FMCG Weekly

Tpoday, the Wall Street Journal broke the news that Kraft Heinz potentially considers a demerger into two independent companies, a decade after its ill-fated merger. The condiments and sauces business, aligned with modern trends, would focus on growth and global expansion, while the grocery staples spin-off would manage mature brands for cash flow. This reflects the broader FMCG shift toward focus and agility over scale. European markets favor the Heinz-led condiments business, which could in...

This week’s FMCG Weekly covers Del Monte’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy and sale process, amid a wave of CPG M&A activity. We examine how July is emerging as a major promotional season with Amazon, Walmart, and Target vying for shopper dollars. Unilever’s premiumization strategy also comes under the spotlight, with its $1.5 billion acquisition of Dr. Squatch. Finally, we discuss how data-driven, segment-based strategies turn premiumization into a measurable, profitable reality — defending standa...

UK inflation slowed in May, yet food prices surged by 4.4%, intensifying pressure on low-income households and retailers. The Bank of England is expected to hold rates steady, but ongoing wage pressures and geopolitical risks keep the outlook uncertain. Value-seeking behaviour dominates, with 73% of shoppers trading down. Meanwhile, Kraft Heinz announced plans to remove artificial dyes from its US products by 2027, responding to regulatory and consumer health concerns. Marks & Spencer lau...

This episode explores a new approach for FMCG leaders preparing their 2026 commercial plans: stress testing. Inspired by financial risk models, stress testing helps you challenge assumptions, quantify vulnerabilities, and build contingency strategies before the year begins. We will show how to simulate downside scenarios—such as weak NPD performance, retailer pushback on pricing, or promo ROI shortfalls—and use the results to strengthen your plan. Whether you are in sales, marketing, or reven...

This episode explores the shifting economic mood in Germany and other countries and its effects on consumer behavior. With rising pessimism and price sensitivity, brand loyalty is eroding while private labels gain ground. Lidl’s failed price war highlights the limits of discounting alone. Instead, brands must differentiate, communicate clearly, and understand shopper psychology. We also share strategic approaches to negotiating cost price increases with retailers, as discussed in our special ...

In this special edition, we explore how FMCG suppliers can navigate one of the industry’s toughest challenges: getting retailers to accept price increases. With input costs soaring and retailers pushing back, fewer than one in four suppliers recover their full requested increase. We present advanced, data-driven strategies—such as shopper segmentation, category value framing, and switching models—alongside five bold, experimental tactics including inflation-linked promo guarantees and failure...

This week on FMCG Weekly, we explore the sharp rise in coffee prices in Germany, driven by climate-induced crop failures and surging import costs. Despite this, demand remains high. This puts the focus back on inflation and price elasticity. We spotlight the use of conjoint analysis in designing profitable pack-price architectures. Further this episode examines how ChatGPT is transforming online grocery shopping with real-time product recommendations and purchases. FMCG Weekly - News an...

This week on FMCG Weekly, we explore Amazon’s strategic launch of its first FMCG-focused promotion week in Germany, signaling a major push into everyday essentials and retail media. We also dive into Kraft Heinz’s ongoing strategic overhaul amid declining revenues and Berkshire Hathaway’s board exit. In the UK, inflation surges to 3.5% are reshaping consumer behavior and pressuring margins. Finally, we introduce the idea of a “Promo Reset”—a radical rethinking of FMCG promotional strategy tha...

This week’s FMCG Weekly explores three pivotal stories. San Miguel’s UK retail prices soar after a production handover to AB InBev, driven by new duties and packaging taxes. Asda launches a standalone George store in Leeds, aiming to revamp non-food retail with expanded fashion and home ranges. Meanwhile, Pringles pioneers cultural marketing by embedding its brand within the gaming community, leveraging long-term credibility over short-term stunts. And finally the first part of our 3-part ser...

Last week, Walmart opened its “Store of the Future” in Texas. The Supercenter showcases bold store redesigns, expanded departments, and app-enhanced shopping. Walmart is also expanding omnichannel delivery and leveraging ad revenue to offset margin pressures, with ad sales up 27% to $4.4 billion. Private labels like Bettergoods attract value-conscious and premium shoppers alike. Technology investments in AI and robotics optimize inventory and delivery. Personalized shopping experiences and he...

This week’s FMCG Weekly examines Procter & Gamble’s tariff-induced pricing strategy shifts, the retail industry’s resilience during a massive Iberian blackout, and compelling evidence from a Dutch study revealing the dangers of eliminating printed flyers. P&G’s $1.5 billion tariff burden has forced revised forecasts and aggressive mitigation plans. Meanwhile, backup generators proved vital for retailers like Lidl and Mercadona during Spain's power outage. Finally, the flyer study show...

Danone outperformed in Q1 with 4.3% sales growth driven by protein products in North America and booming demand for infant formula in China. Meanwhile, Reckitt reported a 1.4% sales dip due to underperforming peripheral businesses, though its core portfolio remains resilient. Amid global tariffs and rising input costs, FMCG brands are refining their pricing strategies. From Hermès’ confident hikes to Kimberly-Clark’s restraint, pricing has become both an art and science. FMCG Weekly - N...

This week on FMCG Weekly, we cover the intensifying UK supermarket price war as Asda’s aggressive pricing prompts reactions from Tesco and possibly Sainsbury’s. Peroni Nastro Azzurro launches a frictionless loyalty program to drive premium beer sales. Müller acquires Biotiful Gut Health, betting big on kefir and functional foods. And Costco celebrates 30 years of its powerhouse Kirkland Signature brand, now accounting for a third of sales. We also spotlight Müller’s realignment strategy and p...

This week’s FMCG Weekly unpacks the fallout from Trump’s new tariff wave, with German and European food exporters exposed to 10% tariffs now and bracing for a potential 20% hit in 90 days. We examine how firms like Develey and Beiersdorf are managing supply chain chaos while Tesco signals profit cuts amid looming UK supermarket price wars. Meanwhile, a P&G study with Harvard and Wharton reveals generative AI can boost team productivity by 12%, suggesting an innovation edge for tech-savvy ...

Aldi’s closure of its non-food online shop signals a pragmatic retreat from a structurally mismatched e-commerce model. As reported by Lebensmittel Zeitung, the venture never turned a profit, highlighting the growing pains of discounters in digital channels. Meanwhile, Coca-Cola continues to thrive through consistent marketing excellence, as Marketing Week's Mark Ritson outlines—balancing global strategy, local execution, and a powerhouse brand culture. In a more emotional story, Ben & Je...