Consumer Products Overview - Ernst & Young - United States

How can you manage your company through the recession and position yourself for growth? After meeting with CP executives worldwide, we identified some overarching themes. From reevaluating your operational model to demonstrating operational flexibility, we reveal lessons that could mean the difference between surviving and thriving in the new economic environment.

In our recent survey, we got a first-hand look at how executives are navigating the global economic crisis. Ironically, 90% of the respondents viewed it as an opportunity to broaden their market share. Discover more about the business development strategies these Russian and foreign companies deem the most effective and why (pdf, 724.3kb).

While many leading consumer product companies have implemented cost reduction initiatives as a result of the global recession, 70% of them have not improved their cost/revenue ratio. Don’t become another statistic! Instead, learn which strategies can make all the difference in creating sustainable cost improvements over the long-term (pdf, 243.4kb) 

If you’ve been delaying the conversion process to IFRS, you might want to consider utilizing Internal Control over Financial Reporting (ICFR) personnel and operational audit staff. They can evaluate the IFRS’ effects on your business operations and help prepare your internal control and systems for IFRS now

Rising expectations of consumers and stakeholders have fueled a level of competitiveness unlike any other sector. So, besides driving up value and reducing costs, how can you enhance supply chain performance to increase the 'size of the prize'? We reveal strategies that could likely mean the difference to your bottom line (pdf, 836.9kb) .

A new study of the world's largest consumer products companies reveals that better management of working capital could release between US$15 and US$29 billion, roughly equal to 16% of their net debt.

As cash and cash management have become even more critical in the current economic and financial environment, working capital management has taken centre stage. This latest study from Ernst & Young examines the actions taken and the types of improvements and evaluates in depth the current performance of the leading CP companies in this area.

Download Consumer products industry and working capital management - November 2008 (pdf, 1.1mb).

Despite the current financial situation, India remains a significant market for consumer products companies. Organized retail accounts for just 5% of the Indian market currently, but the long term trend is positive and the opportunities huge. Successful companies will focus on improving supply chains, collaborating with retail partners, targeting the rural market - but they won't forget traditional retail either.

Download Organizing for organized retail in India - March 2009 (pdf, 166kb).

Until August 2008, Russia could do no wrong — annual double-digit growth, brand loyalty among consumers and solid profitability. Now that the global recession has set in, many question whether Russia can remain on course. What’s shaping this market? We and the Economist Intelligence Unit identify its key drivers (pdf, 272.5kb)