CPG

We expect US cosmetic and beauty sales to grow 7.6%: While consumers are spending more selectively, they’re still willing to splurge on their favorite items.

European household budgets are under pressure: Food prices are soaring, which is forcing consumers to make tough choices about where to spend their money.

Panera Brands looks to follow Cava Group in filing for an IPO: The restaurant chain appointed José Alberto Dueñas as its new chief executive as it prepares to go public. (This article was written with the assistance of ChatGPT.)

Amazon is the top dog of US retail, accounting for 37.6% of all US ecommerce sales this year for a total of $431.11 billion dollars, according to our forecast. While the giant has a successful stronghold in many US industries, Amazon isn’t dominant everywhere, especially as it pertains to a physical footprint and getting consumers comfortable with its elite tech. Here are a few areas Amazon hasn’t overtaken—yet.

Walmart raises full-year guidance after a strong quarter: The retailer’s low prices are resonating with more consumers, while investments in ecommerce and advertising are bearing fruit.

QSRs turn to tech to cut costs and boost efficiency: Wendys, Hardee’s, Carl’s Jr., and Sweetgreen are among the chains turning to automation to streamline operations.

The European Central Bank is looking into greedflation as corporate profits rise: That has put CPG companies in the hot seat, as grocers and governments push back against persistent price hikes.

Consumers are shifting spending to services as China’s post-lockdown economic recovery continues: But a full rebound is looking increasingly far off as confidence remains low.

Amazon is doing everything it can to keep growing: The retailer has a dizzying array of initiatives in the pipeline, from in-game merchandise shops to generative AI advertising tools to incentives for shoppers to retrieve orders in person.

Tyson faces headwinds as beef, pork demand falls: The company posted a surprise loss in Q2 due to inflation, rising operating costs, and shifting consumer habits.

CPG brands hike prices to pad their margins: Companies are leveraging data to minimize the share of consumers who trade down to less expensive options. (This article was written with the assistance of ChatGPT.)

Uber and Instacart expand retail media offerings: Both companies are giving CPGs more advertising opportunities. (This article was written with the assistance of ChatGPT.)

Beer drinkers are unfazed by price hikes: But trouble may be ahead for AB InBev due to the company’s repeated missteps.

Yum Brands’ same-store sales jumped 8% in Q1: However, the company’s overreliance on promotions such as Taco Bell’s $2 burritos and KFC’s $5 mac & cheese hurt its bottom line.

Aldi will soon have more US stores than Albertsons: The grocer plans to open 120 locations this year as more consumers trade down to discount retailers.

Starbucks’ global comparable store sales grew 11% in Q2: A boost in demand in China helped the company beat analysts’ expectations.

Higher prices don't deter consumers from Restaurant Brands International’s chains: Same-store sales surged at Burger King and Tim Hortons in Q1.

More rapid grocery consolidation could be on the way: German startup Flink is in talks to be acquired by Getir, despite the latter’s sinking valuation.

Economic uncertainty is making it hard for some to keep up: Prolonged inflation, financial stress, and rising debt are making for a challenging environment.

Trader Joe’s small, curated stores and limited footprint sets it apart. Between its branding, product choice, and customer experience, there are a lot of lessons other retailers beyond grocery can learn from the Trader Joe’s model. Here are four takeaways from Trader Joe’s.