Trade, Consumption

High margin pressure, volatile demand, and increasing demands for delivery reliability, speed, and transparency are shaping procurement and the supply chain in the retail and consumer goods sectors. Short response times and precise management of product assortments, costs, and supply chains are critical to competitiveness. amc helps retail and consumer goods companies strategically align their procurement and supply chain functions, optimize their operational efficiency, and build resilience.

Screenshot March 3, 2026

  • Maturity of this industry in the procurement agenda

    48 %

  • Completed Projects

    12

  • Average value contributions achieved in optimization projects

    2,5 %

  • Average efficiency gains in process and digitalization projects

    12 %

    • Executive Summary

    Retail and consumer goods companies operate in highly competitive markets characterized by high price sensitivity, short product lifecycles, and increasing complexity in product ranges and supply chains. Global procurement markets, volatile transportation costs, and fluctuating demand make planning and management more challenging.

    At the same time, demands for availability, sustainability, transparency, and cost control are increasing throughout the entire value chain—all while margins remain limited.

    Fabian explains with a smile

    Common challenges

    "Margin pressure requires very precise cost and supplier management."

    “Fluctuations in demand and sales make planning and scheduling difficult.”

    “Global supply chains increase complexity and risk.”

    Areas of Focus

    Digitize processes

    amc helps your company digitize its procurement processes.

    Optimize costs

    amc helps your company optimize costs in a sustainable way

    Acting sustainably

    amc helps your company establish sustainability.

    Establishing Resilient Supply Networks

    amc helps your company build resilient supply chains.


    's References in the Retail and Consumer Goods Sector

    Establishing and professionalizing indirect procurement: end-to-end processes, sourcing standards, and guidelines. amc supported the Europe-wide implementation of digital solutions—for scalability, compliance, and transparency.
    Redesign of procurement processes and structured selection of a supporting system solution. amc ensured a methodical approach and sound decision-making—all the way through to a solution ready for implementation.
    Workshops on optimizing sales processes and structures. amc identified areas for improvement and developed actionable measures—to boost efficiency, enhance collaboration, and achieve measurable performance gains.

    Relation to the shopping list

    The results of the Procurement Agenda show that companies in the retail and consumer goods sectors have significant room for improvement, particularly in the areas of strategy and management, cost management, transparency, and digitalization. Given the high pressure on margins and volatile demand, companies benefit greatly from clear objectives, structured cost management, and resilient supply networks.

    Industry Insights 

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    AI in Procurement & SCM

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    eSolutions Report 2025

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    WGM with Artificial Intelligence

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    Frequently Asked Questions from Our Customers

    Yes. The areas of focus are scalable and can be adapted to different formats, product ranges, and organizational sizes.
    Through transparent management of suppliers, inventory, and logistics costs, as well as clear prioritization throughout the value chain.
    Initial improvements in transparency, cost management, and inventory control can often be achieved in the short term. Structural improvements in resilience and delivery capability take effect in the medium term.
    Fabian's portrait, standing, facing forward
    “As independent and impartial consultants, we develop comprehensive digital transformation strategies and inspire our clients to embrace the world of AI and digital tools.”
    Management

    Fabian Kittel

    +49 (0) 175 18 56 448
    fabian.kittel@amc-group.de

    Let’s talk about the challenges you’re facing

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