In an interesting article from FMCGnews.co.uk, it highlights the fact that certain consumer goods manufacturers are taking a slightly less than transparent route to saving manufacturing and distribution costs. It shows where many brands have been cutting the size and weight of products whilst maintain their retail prices. Manufacturers are citing that this is a way to offset higher ingredient and transport / distribution costs due to high inflation in these areas.

http://www.fmcgnews.co.uk/shrinking-products-anger-shoppers-cms-2698

This is going to pose some interesting challenges for forecasting and promotional evaluation, with either a whole raft of new SKUs being created or existing SKUs having margin affecting attributes being changed mid-way through the year.

See how BluePlanner could help your company navigate through the forecasting and promotional planning minefield: www.upclear.com/blueplanner.