Matt Forbes and Carlos Britta

In a recent interview at IBEX 2024, Carlos Brito, the US strategic purchasing manager for Group Beneteau, provided insights into the company’s approach to innovation, supplier integration and sustainability within its global operations.

French boating giant Group Beneteau, founded in 1884, has 15 factories worldwide and is known for its diverse offerings, ranging from monohull and multihull sailboats to large motor yachts, across multiple brands.

Speaking to Matt Forbes, Brito emphasised the importance of collaboration within the company’s operations, explaining how Group Beneteau integrates suppliers and innovations across its global footprint. “We don’t call ourselves a team; we call ourselves a community,” said Brito, referring to the tight-knit collaboration across various departments, from engineering to marketing. This community-based approach allows the group to adapt to regional market trends while maintaining a consistent global strategy. In the U.S., for instance, the company’s factory in Cadillac, Michigan (where Brito is based), builds four distinct American boat brands, including Four Winns and Scarab Jet Boats.

A key focus of the interview was Group Beneteau’s strategic purchasing process, which involves close collaboration with suppliers to integrate cutting-edge innovations. Brito highlighted the company’s dedication to continuously searching for and adopting innovative products tailored to specific brand needs. This dedication is reflected in their partnerships with suppliers who can create bespoke solutions. “Our number one goal is to make sure we can meet our customer demands across different markets,” Brito said.

Sustainability was another central theme of the conversation, with Brito outlining Group Beneteau’s ambitious targets for reducing its environmental impact. The company has committed to cutting CO2 emissions by 30 per cent by 2030 and has already made significant strides in developing more eco-friendly boats. “We were the first boatbuilders in the world to work through a lifecycle and build a boat out of recyclable resin and eco-friendly materials,” Brito explained, referring to an award-winning project launched the previous year. Group Beneteau is also exploring hybrid and electric propulsion systems to enhance sustainability further.

Brito also reflected on the challenges facing the industry in a post-pandemic world, from supply chain disruptions to inflationary pressures. However, he remained optimistic, saying: “It’s definitely a challenge, especially for smaller companies, but we try to work closely with our partners to find efficiencies and maintain costs, despite rising prices.” This collaborative approach, he explained, is key to navigating these obstacles while continuing to innovate and remain competitive.

Looking to the future, Brito highlighted Group Beneteau’s commitment to both innovation and sustainability.

“Sustainability is not just about green products,” he reiterated. “It’s about human rights, ethics, and procurement practices.” By working closely with suppliers and integrating eco-friendly practices into their operations, Group Beneteau aims to meet evolving customer expectations while reducing its environmental footprint. With this focus, the company remains a leader in the industry, prepared to adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing market.

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