Which term describes suppliers that are critical to an organization and responsible for core products?

The term that describes suppliers that are critical to an organization and responsible for core products is "strategic suppliers." These suppliers play a pivotal role in the success of the organization by providing essential goods or services that directly impact its ability to deliver value to its customers. Their contributions are often aligned with the organization's strategic goals, making them integral to maintaining competitive advantage.

Organizations often prioritize relationships with strategic suppliers, investing in collaborations and partnerships to ensure reliability, innovation, and alignment of objectives. The success of procurement and supply chains relies heavily on these suppliers, as any disruption in their performance could severely affect the organization's output and reputation. Therefore, effective management of strategic suppliers is crucial to successful procurement practices.