The new affordability imperative: Unlocking sustainable CPG growth
As costs stabilize at 20% above pre-pandemic levels, the time has come to shift from tactical fixes to holistic affordability strategies.

As a leader in the CPG sector, you face dynamic market conditions and evolving consumer demands. Many CPGs are increasing growth through innovation, boosting investments by over 50% and reducing time to market by approximately 30%. However, merely raising budgets may not suffice. It’s crucial to reshape your pipeline to tackle affordability, offer clear value propositions against private labels and continue differentiating premium brands for higher-income consumers.
As costs stabilize at 20% above pre-pandemic levels, the time has come to shift from tactical fixes to holistic affordability strategies.
The gap between price increases and cost growth indicates that relying on pricing strategy alone is no longer sustainable for CPG growth.
Companies are steering towards the low end of their long-term growth guidance, but analysts/investors seemed skeptical of those conservative outlooks.
To adapt for long-term viability, implementing ERP transformations can streamline operations, enhancing efficiency and scalability. Strategic initiatives like mergers, acquisitions and partnerships help capture value and boost competitiveness, consolidating strengths and tapping into new markets.
Reinventing business models with strategies such as commercial value transformation, portfolio optimization and advanced go-to-market solutions — including pricing and fulfillment — helps sustain growth and relevance. At PwC, our deep industry knowledge and strategic insights support your CPG company in building resilience and overcoming future challenges.
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