Time-Driven Activity-Based Costing

CHAPTER 8

KEMPS LLC

Handling Product, Distribution, and Customer Variety

HISTORY AND BACKGROUND

Kemps, a leading U.S. dairy in the Upper Midwest and Gulf states, produces and distributes a full line of products, including milk, ice cream, sour cream, cottage cheese, and yogurt.¹ During the 1990s, Kemps, like most dairies, saw a major consolidation in its customer base. Small, independent retailers became absorbed or put out of business by giants such as Wal-Mart, SuperValu, Nash Finch, and Roundy’s. The buying power from these large distributors and retailers put suppliers’ margins under heavy pressure.

Kemps also had to respond to increased demands from its wholesale and retail customers for more specialized packaging, distribution, warehousing, ...