FMCG Weekly
FMCG Weekly is a podcast that covers the latest trends and innovations in the fast-moving consumer goods and retail industries across the UK and Europe. Each week, it scans news from the UK, France, Germany, the Benelux, Scandinavia, the US, and beyond, delivering relevant stories for industry experts and senior managers. The podcast uses AI narration technology to present the content.
Episodes
The Rise of Personalised Pricing in Grocery
This week examines the rise of personalised pricing across FMCG and grocery, and the regulatory and trust pressures now constraining it. We separate rules-based, dynamic and personalised pricing, and explain why retailers route personalisation covertly through loyalty schemes rather than visible shelf surges. We cover the United Kingdom's dual-pricing model and the competition authority'
What We Learned Reading Every Major FMCG Q1 2026 Report
Q1 2026 marked a turning point for global FMCG. Across twenty-one of the largest players — from Nestlé and Unilever to AB InBev, PepsiCo and Reckitt — pricing has decelerated and volume is back as the principal growth engine. The new RGM frontier is mix: premium brands, pack architecture, energy and zero-sugar variants, and channel shifts to out-of-home. PepsiCo's Frito-Lay cut US snack price
AB Inbev, Amazon, McDonald’s and the Battle for the "Shaky Consumer"
AB InBev has broken an 11-quarter volume slide by pivoting from brewery acquisitions to an "organic growth algorithm," concentrating 70% of its marketing on a few "megabrands." In Europe, retail sales have dipped 0.1% as energy shocks from the Iran conflict suppress consumer confidence. Meanwhile, Amazon has launched a massive price offensive in the UK, undercutting the "B
Coca-Cola’s Post-Inflation Growth Playbook
Coca-Cola’s first-quarter results show a shift from price-led growth toward architecture-led growth. Organic revenue rose 10 percent, volume grew 3 percent, and EPS guidance improved, but the strategic signal is in pack design, affordability, cold availability, and occasion-based innovation. The 1.25-liter bottle and mini cans show how Coca-Cola is addressing pressured consumers without relying ma
From Clubcard to Discounters: Who Owns Value Now?
Tesco’s strong results, affluent shoppers moving into discounters, and the decline of traditional budget ranges. Tesco shows how modern retail advantage now comes from an integrated system of price, loyalty, media, digital fulfilment, AI, and premium own label. At the same time, higher-income consumers are becoming selectively frugal, saving on low-joy essentials while still spending on experience
Inside the McCormick-Unilever Mega-Merger
This week’s podcast examines the landmark $66 billion merger between Unilever’s food business and McCormick, a deal creating a $20 billion revenue "flavor powerhouse." Structured as a reverse Morris trust, the agreement sees Unilever pivoting toward beauty and personal care after a century in food, while McCormick significantly scales its global footprint. We also analyze Nestlé’s respon
Can a Focused Unilever Match P&G and L'Oréal?
This episode analyzes Unilever’s potential divestiture of its food division, valued at over €30 billion, to McCormick & Company. This move would be a fundamental shift toward a pure-play beauty and personal care model, aimed at eliminating the "conglomerate discount" and matching the valuation multiples of peers like P&G. While the food division remains profitable with a 22.6% op
From Punk to Pennies on the Dollar. BrewDog, Tilray, and the "Great Narrowing"
BrewDog, once valued at $2.7 billion, sold out of administration for £33 million. This week, we examine what Tilray's acquisition of the brand tells us about a deeper structural shift in FMCG. The industry's biggest players, such as Unilever, Nestlé, and Keurig Dr Pepper, are shedding categories, demerging divisions, and concentrating on a handful of power brands. Meanwhile, a new type o
Amazon bigger than Walmart, Carrefour's strategy and Nestle divestures
This week’s episode analyzes a major structural realignment in the FMCG and retail sectors. Nestlé is divesting its ice-cream and water businesses to focus on coffee, petcare, and nutrition under CEO Philipp Navratil, amid an infant-formula recall crisis. Carrefour is implementing a 2030 strategy focused on France, Spain, and Brazil, exiting underperforming European markets. Most significantly, Am
The End of Price-Led Growth
