow by delivering small drop sizes in a cost-effective manner in this highly fragmented market.
Subsequently, multiple cross-industry reference cases were studied to define a brand-new indirect model combining exclusive distribution, brokers, and logistics operators that would be best suited to tackle both financial and growth drivers.
RESULT
A tailor-made methodology was created alongside the client’s experts to evaluate the operational competency of 172 potential partners, leading to the selection of 70 best-suited to their needs.
In order to guarantee the new model implementation, we structured an exclusive service area for the whole country with a fully defined indirect management model. This included a contract model, remuneration model, new distributor manager routine and training, and the creation of a 150+ page Distributor Excellency Program manual, written in collaboration with the network’s best-in-class partners and covering all operational aspects of the new hybrid model.
CHALLENGE
A plant-based food startup hired Integration to size the market potential for plant-based hamburgers and to create a plan to take these new products to the Brazilian and European Markets. In particular, they asked for our support in understanding consumer behavior in this booming market where there was limited data.
APPROACH
Given the lack of available market data, Integration focused on building a large body of primary research to help our client. By studying plant-based food dynamics in Europe and North America, interviewing experts, and conducting statistically significant surveys with consumers, we were able to develop an insightful and original understanding of the market dynamics and create various market entry scenarios.
RESULT
Our work provided detailed information about potential income per category, price sensitivity, potential risks, main competitors, and market size per region in the client’s geographical areas of interest.
In parallel, Integration developed a detailed implementation roadmap and the commercial model design. With this information, it was possible for our client to understand and address the success factors needed to develop the category in Brazil and Europe and kick-start their operations and sales.
CHALLENGE
A tile producer and its private equity partner looked to Integration for support in redesigning its Portfolio to boost market opportunities, but also to overcome internal resistance to simplify and de-list items from a highly sophisticated portfolio.
APPROACH
This success of this project relied on three major contributors: (1) an outside-in strategic segmentation showed clusters of very low differentiation in the portfolio which could be simplified, whilst also pinpointing “white spaces” where innovation could plug market gaps; (2) careful work in the “transition” – to ensure the products being cut from the portfolio would be correctly managed in terms of operations, volume and client satisfaction; and (3) robust governance to ensure all multifunctional area would be involved to carefully validate, manage and sustain the portfolio strategy.
RESULT
We achieved a 35% reduction in the size of the portfolio, resulting in a more than 15% increase in the average gross margin contribution, and a great reduction in operational complexity.
CHALLENGE
One of the largest convenience chains in the world needed to reinvent itself in Brazil, having consistently lost market share against local and more regionally adapted competitors.
They had struggled to keep pace with the unique characteristics of the market, with its regional specificities and highly heterogenous and numerous franchisee profile – which demanded different assortments, pricing, local heroes activation, bespoke management, training and execution guidance to drive results
APPROACH
Integration supported the client in creating a local identity aligned with its global policies, but also unique in its positioning and clear in its differentiation compared to strong local competition.
We developed guidelines to manage assortment clusters, prices, promotional campaigns, and store layout – all with simplicity in mind – a key success factor for implementation with franchisees. Integration supported the implementation of these guidelines with a pilot user-base, measuring results, and making the necessary adaptations.
RESULT
The pilot presented a 4% increase in revenue in the first month, and an increase of 7-10% was forecasted by our client for the long-term.
The category management culture was reinforced in the company to provide it with the tools and methods it would need to continue improving and to tackle new contexts or regions. Concretely, these included governance rituals and decision-making moments embedded per team to deal with the tactical assortment, pricing, exposure, and promotion decisions in each region.
INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE
Our Marketing & Sales practice has delivered over 600 projects in the Americas, Europe, and across the globe, serving more than 20 different sectors such as Consumer Goods, Retail, Pharma Healthcare, Services, Industrial sectors, Financial Sector, Agribusiness, and others.
Our professionals are trained in our methodology by applying and implementing them in a wide range of sectors and contexts – to offer our clients a deep understanding of market dynamics, emerging and best practices, offering complimentary channels, clients, and consumer insights and recommendations.
TALK TO US
André Valente
André Valente is a partner at Integration and a leader within the Marketing & Sales Practice. With nearly two decades of experience supporting clients across diverse sectors and geographies, André is a specialist in the topics of innovation management, digital and data solutions, go-to-market models, market-entry strategies and global marketing approaches.
Andrea Aun
Andrea Aun is a founding partner at Integration and is recognized as an important female leader among Brazilian executives, participating in the LIDEM (Group of Leading Entrepreneurial Women) Executive Committee. She is an expert within the field of Marketing & Sales and Retail and has led over 100 projects in these areas. She continues to [...]
Augusto Ribeiro
Augusto Ribeiro is a partner at Integration and has been working since 2003 in the Marketing & Sales practice. Augusto built a solid international experience, leading and implementing strategic Marketing & Sales projects in industries ranging from Consumer Goods through Construction & Property Development to the Financial Industry, especially in the Private Equity sector.
Bruno Torres
Bruno Torres is an engagement manager at Integration and has worked in the Marketing & Sales Practice since 2017. Prior to Integration, Bruno worked as a software developer in Canada. At Integration, he has mostly participated in go-to-market strategies in various industries, including pulp & paper, agro, B2B services, steel, consumer goods, hygiene & beauty, [...]
Carlos Lima
Carlos Lima is the president of Integration and a founding partner. Carlos has worked with leading international companies across the globe as a consultant for the last 30 years and has developed a particular specialization in Marketing and Sales. He is considered an expert in the Consumer Goods sector and on the topics of Commercial [...]
