The Market Reality
Food & Agribusinesses Getting Squeezed
Caught between severe supply shocks and price-sensitive consumers, the sector faces a perfect storm. Raw material shortages, rising tariffs, and volatile commodity costs are driving inflation—while intense competition and regulation prevent companies from passing the bill to the customer. Profitability now requires more than just management; it requires a Pracademic approach to sourcing.
The "Pracademic" Advantage
Our Approach
We bridge the critical gap between evidence-based research and commercial reality.
"Pracademics" applies the rigor of scholarly analysis to real-world problems, while using practical, on-the-ground experience to inform strategy.
SVAP was born from a desire to blend these two worlds into a seamless, differentiated offering for the Food Processing and Agribusiness sectors.
Our Belief
Maximizing value for both industry and academia through deep domain expertise.
Serving clients not with generic templates, but with bespoke, evidence-based solutions.
Who We Serve
We solve strategy and supply challenges for:
Food processing companies
Seeking margin protection and supply assurance.
Agribusinesses
Navigating volatile commodity markets.
Entrepreneurs & Executives
Requiring strategic mentorship and capability building.
Educational Institutions
Bridging the gap between curriculum and industry needs.
Our Capabilities
We contribute to our client's progress through four interventions
Interim Management & Execution
Immediate leadership injection to stabilize and scale operations.
Strategic Sourcing: "Roll up our sleeves" execution in critical categories.
Ag Commodities & Digital Tech: Specialized procurement leadership.
Capability Acceleration: Rapidly professionalizing procurement teams.
Critical Transitions: Managing high-stakes change management projects.
➔ Standard: 3-month placements for project-based execution.
➔ Extended: Flexible terms for long-term operational stability.
Strategic Advisory
Expert insights to shape the future of your organization.
Procurement as Strategy: Transforming purchasing from a cost center to a value driver.
Competitive Advantage: Developing moats that are VRIN (Valuable, Rare, Inimitable, and Non-substitutable).
Productivity Programs: Best-in-class cost optimization.
➔ Standard Tier: Up to 8 hours/month (High-level advisory).
➔ Enhanced Tier: Dedicated support for complex strategic shifts.
Training & Capacity Building
Tailored education for the next generation of leaders.
Broad Topic Coverage: Fine tuned by client discussions — covering Strategic Alignment, Collaboration, Sourcing (Ag & Tech), Negotiation, and Conflict Management.
Strategic Planning: Tools for productivity and roadmap management.
➔ Method: In-person, virtual, or hybrid.
➔ Structure: 1-on-1 Executive Coaching or Group Workshops (capped at 20 for maximum engagement).
Consulting & Implementation
Solving specific pain points to align supply chain with business goals.
Problem Solving: Targeted intervention via Agile procurement methods.
Alignment: Ensuring supply chain metrics drive broader organizational strategy.
➔ Sprints (3-4 weeks): Targeted fixes for immediate impact.
➔ Initiatives (1-6 months): Comprehensive integration projects.
➔ Transformation (6-12 months): Strategic partnerships for total change.
Why SVAP?
Strategic insights. Commercial impact.
The "Embedded" Approach
We don't just advise; we integrate. We seamlessly blend into your existing team structure, providing a "vertical ramp-up" to your procurement function that ensures immediate value delivery without cultural friction.
Flexible Leadership
Access high-level strategic thinking without the overhead of a full-time C-Suite hire. We provide "sounding board" sessions and leadership engagement adapted to your schedule.
Right-Sized Expertise
We offer tiered skill levels tailored to your specific organizational layer. Whether you need high-level strategy for the Board or technical training for buyers, we match the expertise to the need.
Founding Team
Dr. Sridhar Vishwanath
Founder and Director
With over 25 years of global experience in Food, Agribusiness, Consulting, and Academia, Sridhar specializes in Strategic Sourcing for Digital Technologies and Agricultural commodities for Food and Agribusinesses.
Since 2018, he has contributed to Academia as a Regular and Visiting Faculty of Strategy and Agribusiness Management at reputed institutions in India (IRMA, LBSNAA) and the UAE (IMT Dubai).
Education & Training:
- • Doctorate in Business Administration (Strategy)
- • Masters in Public Policy and Management
- • Postgraduate degrees in Agribusiness Management and Agricultural Sciences
- • Bachelor of Science in Agriculture
- • Advanced training in Strategic Sourcing from KLEW, AT Kearney, Leadership Training from Dale Carnegie, Negotiations from CM Partners and Case Method Teaching from Harvard Business School - IIM Ahmedabad
Chitra Sridhar
Co-Founder
Chitra Sridhar is a co-founder and has expertise in Simultaneous interpretation in French-English-Hindi languages and in the design, development, delivery, and evaluation of training programs.
Education & Training:
- • Masters in Commerce
- • Bachelors in Education
- • Masters in Francophone Studies from India
- • Advanced level training in French language and Instructional Design
Our Strategic Partners
Gary Gultekin
With over 30 years of global leadership, Gary is a seasoned executive who has held senior roles at major firms like Cargill and PepsiCo, specializing in commodities, sustainable sourcing, and supply chain transformations. He brings a solutions-based approach and hands-on international experience to deliver scalable business strategies and growth initiatives.
Manish Shakalya
25+ years career as business focused supply chain professional working across Industries viz Supply Chain Services, Consumer Durables, FMCG and Healthcare. Worked in markets across India, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa for global organizations like Zimmer Biomet, Mondelez, Samsung, Baxter, OSRAM and Sembcorp logistics. Oliver Wight certified Integrated Business Planning (IBP) Instructor/Coach since 2014. Certified Strategic Execution Professional (SEP) by Duke Corporate Education – Fuqua school of Business in 2024.
Let's Discuss Your Needs
Whether you're looking for Interim Management & Execution, Strategic Advisory, Training and Capacity Building or Consulting and lmplementation, we are here to help you achieve your goals.
