In January, Consumer Brands released its "Industry View 2020" report, a look at what was on the minds of CPG executives at the time. Upon release, we shared, "Many of the issues CPG companies contend with on a daily basis are invisible to consumers." We had no idea how visible the issues were about to become. Just weeks after the report's release, the world changed. Supply chain, perhaps the most invisible issue to consumers, became kitchen-table conversation as panic buying emptied store shelves. State patchwork regulations were also on display, as shelter orders and restrictions rolled out across the country, prompting widespread confusion. The events of the past four months have irreversibly changed the country. Even as we slowly return to normal, we do so knowing that very little will be the same - including what is on the minds of CPG executives. In a discussion with leaders from Consumer Brands' members, we found their mindsets had shifted dramatically, and what were priorities in January were footnotes in June. The day-to-day business of CPG companies is about product; but the clear focus of CEOs is people. The need to meet people - consumers and employees alike - where they are was the common thread through every issue in the discussion.
展开▼
