In this discussion, we dive into the world of brand packaging, examining the responses from a thorough survey amongst over 400 brand managers. The episode is led by the expertise of L.E.K. Consulting managing directors Thilo Henkes, Jon Moss and Jeff Cloetingh, as well as Roger Zellner, who analyze the balancing act between innovative packaging solutions and the unfolding pressures of inflation. The conversation explores the far-reaching implications of protective packaging innovation, the pivot towards sustainability in the industry, the necessity of SKU rationalisation, and the nuanced impact of packaging on consumer experiences.

Key Points/Topics Covered:

• The evolving panorama of protective packaging innovation and digital tools enhancing brand experience and supply chain efficiency.
• The delicate dance brand owners face in managing packaging, ingredients, freight, and transport costs during periods of significant inflation.
• The drive towards sustainability in packaging, with brand owners hastening investment to meet consumer expectations and industry benchmarks.
• The strategic considerations behind SKU rationalisation efforts, aimed at streamlining the supply chain and boosting profitability, yet still fostering packaging innovation.

Interested in learning more? Read our Article, Brand Owner Sentiment Points to Attractive Opportunities for Packaging.

Connect with our experts on LinkedIn:
Thilo Henkes, Managing Director, L.E.K. Consulting: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thilohenkes/
Jon Moss, Managing Director, L.E.K. Consulting: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-moss-a71896158/
Jeff Cloetingh, Managing Director, L.E.K. Consulting: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffcloetingh/
Roger Zellner, Former Director of R&D Packaging, Mondelez International (Current Advisory Board Garlock Flexibles & Industry Consultant): https://www.linkedin.com/in/rogerzellner/

Visit L.E.K. Consulting at https://www.lek.com/

Throughout this episode, our experts will discuss the intricacies of merging and acquiring businesses and the importance of the Integration Triangle, a framework we have developed to ensure successful outcomes. Host Cristina Barquero is joined by Phil Roux, a partner with 20 years of experience in M&A, and Tom Marshall, a principal in L.E.K. Consulting’s Organization and Performance practice, who share their expertise in creating sustainable value for clients and driving synergy value realization. The discussion explores the criticality of taking a pragmatic stance in mergers, the elements of the Integration Triangle, potential issues if those elements are not well integrated and best practices to follow.

Key points/topics covered:

• The critical need for a pragmatic stance in M&A to ensure value creation
• Overview of the Integration Triangle framework, encompassing value creation, the combined operating model and integration strategy
• Challenges and risks that arise when there is a lack of alignment between value creation objectives, the combined operating model and integration strategy
• Best practices for leveraging the Integration Triangle, including early planning, continuous refinement and comprehensive ownership of all three elements
• The expected outcomes of adopting an effective approach to integrating the elements of the Integration Triangle, such as increased value creation, broader buy-in and improved negotiation stance

Connect with our experts on LinkedIn:
Phil Roux, Partner, L.E.K. Consulting: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pgdroux/
Tom Marshall, Partner, L.E.K. Consulting: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-marshall-1078671b/
Cristina Barquero, Practice Manager (O&P), L.E.K. Consulting: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cristina-barquero3108/

Visit L.E.K. Consulting at https://www.lek.com/

In this episode, L.E.K. Consulting’s health and wellness experts discuss their survey of 1,800 consumers, which they conducted to understand evolving trends in health and wellness, and the seven distinct consumer archetypes they identified. From the traditionalist to the trendspotter, these archetypes each have a different attitude, preference and spending pattern in health and wellness. Discover how consumers are incorporating digital solutions into their wellness routines and how brands and retailers can leverage this consumer research to better understand and cater to their customer base.

Key points/topics covered:

• The shifting landscape of health and wellness, including expanded perspectives beyond just fitness and nutrition
• The seven distinct consumer archetypes identified, such as traditionalists, health enthusiasts and trendspotters
• The incorporation of digital solutions and fitness apps into health and wellness routines, and the influence of different archetypes on digital fitness content
• The surge in the use of ingestible beauty products, particularly among millennials and women
• The expansion of consumer definitions of healthy living to include recovery, good sleep habits and mental wellness, and the implications for brands and retailers in catering to different consumer archetypes

Interested in learning more? Read our Special Report, Health and Wellness: Who's Your Target Consumer?.

Connect with our L.E.K. experts on LinkedIn:
Alex Evans, Managing Director: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexevanslek/
Geoff McQueen, Managing Director: https://www.linkedin.com/in/geoff-mcqueen/
Alison Schilling, Managing Director: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-schilling/
Maria Steingoltz, Managing Director: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariasteingoltz/

Visit L.E.K. Consulting at https://www.lek.com/