[BCM] [CFF] [E1] [C2] Understanding Your Organisation: Classic Fine Foods Malaysia

Classic Fine Foods (CFF) Malaysia is a subsidiary of a global Classic Fine Foods Group. It distributes premium gourmet products to high-end restaurants, hotels, and retail outlets in Malaysia.

Established with a commitment to delivering exceptional quality and service, CFF Malaysia has built a reputation as a trusted partner in the culinary industry.

The company sources, stores, and distributes a wide range of products, including artisanal cheeses, charcuterie, fresh truffles, seafood, and speciality ingredients, catering to the discerning tastes of its clientele.

CFF Malaysia wishes to adopt the ISO 22301 standard for Business Continuity Management (BCM) as part of its commitment to operational excellence and resilience.

This chapter provides an overview of the organisation, its key activities, and the context in which it operates, as required by ISO 22301. Understanding the organisation is a critical first step in developing a robust business continuity management system (BCMS) that ensures the continuity of operations during disruptions.

Organisational Structure and Key Functions

CFF Malaysia has a streamlined organisational structure to support its core business activities. The key functions within the organisation include:

1. Procurement and Sourcing: Responsible for identifying and sourcing high-quality products from local and international suppliers.

2. Warehousing and Inventory Management: This department manages the storage and handling of perishable and non-perishable goods, ensuring optimal conditions for product quality.

3. Sales and Marketing: Engages with clients, promotes products, and drives revenue growth through targeted marketing strategies.

4. Logistics and Distribution: Ensure timely and efficient delivery of products to clients across Malaysia.

5. Finance and Administration: Oversees financial management, compliance, and administrative support functions.

6. Quality Assurance and Compliance: Ensures adherence to food safety standards, regulatory requirements, and internal quality policies.

Each function is critical to the organisation's ability to deliver value to its customers and maintain its competitive edge.

Key Products and Services

CFF Malaysia's product portfolio includes:

• Artisanal Cheeses: A curated selection of cheeses from renowned producers worldwide.

• Charcuterie: Premium cured meats and sausages sourced from traditional producers.

• Fresh Truffles and Specialty Ingredients: Seasonal truffles, mushrooms, and other gourmet ingredients.

• Seafood: High-quality fresh and frozen seafood, including shellfish and fish fillets.

• Pantry Items: Specialty oils, vinegars, condiments, and other culinary essentials.

In addition to product distribution, CFFM offers value-added services such as product training, menu development support, and custom sourcing for unique client requirements.

Stakeholders and Dependencies

CFF Malaysia's operations are supported by a network of internal and external stakeholders, including:

1. Suppliers: Local and international producers and distributors of gourmet products.

2. Customers: High-end restaurants, hotels, and retail outlets across Malaysia.

3. Employees: Skilled professionals across procurement, logistics, sales, and support functions.

4. Regulatory Authorities: Government agencies overseeing food safety, import/export regulations, and labour laws.

5. Logistics Partners: Third-party transportation and warehousing providers.

Understanding the dependencies and expectations of these stakeholders is essential for identifying risks and ensuring business continuity.

Operational Context

CFF Malaysia operates in a dynamic and competitive environment, influenced by factors such as:

• Market Trends: Increasing demand for premium and sustainable food products.

• Regulatory Environment: Strict food safety and import/export regulations.

• Supply Chain Complexity: Dependence on international suppliers and logistics networks.

• Economic Conditions: Fluctuations in currency exchange rates and consumer spending patterns.

• Technological Advancements: Adopting digital tools for inventory management, sales, and customer engagement.

These factors shape the organisation's risk landscape and inform the development of its business continuity strategies.

Legal and Regulatory Requirements

CFF Malaysia is subject to a range of legal and regulatory requirements, including:

• Food Safety Standards: Compliance with the Malaysian Food Act 1983 and Food Regulations 1985.

• Import/Export Regulations: Adherence to customs and trade regulations for international shipments.

• Labour Laws: Compliance with the Malaysian Employment Act 1955 and Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994.

• Environmental Regulations: Compliance with waste management and sustainability guidelines.

Ensuring compliance with these requirements is integral to the organisation's operations and business continuity planning.

Business Continuity Objectives

In alignment with ISO 22301, CFF Malaysia has established the following business continuity objectives:

1. Minimise Disruptions: Ensure the continuity of critical operations during incidents such as supply chain disruptions, natural disasters, or pandemics.

2. Protect Reputation: Maintain customer trust by delivering consistent service levels, even during disruptions.

3. Ensure Compliance: Meet legal and regulatory requirements during and after disruptive events.

4. Safeguard Employees: Prioritise the safety and well-being of employees during emergencies.

5. Enhance Resilience: Build a culture of resilience through continuous improvement of the BCMS.