Distribution Network Design and Last-Mile Logistics Performance in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods Industry: Evidence from FARO Bottling Company, Adamawa State, Nigeria

Distribution network design is a critical determinant of last-mile logistics performance in fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) supply chains, particularly in developing economies where infrastructure and operational constraints affect delivery reliability. This study examined the distribution network design and last-mile logistics performance of FARO Bottling Company in Adamawa State, Nigeria. A quantitative case-study design was adopted. Structured questionnaires were administered to 260 selected distribution stakeholders, of which 212 valid responses were obtained, representing an 81.5% response rate. The respondents comprised company logistics personnel, distributors, wholesalers, and retailers. Documentary evidence from FARO dispatch and distributor records was used to triangulate reported operational outcomes. The survey indicated that outsourced/third-party logistics was the most frequently perceived transportation arrangement (58.02%), whereas company records showed a mixed fleet comprising 60.0% company-owned and 40.0% outsourced vehicles. Factory delivery performance was comparatively responsive: 69.81% of respondents reported 1-3-day lead times, while documentary records showed a mean dispatch-to-delivery time of 28.6 hours and 78.6% on-time delivery. Downstream performance was more variable, with 82.08% of respondents reporting distributor turnaround of four days or longer; documentary records nevertheless showed a mean turnaround of 31.4 hours, reflecting differences between perceived typical experience and selected documented cycles. The findings indicate that downstream coordination, visibility, and distributor performance constitute important areas for improving network-wide responsiveness. The study recommends service-level agreements, improved shipment visibility, systematic route planning, and stronger integration with outsourced transport providers.