General Mills should analyze its entire supply chain and products thoroughly before making purchasing decisions. One strategy would be to buy larger quantities from a few selected cocoa bean suppliers since 80% come from western Africa, allowing for economies of scale. This lowers costs and creates competitive advantages. However, there are risks like suppliers performing poorly or leaking trade secrets. Creating clear contracts can help limit risks. General Mills could also create a keiretsu network through long-term collaboration with suppliers to improve quality and create trust over time, though this brings political and labor concerns that require oversight. Reviewing price trends shows cocoa bean prices decline overall with increases in fall/winter, so General Mills should stockpile then to avoid higher later prices.