Resilience and Reinvention in Consumer Goods

FMCG Lessons from Barclays Global Consumer Staples Conference 2025

Introduction

Every September, the Barclays Global Consumer Staples Conference gathers the world’s largest fast-moving consumer goods companies to set the tone for the year ahead. The 2025 edition, its 18th year, came at a pivotal moment for the industry. After several years of inflation, supply chain disruption, and shifting consumer priorities, the sector faces a new reality: growth is harder to come by, shoppers are more price-sensitive than ever, and brand loyalty is being tested in unexpected ways.

Yet if the message from industry leaders is clear, it is one of resilience and reinvention. Executives from Procter & Gamble, Nestlé, Unilever, Mondelez, Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, and other companies outlined how they are reshaping their strategies to protect margins, win over consumers, and deliver steady returns to investors. Common themes emerged: portfolio focus, selective partnerships rather than mega-deals, investments in productivity and e-commerce, and a sharper distinction between value-driven and premium-driven strategies.

This article examines the key takeaways from the presentations of leading companies, the emerging consumer and macroeconomic trends shaping the sector, and the strategic implications that will define how FMCG giants navigate 2025 and beyond.