The Consumer Goods Forum (CGF) has published its annual report, outlining the ways in which it is ‘catalysing faster industry transformation’ through its nine Coalitions of Action.
The CGF, a CEO-led organisation that brings together top executives from retailers and consumer goods manufacturers around the world, is reporting ‘positive change’ in areas such as forest preservation, human rights, plastics, healthier lives, food waste, food safety, net zero, supply chains and product data.
Among the achievements cited by the group include the Food Waste Coalition’s tie-up with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) on the development of the Global Farm Loss Tool, which assists farmers in measuring food loss hotspots and understanding the underlying causes; measures to address forced labour in the Malaysian palm oil industry by supporting efforts to implement robust human rights due diligence systems; and the CGF’s ongoing Future Leaders Programme, which empowers future leaders with skills related to cultural transformation, storytelling and strategic decision making.
‘Defined by change’
“The past year has been defined by change; economic pressures, supply chain disruptions and shifting consumer expectations have tested businesses worldwide,” commented Wai-Chan Chan, managing director of The Consumer Goods Forum. “Yet our members have demonstrated remarkable adaptability and innovation. Through participation in the CGF, we have collectively seen improved operational efficiencies and built a stronger sector.”
Its annual report, titled Shaping the Future of Consumer Goods and Retail, also examines the progressing made in terms of the CGF’s Acceleration Areas, which have been developed to ‘speed up’ the systemic change driven by the group’s Coalitions of Action structure. These focus on enhancing employee health and well-being; ensuring human rights in supply chains; advancing packaging circularity; promoting deforestation-free supply chains; and moving forward on decarbonisation.
‘Deeper collaboration’
“The past year has not just been about numbers; it has been about culture,” added Frans Muller, CGF board co-chair and president and CEO of retailer Ahold Delhaize. “At the CGF, we have seen a remarkable shift toward deeper collaboration and open dialogue among our members. It was inspiring to witness CEOs and industry leaders at [last year’s CGF Global Summit in Chicago] openly discuss not just their successes but their struggles, too. That honesty has ignited new ideas and reaffirmed the collective strength of our industry when we work together.”
“The CGF also introduced new ways to engage smaller companies and regions that have not been as represented in the past. Whether through regional retailer sessions in Latin America and Asia or more flexible participation models, we are making it easier than ever for everyone to have a voice and make a difference.”
The CGF’s annual report was developed in partnership with KPMG. The group is scheduled to hold its 2025 Global Summit in Amsterdam in June. Read more here.
