Over the last few years, the consumer goods industry has changed significantly. The drivers of change have been the global health crisis, the development of cutting-edge products, and, not least, evolving consumer desires.
To maintain customers’ loyalty in this cut-throat environment, consumer product companies should maximize their brand recognition and invest in marketing.
Brave decisions made in the midst of a somewhat unpredictable 2021 are now paying off, as the consumer products sector anticipates a year of robust economic expansion. However, various obstacles may prevent further progress. Here are five key aspects for businesses working in this sector to consider.
Consumer products industry in 2022
The year 2022 is probably going to be financially successful for the consumer goods industry. Companies that applied the ‘no-regret measures’ in the face of uncertainty will most likely see their efforts paying off.
Moreover, despite increasing costs, at least 50% of organizations that participated in a survey carried out by Deloitte anticipate growing operating margins.
However, some serious difficulties will arise as well which will affect the industry’s capacity to experience the anticipated growth:
- The workforce is difficult to find and retain
- Costs are rising swiftly
5 things to consider about the future of the consumer good industry
1. Fighting for consumer’s trust
The most important resource for a business is trust-building. Nine out of 10 executives polled by Deloitte believe that those companies in the industry that lack openness and transparency are at greater risk of losing significant consumer trust.
Prior to making a purchase, contemporary shoppers are keen to learn more about the business, its history, its products and the trust it has earned from other consumers.
Social media and other online platforms are being used by a growing number of young and tech-savvy clients to learn more and instantly about the company. Customers become immediately committed to a brand whose vision and principles match their own.
2. Seamless shopping experience
Customer experience relates to a consumer’s full journey when exploring, purchasing, and using a product or service.
A seamless customer experience is a trip that is free of errors, delays, or obstacles. It is more about cultivating consumer loyalty that in turn boosts the brand’s value and reputation.
- For instance, a company is expected to consistently demonstrate excellent customer service and a commitment to completing customer orders whether these are carried out in-person or online.
As an increasing number of people spend more time online, businesses should place a greater emphasis on offering hassle-free, on-time deliveries, with the greatest levels of customer satisfaction. In addition, businesses will need to continue to enhance the in-store customer experience to build a stronger client base.
3. Short-term buys
The market has seen significant shifts in consumer behavior during the past two years. Prior to the COVID-19 lockdowns, customers tended to make short-term decisions and went shopping more frequently.
However, during the pandemic, as a result of the restrictions and the delays in goods supply, they were forced to stockpile products in large quantities and shift their attention to long-term and need-based procurement.
Now, when the buying pattern shifts back to pre-COVID times, brands must place more emphasis on finding and selling healthy, fresh items as well as meeting consumers’ daily demands.
4. Sustainability
Modern consumers are more aware of the options they have and tend to be taking steps towards a more sustainable lifestyle. They are focusing more and more on environmental issues, making sustainability a crucial consideration when purchasing. Numerous firms have taken action to improve their sustainability and deal with any concerns after seeing this change in consumer behavior.
- For example, many businesses are increasingly choosing environmentally friendly packaging while others are focusing on solutions such as garbage recycling or have become part of a circular economy.
According to the survey undertaken by Deloitte, sustainability is by far the most important area in terms of consumer product innovation.
Most important aspects of consumer goods innovation in 2022
5. Creating trustworthy workplace cultures
The way workspaces and the workforce are organized is evolving as a result of technology and new talent sources. Simply adding high-tech devices and automating tasks while maintaining the same skill sets and work environments could be a mistake.
Instead, many businesses are emphasizing the importance of people in their future workplace plans, humanizing the workplace, and focusing on results that motivate and inspire. And the companies who do this will probably be far better equipped to handle difficulties as they redesign the work itself and adapt the workplace – in both physical and virtual terms – to better match that task.
Final word:
Over the last couple of years, there has been a significant transformation in the consumer goods industry with a surge of new trends, mostly driven by consumer ambitions, being accelerated by the COVID-19 crisis. Today, trust is what companies should focus on, and maintaining trust is much harder than building it.
Five biotech trends that are worth following in 2022 (video)
Smarter, safer and traffic-free – is this the new face of the transportation industry?
Telecommunication trends to follow in 2022 and beyond
Share to
