OAKBROOK, ILL. – The Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA), in conjunction with Food and Consumer Products of Canada, today hosted more than 75 business leaders from the consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry to discuss the impact of fuel price volatility on supply chain operations and broader logistics cost management strategies at a roundtable forum in suburban Chicago.

“There are numerous forces putting never before seen pressures on the CPG supply chain,” said Stephen Sibert, GMA senior vice president of industry affairs. “The game has changed, and the companies that come out ahead will be those that not only drive efficiencies within their own operations, but also understand how consumers are responding in this new economic landscape.”

The day-long meeting explored short and long-term economic forecasts, tactical and strategic approaches to managing fuel costs, and early data on changing shopper behavior. Specifically, participants learned how they can leverage promotional activities to improve consumer spending and what new risks could threaten the value chain. The event also studied cost management practices from beyond the CPG sector with a cross-industry panel that featured an executive from Delta Air Lines, Inc. The program concluded with facilitated small group discussions on topics such as how increasing costs are impacting the supplier-customer dynamic and how rising fuel prices are affecting long-term planning.

“They say two heads are better than one, and that’s what today is about,” continued Sibert. “Our objective was to bring together a diverse group of top business leaders, advisers and experts to exchange cost-mitigating insights and proven practices for the benefit of the entire CPG industry.”

Sixty companies were represented at the event which was sponsored by IBM. Rick Lenny, former chairman, president and CEO of The Hershey Company and former chairman of the GMA Board of Directors, served as moderator.

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