This episode of FMCG Weekly examines the structural shift from price-led growth to Real Internal Growth (RIG) in 2026. With global volume growth stalling at 0.9% and private label penetration hitting 40%, the "pricing ceiling" has been reached. We analyze how leaders like PepsiCo, Nestlé, and Coca-Cola are utilizing "right-sizing" and occasion-based Price Pack Architecture (PPA
How to Survive Price Negotiations in 2026
This episode of FMCG Weekly examines the evolution of price negotiations in 2026, focusing on the shift from cost-plus models to data-driven, category-focused strategies. Matilda, the A.I. host, provides a detailed analysis of best practices for senior executives, emphasizing the importance of quantifying shopper resilience and using switching models to project category growth. Through case studie
Davos 2026 for FMCG: AI, Tariffs, and the New Consumer
This week’s episode analyzes four critical themes from the World Economic Forum in Davos (Jan 19–23, 2026) and their implications for Revenue Growth Management. First, we examine the "AI Profitability Gap," emphasizing the need to move from operational efficiency to predictive pricing models. Second, we explore the "Fractured Economy," where declining brand loyalty necessitates
Lidl, Hershey and Lindt’s 19% Price Hike
This week’s episode analyzes three distinct strategies in the FMCG sector amidst high cocoa prices and inflation. We examine Lindt & Sprüngli’s robust financial results, where a 19% price increase drove 12.4% organic growth despite a significant drop in volume, highlighting the risks of premium pricing power. We contrast this with Hershey’s aggressive 20% marketing budget increase aimed at rev
The Victoria's Secret Trap: Why the Grocery Aisle Needs a Promo Reset
Victoria’s Secret’s announced today a successful pivot to fewer discounts (+9% sales, improved margins). At the same time the grocery sector in the UK descended into a promotional price war to combat inflation. We analyze the "Post-Promotional Paradox" facing FMCG executives: as the post-COVID pricing power fades, the traditional reflex to buy volume with trade spend is losing steam. Cit
Retail Media Update: News, Trends, and Measurement Challenges
The retail media landscape is facing a reality check, with optimism dropping due to difficulties in proving incremental sales. While retailers from Morrisons to Walmart rush to implement digital screens and AI-driven ad formats to boost commercial income, fatigue is setting in. In contrast, Costco succeeds by ignoring the hype, prioritizing membership value over monetization, and integrating media
Decision Framework for Christmas and End-of-Year Promotions
In this special episode of FMCG Weekly, we unpack a structured decision‑framework for Christmas and end‑of‑year promotions tailored to FMCG senior executives. We cover twelve critical questions—from category expandability and market position to visibility, discount depth and supply‑chain readiness—to guide promotional strategy away from mere volume toward margin‑generating growth. By aligning mech
Walmart’s CEO is Stepping Down. Here’s What Many Get Wrong About Its RGM Strategy
With CEO Doug McMillon stepping down, we analyze the sophisticated RGM machine he built at Walmart. The "people-led, tech-powered" model, funded by its ad business, uses an EDLP strategy to build trust and create demand stability. This structurally avoids the "hidden costs" of "Subsidised Base" and "Stockpiling" that plague "Hi-Lo" rivals. Walmart&
9.4% Promo Spike in the UK, Red Bull's Antitrust Probe; The Italian Pasta War
This week, UK grocery promotions surged 9.4% , a desperate move in a market where 94% of promos fail to add category value. This masks a "hidden cost" , as retailers like Asda see sales collapse 3.9% while shoppers flock to premium own-label. We also cover the EU antitrust probe into Red Bull, alleging it "misused its role as a category manager" to block rivals. Finally, we ana
Kimberly-Clark’s acquires Kenvue: a Revenue Management Move
Today, Kimberly-Clark announced it buys Kenvue. It is actually investing in a Revenue Management transformation. In this week’s episode, we unpack why this $48.7 billion deal isn’t about scale, but about injecting a disciplined Revenue Growth Management (RGM) engine into a very different commercial DNA. From pricing architecture and promotion ROI to pharmacy expansion and digital bundling, the sta
The Halloween Hall of Promotional Horrors!
