Only the strong thrive
OC&C's annual review of the UK's top 150 food and drink companies (2009)
Thursday 05 February 2009Report
It’s been a turbulent year for the top 150 suppliers, with inflation and recession both hitting manufacturing hard. The big brands are rising to the challenge, but own label and smaller branded companies are struggling.
The UK’s top food and drink manufacturers are battling chaotic economic weather. One minute the barometer needle is pointed towards high pressure inflation and mounting costs, the next it has swung towards recessionary chill. Inevitably some are coping better than others. The big branded players have even enjoyed a few moments in the sun, reveals this year’s Top 150 Suppliers report produced for The Grocer by strategy consultancy OC&C. However the own-label giants have been enduring stormy weather for more than a year now and the clouds are starting to gather over the smaller branded players – with little respite in sight.
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New frontiers
As growth slows in the ‘Old West’, global suppliers are venturing into new territories. But they are facing stiff competition from domestic players – as this year’s ranking of the top 50 global FMCG companies reveals
Price & prejudice
Retailers invest huge amounts of effort and money in price changes, often with little return. In our experience retailers in general do not pay sufficient attention to what drives the customer's perception of their price position
Running to stand still
After the storm of recession, dead calm. Sales have flattened for the top 50 fmcg giants of today but a few are speeding along
Think global act focal
Global suppliers are focussing on their billionaire brands and reaping the rewards in spite of the economy
Weathering the storm
It is clear to all of us that our great industry is moving through tumultuous times. A deep recession is being followed by a long stagnation