Pandemic Accelerates Big Food And Beverage Company Strategies

Pandemic Accelerates Big Food And Beverage Company Strategies

More than just data analytics, PepsiCo is innovating and bringing brands to market in under 200 days ... [+] using their 3Ds: Data, Design Research, and Digital Testing. (Sullivan/Getty Images) Over the years, I've often been critical of how slowly Big F&B companies react to consumer trends and how smaller companies are much more nimble and innovative. In 2021, though, I noticed a shift as PepsiCo and other Bigs evolved, using cutting edge techniques and technology to respond to consumer demands. The pandemic has clearly accelerated these shifts and propelled the Bigs to new levels. F & B giants are adapting and accelerating change. PepsiCo is probably a great place to start looking at this trend. PepsiCo has been analyzing consumer shifts for the last six years, according to Jeff Swearingen, senior vice president, who leads PepsiCo's Demand Accelerator. The company is partnering with retail customers by utilizing their extensive databases of customers (stores) and consumers to increase partner sales. Utilizing artificial intelligence (AI), PepsiCo considers buying patterns, income levels, geography and other relevant factors that address not only its products, but the entire store inventory, up to and including total store redesign. PepsiCo uses AI to help partners identify