The world of non-durable and durable consumer products is constantly undergoing changes. These changes range from the impact of commission and government mandates to changes in consumer preferences and demographics. Notably, middle-class consumers are also reshaping the consumer goods market, by trading down to low-price products and services, trading up to premium ones, and avoiding the boredom and low value that increasingly characterize the middle. For the makers of food and beverage, health and beauty, household, and other consumer products, it is the best and the worst of times. Most enjoy solid balance sheets, healthy profit margins, and a good return on invested capital – things that CEOs in other industries only dream about. Yet the US$2 trillion-plus consumer goods industry is losing its glow. After 30 years of growth and innovation, when frozen foods, prepared meals, disposable diapers, and other new product categories drove rapid growth, the industry is seeing revenues and market values go flat.

In this new environment, consumer product companies must focus on:

Managing retail customers

Managing consumers

Managing supply chains

A selection of packaged consumer goods projects offered:

Concept screening

Concept optimization

Home usage tests

Initial trial estimates

Pricing

Shelf display optimization

Product line rationalization

Niche appeal