Buyers embrace change on supply chain issues: Study

Gulf Time / London

While 2022 started with Covid-19 raging in some parts of the world, new problems have emerged that again
challenge retail buyers of consumer-packaged goods. Supply chain issues were the focus of the second quarter, along with the emergence of inflationary pressures. Health and healthier food categories sit beside convenience foods on the most searched lists in Q2, along with top searches for pet food and the seasonal re-emergence of sun protection, according to RangeMe.
The online retail product discovery and purchasing platform, RangeMe, analysed user data from more than 15,000 retail buyers and around 200,000 suppliers to help report the latest trends. Results from its Retail Roundup: Q2 2022 report show that buyers are taking trends seriously and are planning ahead, having learned from supply chain issues and inflation costs. The plant-based industry continues to take off as consumers prioritise personal and planetary health. Across the US and Europe healthier food alternatives made the list, including retail buyer searches for salad dressing, pickles, okra, and dried chickpeas.
“We’re not going to sugar coat it, 2022 has been another whirlwind of a year
for the consumer packaged goods industry. Ongoing
supply chain issues and rising inflation costs have kept suppliers and retail buyers on their toes,” said Nicky Jackson, CEO of RangeMe.