The CPGGUYS are joined in this episode by Ron Bielski, Managing partner, Global FMCG lead of NielsenIQ Next which is the strategy, growth and transformation consulting division of NIQ. This episode is an industry focused one that will span the spectrum of macro and microeconomics and what CPG brands can really do about it as they look for volume growth. 

This episode is sponsored by NielsenIQ

Follow Ron on LinkedIn at:https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronbielski/
Follow NielsenIQ on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nielseniq/
Follow NielsenIQ Next online at: https://nielseniq.com/global/en/solutions/quest-for-next/

Ron answers the following questions : 

1. Decompose what is this strategic consulting arm of NIQ?
2. As Head of Strategy Consulting, how are you advising CPG brands to evolve in response to the most critical market shifts—especially regarding consumer behavior, inflation, and supply chain volatility?
3. With vast shopper data at NIQ’s disposal, how do you help clients move beyond data collection to actionable, predictive strategies that drive growth and resilience?
4. How is the rise of e-commerce and digital marketplaces reshaping your strategic consulting approach for CPG clients balancing online vs. traditional brick-and-mortar?
5. Many retailers are expanding private label offerings, while consumers are more price-conscious than ever. How are you positioning CPG brands to preserve margin and differentiate in this environment?
6. Consumer demand for sustainability and ethical branding is rising. How does your team at NIQ support brands in aligning these consumer values with business performance, avoiding both underperformance and greenwashing?
7. What role is AI playing in NIQ’s strategic consulting capabilities—from forecasting to scenario planning—and how are you helping clients adapt to its usage?
8. As global consumer markets diverge post-pandemic, how do you help clients calibrate strategies across diverse regions—from developed to emerging markets?
9. How are you advising on quicker innovation cycles and stronger retailer collaborations to capture incremental growth opportunities amid expedited category changes?
10. What modern KPIs—beyond sales and market share—do you recommend for measuring the long-term impact of strategy consulting engagements in areas like brand health, consumer loyalty, and omnichannel effectiveness?
11. Reflecting on your career in strategy consulting, which lessons do you hold most valuable? And what emerging CPG trends excite—or concern—you the most looking ahead?

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