CGT’s 10 Top Stories of 2020 (So Far)
We’ve hit the halfway mark for 2020 and so the CGT team decided it was a good time to take stock on what’s been resonating with our audience.
Unsurprisingly, COVID-19 has figured prominently in our coverage of the consumer goods industry, and our readers have demonstrated they’re interested in the strategies other brands are implementing to navigate the myriad of challenges it presents. Whether it’s pivoting to meet consumer demand or retooling operations to meet community demand, CG executives are curious to learn how their counterparts are managing and leveraging their scale to be forces of good.
Also important to CGT readers: the new roles their peers are taking on. (After all, the size and scale of the consumer goods industry is unrivaled, but it’s still a very small world.)
Read on for some of our top stories from this year so far — and, as always, we encourage you to connect with us to let us know what you think we should be covering.
1. The 2 Best CG Companies to Work for in 2020
Whether it’s from curiosity or jealousy, Fortune’s annual Top 100 Best Companies to Work For list draws interest for its ranking of the best pot-sweeteners in the quest to attract (and keep) talented employees. This year’s list drew two consumer goods companies.
2. Tyson Installs 150 Walk-Through Temperature Scanners at Plants to Slow COVID-19
Tyson Foods shared details and photos about the new infrared walk-through temperature scanners it’s installed at some of its facilities in order to help slow the spread of the coronavirus.
3. PepsiCo Quickly Launches 2 DTC Snack & Beverage Sites
PepsiCo is leveraging its e-commerce investments and digitally native talent to tap into the direct-to-consumer channel. The food and beverage company launched two new DTC websites in response to increasing demand from the COVID-19 health crisis.
4. Carhartt to Make Masks & Gowns for COVID-19 Efforts
The workwear company retooled its operations to make medical gowns and masks to help combat the spread of the coronavirus. Said CEO Mark Valade: “Serving and answering the call during times of need has always been an integral part of Carhartt’s history, and it’s why consumers have trusted us to have their back for more than 130 years. We are humbled and honored to help all the essential workers serving and protecting us right now.”
5. Kimberly-Clark Names P&G Vet as Chief Supply Chain Officer
This new senior VP and CSCO will be tasked with procurement, manufacturing, transportation, continuous improvement, sustainability, and quality, safety and regulatory operations on the global level.
6. P&G’s New Normal Includes Record Production & 35% Growth in E-Com Sales
Rocketing consumer demand propelled P&G production to record levels, but the company warned of the potential of sporadic production suspensions.
7. P&G ‘Pushing Forward’ for Coronavirus; Unveils 24-Hour Cleaner
P&G shared its supply and demand challenges associated with the coronavirus, and announced a line of multipurpose cleaners promising 24 hours of bacteria protection.
8. Javier Polit Joins Mondelez International as CIO
The former P&G, Coca-Cola and Office Depot exec was named CIO of Mondelez International in the spring, where he oversees the snack company’s global information technology solutions.
9. If the Supply Chain is Breaking, Where Do We Go from Here?
COVID-19’s ramifications on food production came sharply into focus with one succinct statement from John H. Tyson: “The food supply chain is breaking.” We explored what this could mean and how consumer goods companies can use technology moving forward.
10. Campbell’s Snacks Division Gets New President
The new head is tasked with leading such brands as Goldfish, Milano, Pepperidge Farm, Snyder’s of Hanover, Lance, Kettle Brand, Cape Cod, Snack Factory Pretzel Crisps and Late July.