Shelf Life: Expert Voices from the Consumer Goods Industry

In this episode of Shelf Life, we’re joined by Alexis Lozada, Associate Principal for Supply Chain Planning at Westernacher Consulting. With over two decades of experience at companies like Del Monte Foods and SAP, Alexis shares his unique insights into the evolving landscape of supply chain planning. Together, we explore how consumer goods brands are adapting to trends, leveraging technology, and navigating new challenges in demand planning for 2024. Alexis delves into the skills planners need, the importance of scenario planning, and the strategic shifts reshaping the industry.

Key Topics Covered

• The Planner of the Future: Why modern planners need a blend of communication, quantitative skills, and a network-based perspective.
• Scenario Planning: The pivotal role of scenario analysis in understanding supply chain drivers and managing variability.
• CPG Industry Trends: How changing consumer preferences, private labels, and e-commerce are challenging traditional brands.
• AI in Supply Chain: Separating hype from reality and understanding the practical applications of AI to enhance supply chain processes.

Consumers are behaving weirdly. Retailers are responding.

In this special bonus episode, our hosts, Joel Beal and Logan Ensign, dive deep into the latest earnings reports and economic trends. Joel, a recovering economist, brings his expertise to decode the complex relationship between consumer spending, inflation, and market reactions. Discover why higher-income consumers are still splurging, the hidden dynamics of retail pricing and shrinkflation, and which retail sectors are poised to thrive.

If you're keen to understand the economic forces shaping the retail landscape, this episode is a must-listen. Join us for an enlightening conversation that sheds light on what to expect in the second half of the year.

In this episode, you’ll learn about:

• Understanding consumer spending patterns and market reactions can help you navigate these uncertain times and spot opportunities ahead of the curve
• Expect negotiations with suppliers to become tougher, with many retailers pushing for lower prices
• Don’t underestimate the power of private-label products - they offer a way to provide cost-effective consumer options while maintaining control over pricing

Jump into the conversation:

00:00 People are waiting for economic downturn after a long period of prosperity
05:49 Economic data affects markets, rate cuts expected
09:06 Inflation flat, retailers cutting prices for consumers
12:33 Shifts in consumer shopping patterns
13:58 Why and how some brands are now targeting higher-income buyers

What if all companies worked toward creating a transparent, efficient, and ethical supply chain landscape?

In this episode, we welcome Peter Smith, a seasoned executive with a rich background working for major companies such as Carters, Party City, and VF Corporation. Joined by our hosts Logan Ensign and Joel Beal, we're diving deep into the evolving landscape of consumer brands and the retail market.

Peter shares his insights on how brands can better collaborate with retailer partners, on the declining dominance of large monolithic brands, the rise of lesser-known brands, and the significance of data transparency and collaboration across various departments and external partnerships. We'll explore the challenges that new brands face as they strive to sustain initial success and navigate a rapidly changing market, and discuss the transformation in data availability and its crucial role in supply chain management.

In this episode, you’ll learn about:

• How data transparency can improve collaboration across sales, marketing, and supply chain department
• The different strategies your business can adopt to sustain success in rapidly changing markets
• Practical applications of AI that have a profound impact on supply chain operations

Jump into the conversation:

00:00 Critical data areas: inventory and supply chain
09:39 Data-driven market analysis improves product performance
13:04 Supplier challenges in negotiating discounts transparently
18:47 Increased data communication and transparency between organizations
23:13 High-quality global manufacturing accessibility for startup brands
29:58 Advocating for data transparency within organizations
35:58 Leveraging machine learning for supply chain insights
39:05 Machine learning replicates human intuition for guessing

What comes to mind when you hear the words ‘sales data’?
Alloy.ai’s resident expert on all things related to retail data, Manfred Reiche, says there’s a whole realm of information you’re likely missing out on when it comes to the sales data bucket. In this episode, we delve into the intricacies of point-of-sale data and its transformative impact on the consumer goods industry.
Listen in as we explore the critical role of data analysis in uncovering regional problems, managing inventory, and enhancing decision-making across various company sizes. From the importance of granularity in data to the necessity of breaking down silos within organizations, this discussion promises to shed light on how businesses can leverage vast data sets to drive success.
Three Key Takeaways:

1. Accumulating data isn't enough, the key is to convert it into insights that drive action and that’s where granularity and AI play pivotal roles
2. Encourage cooperation between different business units - breaking down silos can lead to more synchronized decision-making and better use of POS data
3. Transition from traditional methods to using real-time POS data for forecasting to better predict market behaviors and enhance supply chain decisions
   

In this episode, we’re joined by Zach Horton, Senior Director of Logistics and Supply & Demand Planning at Ember Technologies, Inc. From handling Ember's exponential growth to integrating cutting-edge technology into the heart of their supply chain, Zach shares invaluable insights on the role of AI, the essence of culture, and the art of innovative product development.
Tune in to learn not just how to plan for the future but to shape it with wisdom, agility, and the invaluable FIO (figure it out) mindset. Because in today's fast-paced world, it's not just about the product—it's about the people you serve and the team that drives you. Stay ahead of the curve with us, right here, on the Shelf Life Podcast.
Three Key Takeaways:

• The implementation of a robust sales and operations planning process is pivotal for successful startup growth, promoting transparency and accountability
• AI holds the promise to revolutionize planning and analysis, offering a glimpse into future consumer products industry advancements
• F.I.O - Figure It Out: champion a proactive work culture and encourage your team to embrace challenges with an innovative spirit