Agropur’s Return to Encore: A Lesson in Real Travel Value
Agropur is a leading dairy producer operating across the U.S. and Canada. For nearly two decades, the company partnered with Encore Corporate Travel to run a reliable, efficient travel program that that quietly operated in the background and just worked. After a procurement consultant’s recommendation, Agropur decided to go to RFP. The process was heavily weighted on price and technology, assuming that service and strategic support would remain consistent.
“We didn’t really understand how much service we were getting until we didn’t have it anymore.”
Shana Critter,
Director of Indirect Procurement at Agropur
The new provider looked good on paper. But once in place, it quickly became clear what had been lost.
Travelers were left stranded.
Support was slow, flights were missed, and no one was there when it mattered most. Trust in the program broke down fast.
From Proactive to Reactive
Without a partner to track performance, flag issues early, or offer guidance, the program stopped evolving. Instead of moving forward, it stalled.
Procurement had no bandwidth left.
A key team member had to shift focus from procurement just to manage daily travel complaints.
Back with Encore: A Seamless, Strategic Return
As traveler frustration mounted and procurement capacity eroded, Agropur’s CFO made the call: return to Encore. This wasn’t about undoing a mistake. It was about restoring what worked: a partner who understood the business, delivered when it mattered, and aligned with Agropur’s definition of value.
Encore re-engaged, delivering a frictionless transition, and began rebuilding trust from day one.
The focus was clear:
Fast, human support that solved problems before they escalated
A new intuitive travel management platform that people loved
Strategic cost management without hidden trade-offs
A proactive service model that lifted, not burdened, internal teams
A Travel Program That Works
The difference was immediate. Traveler confidence returned, issues stopped piling up, and Procurement could finally focus on strategic work again.
18% Total Travel Spend Reduction
Smarter planning and visibility delivered savings where it mattered.
98% Traveler Satisfaction
Travelers noticed the difference: fewer issues, faster support, and a smoother journey.
75% Resource Recovery
Procurement was able to focus on strategic work again, not chasing issues.
Restored Trust
Better vendor terms and optimized bookings.
In Shana’s Words
“If I could go back in time, I would have never left. We learned that value isn’t just about cost—it’s about support, insight, and partnership.”
— Shana Cropu, Director of Indirect Procurement at Agropur
The Takeaway
Agropur’s journey proves that when travel works, it runs quietly in the background. But when it breaks, it becomes everyone’s problem. Cost may be what gets a provider in the door, but real value is what keeps your travel program strong.
Ready to Redefine
Your Travel Program?
The transformation at Maker’s Pride delivered a high-performing travel program that provided measurable value.
Partner with Encore today.
About Encore Corporate Travel
Since 1987, Encore Corporate Travel has partnered with CFOs, CPOs, and travel program leaders to reimagine what business travel can be—simpler, smarter, and more personal.
Encore’s combines 24/7 Traveler Services, proprietary Zii Travel Technology, with strategic Program Management to deliver clarity, control, and care across every touchpoint. As a proudly woman-owned, independent company, Encore moves fast, solves harder problems, and grows with intention. With a vision to be global by 2030, the company is scaling on its own terms—never compromising on the personalized service that sets it apart.
Encore is a proud member of the GBTNetwork.
For media inquiries contact Christie Thompson at [email protected]
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