Guido Solari
Guido Solari is a partner at Integration and the head of our LATAM offices. Guido joined the company in 2006 and is part of the Marketing & Sales Practice. He has carried out over 250 projects across Latin America, North America and Europe, serving clients in the areas of mass consumer goods, agribusiness, pharmaceuticals, media [...]
Guilherme Melo
Guilherme Melo is a junior manager at Integration's strategy, intelligence & innovation (SI&I) area. He previously worked at Integration from 2012 to 2018 and rejoined the company in July 2021. Guilherme's main areas of expertise include go-to-market strategy, the evaluation & design of distribution networks, market sizing and entry strategies, with a focus on the [...]
Ian Matiussi
Ian Matiussi is a director and joined Integration in 2010 and now has over a decade of experience, working in our Marketing & Sales Practice. Comfortable with a wide range of topics in this area, he is especially known for his expertise in strategic marketing initiatives such as Market Scans, Go-to-Market and Commercial Policy. His [...]
Ian Specht
Ian Specht is a senior manager at Integration and has been working in the Marketing & Sales practice since July 2019. His experience includes Strategic Management and also has the following certifications: White Belt; Financial Management/ Investments.
Jamie Gale
Jamie Gale is a partner at our London Office. He has spent more than 25 years in the consulting industry and private sector. Jamie is recognized for his extensive experience in digital, developing and executing strategies that enable business transformation. He has supported clients across manufacturing, retail, telecommunications, financial services, food & beverage and transportation [...]
Jonathan Ezban
Jonathan Ezban is a director at Integration and has been working since July 2011 in the practice of Marketing & Sales. Prior to Integration, Jonathan was an Analyst at The Friedman Group, where he developed projects related to Sales Budgets for retail companies in Mexico. Within Integration, we can highlight his experience in Market Scan [...]
Jorge Gomes
Jorge Gomes is a senior director and a highly experienced professional in our Finance & Management practice having joined Integration in 2008. Jorge has travelled to countries around the world in support of our clients, leading projects related to revenue management, strategic planning, M&A and more. He has a well-rounded experience having completed multiple projects [...]
Leticia Molina
Leticia Molina is a director at Integration's Implementation Practice and has been with the company since January 2023. Prior to Integration, Leticia worked as director of marketing and sales at Vitamina Children's Schools. Her experience includes acquisition and integration plan structuring in the school market, profitability and company restructuring. She also worked as a project [...]
Lucas Jordan
Lucas Jordan is a senior manager at Integration in the Marketing & Sales Practice. Prior to Integration, Lucas worked at Ambev and Credit Suisse. His primary experience includes structuring and revision of go-to-market models, market scans, strategic planning and entry and expansion strategies.
Lucas Tavolaro
Lucas Tavolaro is a senior director at Integration and has been working in the Finance & Management Practice since 2011. He has supported our clients in the creation Strategic Roadmaps, M&A synergy evaluations, Go-to-Market strategies, Cost Efficiency and Strategic Sourcing projects. His experience includes sectors such as Consumer Goods, Construction & Property Development, Education, Private [...]
Luis Bernal
Luis Bernal is a director in the Marketing & Sales Practice. Originally from Columbia, Luis is an entrepreneur at heart, and has worked in several start-ups in Colombia, receiving his MBA from IPADE. He has accumulated international consulting experience whilst working across the United States, Mexico, Caribbean and Central America, Colombia and Brazil in industries [...]
Martin Sartorius
Martin Sartorius is an engagement manager within Integration’s Marketing & Sales practice, and has been working in the company since 2016. His experience includes projects delivered across a wide range of sectors in Mexico and Latin America. Martin holds a degree in Business Administration from Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México.
Paulo Guimarães
Paulo Guimarães is a senior manager in Marketing & Sales, working in the company since October 2014. His experience includes projects related to strategic planning, go-to-market design, market sizing, commercial model & structure revision, financial simulation, due diligence and commercial policy in sectors such as technology, durable & nondurable consumer goods, infrastructure, private equity and [...]
Robin Griffiths
Robin Griffiths is an engagement manager at Integration’s UK Office and has worked with the company since 2018. His experience is focused on Growth and Transformation projects, including Commercial Strategy, Go-to-market Strategy, Organization Design, Market Scan & Entry Strategy, Project Management, and Change Management. This experience has been built working across a diverse set of [...]
Roger Saltiel
Roger Saltiel is a partner at Integration and has been working since 2002 in the Marketing & Sales practice. Considered an authority in the Indirect Channel and Partner Relationship Management (PRM), he is a member of the Associação Brasileira de Atacadistas e Distribuidores (ABAD) [Brazilian Association of Wholesalers and Distributors], working in the leadership of [...]
Sven Hoffmann
Sven Hoffmann is a senior manager at Integration's Munich Office. His experience covers projects in the areas of strategic planning and roadmaps, organizational and process redesigns, go-to-markets and innovation systems. Sven has worked in projects across Asia, Europe, North and South America. He holds a master's degree in technology management from the Technical University of [...]
Vinicius Olivo
Vinicius Olivo is a director and brings a broad and deep understanding of our Marketing & Sales solutions since having joined Integration in 2011. He supported leading national and international organizations in Retail and Consumer Goods in building sustainable competitive advantage. His project experience ranges from Go-to-Market models, Market Scans, Customer Segmentation, Category Management and [...]
Virgínia Ruggiero
Virgínia Ruggiero is a senior manager at Marketing & Sales and has been part of the Integration since May 2015. During this period, she has carried out diverse projects in strategic planning, market scans, entry strategies, mergers & acquisitions, due diligence, go-to-market and category management, mainly in the sectors of retail, education, health care, apparel, [...]