Deloitte ranks top global players in consumer goods and retail

Two new studies by Deloitte -- "Emerging From the Downturn: Global Powers of Retailing 2010” and "Extracting Value: Global Powers of the Consumer Products Industry 2010” – rank the top 250 retailers and consumer products organizations worldwide and outline the challenges and opportunities that face them.

Top retail trends identified by Deloitte include increased emphasis on value as consumers seek discounted and private-label products, a tough environment for luxury retailers appealing to aspirational consumers, the rise of emerging-market retailers as major players and the growth of U.S. retailers in the global market.

The retail report also looks at the impact of social networking on retailing; retailers’ eliminating SKUs to streamline assortments and strengthen their core offers and the increased polarization of retail markets between value retailers and premium retailers, squeezing operators catering to the middle market.

Deloitte's consumer products report looked at trends reshaping spending patterns, including: reduced spending on nonessentials and eating out, the growth of consumer products spending in emerging markets like Asia and opportunities for innovation as economic recovery takes hold. The analysis also predicts merger and acquisition activity to rebound as credit market and other conditions improve, and foresees food safety concerns continuing to grow, with manufacturers seeking greater security of the food supply chain.

Other issues covered by the CPG industry study include the increasing need for sustainability initiatives and getting ahead of regulation, social media marketing opportunities and the need to reassess pricing strategies to improve profitability.

To access both reports, visit the Network’s members-only Research section.