CPG sales & eCommerce: Move to modern starts here

Agile startups and empowered shoppers are slowing the growth of established consumer packages goods (CPG) companies. While the top 25 CPG companies bring in 45 percent of category sales, they account for just 3 percent of the sector’s growth.

To reclaim growth, established companies are embarking on a “move to modern.” That is, they are reconsidering not only how they compete, but also how they build and sustain relationships with their customers. In so doing, they are recognizing the critical role online channels play in engaging consumers and pursuing untapped growth opportunities.

The rising star of CPG sales

eCommerce, which used to be the least productive conduit to CPG sales, is now exhibiting an annual growth rate of 8.8 percent, far exceeding growth rates of other channels. If the pace of online sales growth continues—and there’s no indication it won’t—eCommerce will be the fourth largest channel for CPG sales by 2022.

Read the companion report on the rising star of CPG Sales

Capturing the value

Leading CPG companies recognize that seizing the online opportunity is a critical step on their journey to becoming a modern company. Those that strengthen core areas of eCommerce today will be the ones to deliver endless aisles, capture endless insights, and pursue endless opportunities for growth in the years ahead.

Accenture research suggests that CPG companies need to advance through three levels of maturity before achieving eCommerce mastery. This journey will involve applying an innovation mindset to the way they work, think and deliver new experiences for the modern consumer. It won’t happen overnight, but the payoff is worth the wait. We believe companies that make it to the highest level of eCommerce maturity will ultimately achieve up to 75 percent CAGR over five years.

RELATED: eCommerce: Are you ready to move to modern?

Playing to win

Each maturity level is associated with growth potential and characterized by the adoption of distinct capabilities.

Level 1 maturity: Brilliant basics

• Optimize search capabilities to drive exposure and stimulate action.
• Optimize consumer experiences/marketing through data management platforms and customer analytics.
• Design content and catalog management for the perfect “digital shelf” to drive purchase decisions.
• Adopt programmatic ad buying and precision advertising to control reach and boost media efficiencies.

Level 2 maturity: Gear up for differentiation

• Optimize search capabilities to drive exposure and stimulate action.
• Optimize consumer experiences/marketing through data management platforms and customer analytics.
• Design content and catalog management for the perfect “digital shelf” to drive purchase decisions.
• Adopt programmatic ad buying and precision advertising to control reach and boost media efficiencies.

Level 3 maturity: Lead the pack

• Design an agile and responsive supply chain that meets consumer expectations cost effectively.
• Design cost-effective packaging to withstand supply chain complexities while delivering the brand experience.
• Invest in new products, online offerings and innovations with profitability and consumer-centricity in mind.