Research and Markets: Global Executives Survey: The Impact and Influence of Social Media and Online Retail on the CPG Industry

Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/qdbj2s/global_executives) has announced the addition of Canadean Ltd's new report "Global Executives Survey: The impact and influence of social media and online retail on the CPG industry" to their offering.

Global Executives Survey: The impact and influence of social media and online retail on the CPG industry is a new report that globally analyzes industry opinions on the role of social media and e-commerce in retail, and their impact upon investment decisions and growth prospects within the CPG industry.

eRetail is set to become an increasingly important sales channel for groceries and personal care products, with 93% of CPG companies predicting growth in their country of operation. Alongside benefits, such as increased sales and revenue, the format brings its own challenges - traditional retail approaches will need to be significantly modified for the format, with distribution infrastructure investment, the development of online marketing, and packaging innovation being key to success.

The majority of CPG companies currently make use of social media, with 92% having a presence on at least one online platform. Usage strategies are, however, currently underdeveloped with many companies lacking a coherent multi-platform plan, significant financial investment, or sophisticated usage monitoring systems. With user uptake of social media set to rise further over the next three years due to increasing use of smartphone technology, it is vital that companies develop strategies to engage a lucrative interactive consumer base.

Key Topics Covered:

1. Canadean's view on social media and online retail
2. Increased retailer investment and consumer demand will drive sales through online channels, however the format's advent brings its own challenges
3. eRetail is set to grow considerably over the next three years, with 'click and collect' formats proving popular
4. Improved eRetail marketing and distribution will attract consumers seeking convenient, affordable shopping solutions
5. High set up costs, the inability to physically evaluate products, and difficult website navigation inhibit online sales
6. Developments in transit packaging and simplified pack designs are key for online sales growth
7. Usage of social media as a tool is very high, however many companies lack a developed usage strategy, despite predicting a rise in consumer uptake
8. The majority of companies have allocated a social media marketing budget of less than US$500,000 for 2014, with the highest average spend in Asia-Pacific
9. A company's own website is the primary platform used to increase social media presence
10. The primary use of social media is to enhance brand image and communicate information about new products
11. An increasing number of consumers will use their smartphones to buy products and access real-time promotions

Companies Mentioned

• Cargill
• Danone
• Hancock
• Iceland Foods
• Loblaws
• PepsiCo
• Woolsworth

For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/qdbj2s/global_executives

Source: Canadean Ltd