When traditional tracking isn’t enough: Using Virtual Audiences to understand the FMCG shopper
Recent reports show FMCG growth has been driven mainly by price increases, while real consumption remains weak. As inflation stabilizes, this dynamic is fading, and future growth will depend on increased usage, purchase frequency, and stronger category relevance. Meanwhile, consumer behaviour has shifted: shoppers are downtrading, buying smaller baskets, and adopting lasting value-seeking habits. Private labels and discounters continue to gain ground, reinforcing price-driven competition. For brands, this means growth can no longer rely on pricing alone but must come from genuine demand creation and better alignment with today’s shopping habits. Imagine that your brand tracker would show situational drivers of behaviour.