# 13 Key CPG Industry Trends in 2026 [Rami Ali](https://www.netsuite.com/portal/resource/authors/rami-ali.shtml) | Senior Product Marketing Manager March 9, 2026 People rely on [consumer-packaged goods (CPG)](https://www.netsuite.com/portal/resource/articles/erp/consumer-packaged-goods-cpg.shtml) companies to deliver the items they use every day, from the food they eat to household cleaning products and personal care items. This fact of life has historically meant that CPG businesses could expect steady growth and consistent profit margins. But economic conditions have changed, forcing companies to rethink their business strategies. One of the biggest disruptors affecting CPG businesses is inflation, which has driven up raw material and operating costs and eaten into profit margins. And while these companies could traditionally raise their prices to cover these costs, today’s consumers are more mindful of how they spend their money as the cost of living rises. They also have more choices, thanks to increased competition in the CPG industry and the rise of direct-to-consumer (DTC) brands that have challenged the stronghold of incumbents. CPG company leaders are feeling the pressure, with 51% of respondents to Deloitte’s “2025 Consumer Products Industry Outlook” survey indicating they can no longer rely on simple price hikes to fuel growth. That said, new developments in the CPG industry present opportunities for businesses that can adapt to change. In this article, we explore 13 trends shaping the CPG industry and look at how companies big and small can thrive by adopting a more customer-centric and cost-efficient approach to their operations, powered by new technologies. ## 13 CPG Industry Trends to Know in 2026 The high-volume, low-margin sales models of the past are no longer viable for CPG businesses, with today’s consumers choosing to buy from brands that meet their expectations for convenience, quality, relevance, and sustainability, in addition to price. Here are the trends CPG decision-makers should focus on to achieve sustained success. 01. ### Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Products Consumers increasingly prefer to buy from companies that employ [sustainable working practices](https://www.netsuite.com/portal/resource/articles/business-strategy/cpg-sustainability.shtml) and are as focused on making a positive impact on society and the environment as they are on driving sales. A recent report found that consumer products with sustainability-related claims on their packaging accounted for 56% of all spending growth over a five-year period. The sentiment is shared by business customers, with 60% of B2B buyers saying they’d stop working with suppliers that didn’t meet their sustainability expectations in the next three years. Sustainability initiatives for CPG businesses range from the use of biodegradable or recyclable packaging to the ethical sourcing of raw materials. To continue to earn returns from initiatives like these, many CPG companies use advanced analytics to assess the performance of their sustainability programs and continually refine their tactics. 02. ### Direct-to-Consumer Expansion Rather than selling their products through third-party retailers or wholesalers, DTC businesses sell directly to their end customers. This allows CPG companies greater flexibility in how they fulfill orders and shape their customer experience. According to Business Research Insights, the DTC market will hit $319.6 billion in 2026, driven by ecommerce and digital retailers. Major CPG companies have been acquiring DTC businesses to protect their market position from new competitors. 03. ### Personalization and AI-Driven Marketing Consumers expect more personalized experiences when engaging with CPG brands. 81% of consumers ignore irrelevant marketing messages, and 96% say personalized messages from brands make them “likely to purchase,” according to Attentive’s “2025 Consumer Trends Report.” CPG businesses now have access to powerful [AI](https://www.netsuite.com/portal/resource/articles/business-strategy/what-is-ai.shtml) tools that allow them to analyze and tailor their marketing activities at the individual level. 04. ### Health and Wellness Focus Consumers are increasingly interested in organic diets and immunity-boosting products. CPG businesses are rolling out healthier product lines that align with consumers’ lifestyle ambitions, emphasizing natural and unprocessed ingredients. 05. ### Supply Chain Digitization CPG businesses rely on their [supply chains](https://www.netsuite.com/portal/resource/articles/erp/supply-chain.shtml) to manufacture goods, manage inventory, and bring products to market. Many businesses are adopting technologies, including supply chain management software and automation, to make their operations more efficient and transparent. 06. ### Ecommerce, Social Commerce, and Omnichannel Growth Today’s consumers see no distinction between physical stores and digital channels. CPG companies must deliver an integrated shopping experience across all channels, utilizing influencer marketing on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. 07. ### Private-Label Growth With consumers becoming more money-conscious, many retailers have launched their own private labels as a more affordable alternative. According to McKinsey’s “State of the Consumer 2025” report, 79% of global consumers say they’re “trading down” when shopping. 08. ### Premiumization and Specialty Goods Consumers prefer to spend their money on products they feel offer the best value, leading to the trend of “premiumization.” CPG brands must innovate and differentiate their offerings to appeal to these consumers. 09. ### Data-Driven Sourcing CPG companies have begun using automated analytics tools to gain a global view of input costs and identify opportunities to cut costs by finding alternate sources or working with a broader mix of suppliers. 10. ### Loyalty Programs and Subscriptions CPG companies are deploying loyalty programs and subscription services to promote customer retention and seek recurrent revenue. Consumers are willing to share personal information in exchange for more tailored offers. 11. ### Regulatory and Compliance Shifts Strict food-labeling laws and regulations on sustainable sourcing are forcing CPG brands to navigate a complex regulatory landscape, especially as they adopt digital business models that expose them to cybersecurity attacks. 12. ### Technology-Driven Efficiencies The CPG industry is adopting technologies, including data analytics and robotic process automation, to unlock new efficiencies. CPG companies using leading digital and AI tools show greater total shareholder returns compared to their peers. 13. ### Consumer Demand for Convenience With the rise of online shopping, consumers expect quick and easy access to products. CPG companies are changing how they develop, package, and deliver their products to meet these expectations. ## Future of the CPG Industry The future of CPG companies hinges on their ability to collect, analyze, and activate their data. A data-driven approach will make CPG businesses more agile and enable them to personalize customer experiences, which will help them stand out and build loyalty. ## Drive Growth With Real-Time Insights To develop new revenue streams and strategies, CPG companies need a technology infrastructure that can keep up. [NetSuite for CPG](https://www.netsuite.com/portal/industries/consumer-packaged-goods.shtml) helps manufacturers gain a 360-degree view of their customers across every sales channel and touchpoint. Part of [NetSuite ERP](https://www.netsuite.com/portal/products/erp.shtml), NetSuite for CPG empowers business leaders with role-based dashboards for decision-making. CPG companies will be well-positioned to capitalize on the trends reshaping their industry.