In this ghoulishly good Halloween special of FMCG Weekly, we dig up five bone-chilling promo disasters that left profits six feet under — from Heinz’s saucy domain debacle to supermarket schemes that fed on their own categories like retail cannibals. But fear not, brave marketer! After the screams come the schemes: we share eight exorcism-level strategies to banish cannibalisation and raise your R
Why Nestlé’s RGM Strategy Hit a Wall
Nestlé is shedding 16,000 jobs to pivot from a pricing-led growth strategy to a data-driven, mix-optimized revenue model—abandoning brute-force RGM in favor of AI-powered capabilities and premium portfolio management. This transformation reflects a broader FMCG trend toward intelligent, leaner growth engines. Meanwhile, L’Oréal has acquired Kering’s beauty division, including the luxury fragrance
Seven Seconds to Win: Inside P&G’s Shelf Strategy
This week's episode looks at how P&G is redefining brand relevance with a focus on the critical seven seconds at the shelf. Amazon is reshaping the grocery category with its expansive new private label, Amazon Grocery, targeting affordability without sacrificing quality. Meanwhile, Constellation Brands is responding to falling beer consumption with a sharp focus on price pack architecture
Aldi Changes Its Branding Strategy: A Shift That Redefines Private Label
Aldi is undertaking its most significant branding transformation in the U.S., moving from a fragmented “phantom brand” model to a unified, masterbrand-led architecture. With over 90% of its products being private label, Aldi will now put its name front and center, signaling trust, quality, and value. This pivot aligns with rising consumer confidence in private labels and positions Aldi to compete
News from Amazon, Heineken, Haribo, and Asda
This week’s episode of FMCG Weekly dives into Amazon’s exit from its UK Fresh stores and strategic pivot to online grocery. We examine Heineken’s $3.2 billion acquisition in Central America as a move to offset declining Western demand. Haribo’s laser focus on gummy production shows how single-product strategies can deliver scale and agility. Meanwhile, Asda’s upcoming supplier conference signals a
The Hidden Costs of Promotions
The Accuris Source of Business® framework shifts promotion analytics from simplistic gross volume uplift to a richer, profit‑centred model. It reveals which sales are truly incremental—competitive switching, category expansion, upgrading—and which destroy value through subsidisation, cannibalisation, downgrading, or stock‑piling. Strategic application means designing promotional portfolios with di
Revenue Growth in a Cup: How Keurig and JDE Plan to Win
This special edition of FMCG Weekly dives into Keurig Dr Pepper’s $18 billion acquisition of JDE Peet’s, a move that reshapes the global coffee and beverages categories and creates the largest pure-play coffee company. We explore the strategic implications of splitting into two focused businesses, assess the RGM opportunities through value-per-serve, premiumization, and smart promotions, and highl
From Pricing Pivots to Snack Diplomacy: Kellanova, Hershey and Mondelez
This week, FMCG Weekly explores Kellanova’s strategic pivot back to traditional pricing and promotions as volume growth returns, highlighting the company’s focus on flexible price-pack architecture and consumer-aligned activation. We analyze Europe’s renewed food inflation, driven by global volatility, labour cost hikes, climate impacts, and regulatory transitions. Finally, we go behind the scenes
Cola Wars 2.0, Tesco’s Tech Takeover, and McDonald’s Value Crisis
This week, the Cola Wars return as PepsiCo launches a prebiotic Pepsi and Coca-Cola unveils a cane sugar variant. Tesco celebrates five transformative years under Ken Murphy, achieving record market share, digital reinvention, and retail media leadership. Meanwhile, McDonald’s grapples with declining value perceptions and franchisee tensions amid inflation. Its $5 meal deal has revived traffic, bu
Kraft Heinz’s Breakup Plan: What It Would Mean for UK & European FMCG
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
Del Monte, Unilever and Premiumization
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, segm
Punishment Juice and Price Pressures
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
Special Edition: Stress Testing your 2026 Plan
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 shor
Private Labels, Pessimism, and Pricing Power
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 stra
Cost Price Increases: How to Win Over Retailers
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—
AI Shopping, Inflation and Conjoint Analysis
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 g
UK Inflation, Amazon Innovation, and the End of Copy-Paste Calendars
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. Finall
San Miguel’s Pricing Strategy, Asda’s Bold Format, Pringles’ Gamer Win, and the Great Promo Reset
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, leve
Walmart’s Store of the Future: Reinventing Value and Convenience
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 investm
Print, Power, P&G and Price Wars
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
Danone, Reckitt, Kimberly-Clark and the Art of Pricing
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
Price Wars, Probiotics & Private Labels
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
Tariffs, Tech, and Tesco: A Volatile Week in FMCG
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 reveal
Aldi Retreats, Coke Advances, Ben & Jerry’s Rebels: A Week of FMCG Power Moves
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 glo
FMCG Weekly: Inflation, Coca-Cola, Danone and Dollar Tree
In this week’s FMCG Weekly, we explore the multi-layered challenges and strategic pivots shaping global consumer goods. From the U.K.’s sticky inflation and the BOE’s cautious rate stance, to Coca-Cola’s bold innovations amid a retailer standoff in Germany, and Danone’s data-driven targeting of GLP-1 users in North America. We also spotlight Dollar Tree’s resurgence in the U.S., attracting middle-
