AI in CPG and Retail – The Consumer Goods Forum

The Consumer Goods Forum (CGF) has partnered with Boston Consulting Group to launch a report titled “AI in CPG and retail: how winners are pulling ahead” highlighting the transformative role of AI in consumer goods and retail sectors.
The report finds that most CPG companies (76%) are still in the exploration phase of AI adoption, while only 18% are actively scaling its impact. Retail follows a similar trend, with 45% scaling and 40% only beginning to adopt AI.
Best-in-class companies are seeing 2-5x ROI on their AI investments, but over half of organizations do not measure their return on AI investments, indicating a gap in strategic execution.
Despite the expected financial opportunity from AI expanding 1.7x as techniques mature, measurement and strategic execution remain challenging barriers.
The report offers a strategic framework that C-suite leaders must follow, emphasizing alignment with commercial priorities, rethinking operating models, and establishing clear risk management to effectively integrate AI.
To achieve success with AI, companies need to move beyond isolated tools and deeply integrate AI into their commercial operations.