Circana Growth Insights

Private Brands in an Inflationary Period

Consumers haven’t turned to private label as a cost savings measure in our current inflationary period to the degree they did during the Great Recession. IRI’s Mary Ellen Lynch, principal, Center Store Solutions, discusses where the private brand wins are occurring and strategies different retailers employ to connect with shoppers.

Beverage Alcohol Trends and Outlook

Compared to other categories, beverage alcohol has been more insulated from inflationary pressures, so while value options will do well during periods of high inflation, consumers will still seek premium options. Scott Scanlon, executive vice president of IRI’s Beverage Alcohol Vertical, weighs in on headwinds and tailwinds for beverage alcohol and opportunities for growth, including better-for-you, RTD cocktails and the convergence of alcohol and non-alcohol.

The Silver Lining of CPG Inflation

Look no further than the four Ps – price, promotions, positioning, pack architecture – plus innovation to fight back against inflation in the short and long term. Ray Florio, a partner in IRI’s Growth Consulting practice, shares strategies for profitable growth based on what the shopper values most amid current economic challenges.

C-Suite Conversations: Operating in a Purpose-driven Culture

IRI’s Growth Insights C-Suite Conversations feature notable leaders talking about the future of CPG, retail and media. Our newest installment features Mark Smucker, CEO of The J.M. Smucker Co. He is the fifth-generation leader of the Orrville, Ohio-based Fortune 500 company.  

In this exclusive interview, Smucker speaks with IRI CEO (and Smucker board member) Kirk Perry. They discuss the company’s rich family history, Smucker’s teaching experience and how it shapes his leadership approach, and the company’s latest product and brand innovations. Smucker also discusses the marketing transformation that accompanied Jif’s bold shift from “Choosy Moms Choose Jif” to creative featuring rapper Ludacris. He shares his keys to creating an inclusive, diverse organization in a small Midwestern town. And he concludes with a focus on Smucker’s purpose and its hybrid work model that aims to nurture a strong yet flexible company culture. 

Fresh Perspectives with Jonna and Sally: Leverage Fresh to Fight the Split Trip

With inflation increasing, consumers are spending more time finding deals and shopping across multiple stores to get what they want at the best prices. Jonna Parker, principal of IRI’s Fresh Center of Excellence, and Sally Lyons Wyatt, IRI’s EVP and Practice Leader, Client Insights, share strategies to adapt and adopt to the products and solutions shoppers are looking for.

Fresh Perspectives with Jonna and Sally: Inspire Consumers with Their Definition of Value

Inflation is adding complexity to our relationship with fresh foods, but retailers, take note, people don't always run to the lowest-priced option. Sally Lyons Wyatt, IRI's EVP and Practice Leader, Client Insights, and Jonna Parker, principal of IRI's Fresh Center of Excellence, share innovative and effective strategies retailers and CPGs can employ to inspire consumers with real dollars and cents impact.

Fresh Produce in an Era of Inflation

Produce isn’t immune to inflation, but consumers are willing to pay higher prices for their go-to items and value-added produce that enable easy meal prep. Join IRI’s Bob Morales, principal and Produce Team Lead, and Kate Allmandinger, a consultant with IRI’s Fresh Center of Excellence, to learn what draws consumers to the produce department. 

Mine the Private Label and National Brand Gap

While private label products were able to gain share during the Great Recession, they have yet to make notable gains against national brands in our current period of high inflation. Mary Ellen Lynch, principal, Center Store Solutions at IRI, discusses some strategies retailers should employ to build the value proposition of their private brand offerings. 

Retailers Are Dialing Up Innovation and Curation

With inflation high, home meals and home entertaining are winning out over foodservice. Retailers are stepping up, showing a greater understanding of consumer needs and helping consumers create interesting at-home experiences. Jonna Parker, Principal of IRI’s Fresh Center of Excellence and Anne-Marie Roerink, President of 210 Analytics, share winning strategies and additional opportunities to win with consumers.

C-Suite Conversations: Nurturing Happy and Healthy Homes

IRI’s Growth Insights C-Suite Conversations feature notable leaders talking about the future of CPG, retail and media. Our newest installment features Tim Cofer, CEO of Central Garden & Pet, a Walnut Creek, Calif.-based leader in the garden and pet industries.  

In this exclusive interview, Cofer speaks with IRI’s KK Davey and Russ Dunham about his company and its growth during a pandemic that fueled a rise in pet adoptions and an increased interest in gardening. He also talks about the company’s approach to growth through mergers and acquisitions, its ongoing e-commerce expansion, how the company is overcoming supply chain challenges, the importance of company culture, and several other topics.