Price War in the UK and the 95-year Rivalry between P&G and Unilever
This week, we dive into the £3.5bn supermarket stock market sell-off as Asda triggers a price war. Plus, P&G strengthens its dominance over Unilever, while Unilever bets big on social-first marketing. What does this mean for FMCG brands and retailers? FMCG Weekly - News and trends curated by Accuris, the leading independent consultancy for revenue growth management
Unilever’s New Strategies, Dunnes’ Promotion Success, and the Continued Rise of Private Labels
Unilever is shifting its marketing focus to social media influencers, increasing its digital ad spend from 30% to 50%, while also accelerating food brand disposals, aiming to cut €800 million in costs. Meanwhile, Dunnes remains Ireland’s top grocer as shoppers embrace promotions amid inflation. Private labels continue their global rise, with over 53% of consumers preferring store brands due to pri
Walgreens’ $10B Exit, Lindt’s Tariff Shift & Sainsbury’s Convenience Makeover
Lindt is shifting its Canadian supply chain from the US to Europe to avoid new tariffs and align with the growing "Buy Canadian" movement. Walgreens is going private in a $10 billion deal with Sycamore Partners, hoping to revitalize its struggling retail pharmacy business. Meanwhile, Sainsbury’s is rolling out a new convenience store format with digital innovations, energy-efficient refr
Unilever's CEO Shake-Up, Breakfast Promotions and P&G's use of AI in Advertising
This week on FMCG Weekly, we cover Unilever’s shocking CEO change, the impact of promotions on Germany’s breakfast market, and Procter & Gamble’s AI-driven advertising strategy. Hein Schumacher exits Unilever despite strong financial results, with CFO Fernando Fernandez stepping in to accelerate transformation. In Germany, yogurt and sweet spreads thrive due to promotions, while traditional ce
How Tesco, PepsiCo, and NYC Retailers Are Rethinking Value
This week, FMCG Weekly examines key trends in global retail and pricing strategies. In New York, retailers are enhancing security, digital signage, and checkout experiences while refining omnichannel offerings. Meanwhile, Tesco is scaling back its Aldi Price Match, reflecting a shift from low-cost competition to perceived value. This mirrors a broader FMCG trend—companies like PepsiCo, Estée Laude
Q4 Earnings Reports Rising Commodity and Input Costs
In this week's podcast, we delve into the latest developments among leading fast-moving consumer goods companies. Unilever is spinning off its ice cream division, including brands like Ben & Jerry's and Magnum, to focus on higher-margin beauty and wellness segments. Kraft Heinz is implementing price reductions to attract cost-conscious consumers. PepsiCo is addressing changing consum
What Coca-Cola and Heineken Teach Us About Pricing and Consumer Behaviour
This episode of FMCG Weekly dives into the latest earnings from Heineken and Coca-Cola, revealing key strategies driving their success. Despite inflation concerns, both giants exceeded expectations by leveraging premiumisation, strategic pricing, and non-alcoholic product growth. We also explore a striking consumer perception gap—people believe inflation is much higher than it actually is. What d
Kellogg’s Bold Moves, Marks & Spencer’s Comeback, and Hyperlocal Marketing
This week on FMCG Weekly, we explore three key topics transforming the FMCG industry. Discover how Kellogg’s is reinventing breakfast with a bold £12 million campaign featuring Cornelius the Cockerel and innovative factory upgrades. Dive into an analysis of the 2024 stock market’s biggest winners and losers, including Marks & Spencer’s impressive comeback and Ocado’s ongoing challenges. Finall
FMCG Trends for 2025, UK Price War and Cadbury's loss of its Royal Warrant
In this week’s episode of FMCG Weekly, we kick off 2025 with a deep dive into the latest developments in the fast-moving consumer goods industry. Discover how UK supermarkets are battling for market share in a new price war, led by Asda and Morrisons. Learn about Cadbury’s surprising loss of its Royal Warrant after 170 years and the potential implications for the iconic chocolate brand.We also exa
Back to Basics: Poundland’s Reset, Dollar Store Struggles, and Leclerc’s Winning Formula
In this episode of FMCG Weekly, we cover three retailer stories that focus on price conscious shoppers:Poundland’s return to its roots: The UK retailer is refocusing on its £1 price point to reconnect with customers and recover from declining sales.Dollar stores under pressure: In the US, dollar stores are facing challenges as low-income shoppers tighten their belts, revealing deeper economic stra
From Coca-Cola's Q3 revenue management success to luxury brands losing ground
This week on FMCG Weekly, we delve into Coca-Cola's impressive Q3 results driven by price increases, the mixed reception of its AI-generated Christmas ad, and the impact of price hikes on luxury brands, which are losing customers to resale platforms and mid-tier competitors. Tune in for expert insights from Accuris on how brands can adapt to these shifting consumer trends.FMCG Weekly - News a
Black Friday: Three Strategies Beyond Simple Discounting
Welcome to the FMCG Weekly podcast, curated by Accuris. This episode, we'll be exploring three innovative Black Friday strategies that go beyond simple discounts to optimize revenue and create truly memorable customer experiences.We'll discuss how brands can leverage personalization and exclusivity, align promotions with customer values, and create engaging experiences that resonate with
Price matching, retailer incubators and the upcoming Trump presidency
In this week’s episode of FMCG Weekly, we dive into three hot topics shaping the future of consumer goods and retail:Beyond Price Matching: Learn how product innovation and differentiation can help brands stand out in competitive markets.Supermarket Accelerators: Discover how retailers and brands can collaborate to drive mutual growth.Political Shifts and Industry Impact: Explore the potential con
