Recent turbulent months have caught many buyers off guard. Their procurement strategies were geared to a specific market condition lacking the flexibility to act upon the radical changes we are currently experiencing. While 12 months ago companies had their focus on rising raw material prices and scarce resources, the current economic crisis has now led to a shift towards cost containment. Although market volatility is likely to continue over the next year, one trend is destined to remain: Supplier markets will become more differentiated. What does this mean for companies and industries worldwide? That a “one size fits all” strategy no longer applies.