IBP Scandinavia pushes the boundaries of traditional distribution
IBP Scandinavia is both a marketing agency and a distributor, and has succeeded in transforming a difficult-to-change industry.
"We see ourselves as part of the product owners' brands, a so-called Brand Partner. IBP stands for quality in everything from distribution to marketing, sales and after-sales service," says Behzad Rahimi, founder and sales manager at IBP Scandinavia.
Behzad Rahimi and Said Saharkhiz, founders of IBP Scandinavia.
The founders behind IBP Scandinavia, Said Saharkhiz and Behzad Rahimi, think differently, and that has paid off. In just a few years, the company has become the largest distributor of baby tech products in Scandinavia, with brands such as Baby Brezza, Uppababy and Owlet.
"We are very careful about which brands we choose to work with. It must be a unique and innovative product, fulfil an important function and have a clear market in the Nordic region.”
Innovation is something that characterises both IBP's brands and how the company itself works.
A typical distributor buys stock, handles logistics and transport, as well as sales and after-sales. Where IBP Scandinavia differs is in how the company works to build awareness and create demand.
"We realised early on the importance of social media and personal recommendations for a brand. We therefore work with a large network of small and large influencers, combined with affiliate networks and digital marketing on social media and Google, among other things, to increase trust among end consumers.”
The start of something big
IBP Scandinavia started in 2016 when founders Said and Behzad contacted Baby Brezza in the US to become their distributor in Scandinavia. They saw the potential in the market.
It was the start of something big, where a meeting turned into a signed contract and many long evenings spent working alongside their regular jobs and family lives.
"We sold out Baby Brezza's European stock in three months. We did everything we could to succeed. We worked with influencers, stood in shopping centres and asked passers-by what would make life easier for parents of young children, and ran digital marketing campaigns.”
"The key is to measure and evaluate all efforts in order to focus on the right channels. That's why dialogue with customers, i.e. parents, is also crucial.”
Today, IBP Scandinavia is Baby Brezza's partner with the highest market penetration in the world.
"A major success factor is that we always go the extra mile and keep our promises. What's more, working with us should be fun. Our watchwords are trust, love and performance.”
This has actually led many retailers to choose us over others.
Aiming for 100 million
In addition to Baby Brezza, IBP Scandinavia is also a partner with the baby monitor company Owlet and the pram manufacturer Uppababy. The company has a turnover of around 50 million Swedish kronor, but the goal is even higher, and it aims to bring in more brands in all industries.
"We will reach 100 million within two years. We have passed the start-up phase and are now in the process of scaling up. There is still a lot of market we have not touched. Maybe we will reach a quarter of a billion in five years if we can continue at the same pace.”
The company receives at least one enquiry a week from brands interested in having IBP Scandinavia as their distributor and partner.
“With a proven and unique methodology that combines distribution with marketing and aftermarket services, we can help all international consumer brands establish themselves in the Nordic market,” says Behzad Rahimi.
For more information, contact:
Said Saharkhiz, CEO and founder, said@ibpscandinavia.se
IBP Scandinavia markets and distributes innovative products in Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Finland. The company holds the rights to international brands such as Baby Brezza, Uppababy and Owlet. Its head office is in Gothenburg and the company has a turnover of approximately SEK 50 million. ibpscandinavia.se
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