In addition, global FMCG companies need to have strong sales talents in order to closely engage with their trade customers, be it retail, discount, or mass market. Only with a strong relationship with their key accounts, FMCG companies are able to maintain or even grow their business with branded products. It is obvious that the individual quality of the sales executives and their teams makes a difference. FMCG companies with strong individuals in sales have stronger relationships with their key accounts, giving them a competitive edge. As a consequence, we currently see intense competition between FMCG companies fighting for exceptional sales talent,’ says Mathias Friedrichs.
Latest trends, short & long-term and inflation
For Katerina Meimaroglou (Kestria Greece), the definition of talent is the first change in a constantly developing consumer World, because the conditions of working and the way consumers are shopping have changed. ‘So, companies have to redesign how they approach and attract consumers in order to promote their products and services. New consumer behaviours are here to stay and the development of executives with certain skillsets will be gradually developed to meet the redefined standards of the new era. Another issue is that digitalization has shown that it impacts the sales revenue that comes from digital shopping, with people increasingly buying from the home environment and becoming more used to digital equipment,’ says Katerina Meimaroglou.
Sanna Leppaluoto (Kestria Finland) agrees with the above, citing some interesting megatrends which will now evolve in turbulent markets with high inflation and recession. ‘Brands require more responsibility and transparency, not just from the consumer side. The pressure also comes from the law and different business partners who seek a more responsible way of producing and carrying things. This responsibility is a new norm and companies really need to recruit talents to whom ethics and equality are natural. Brand activism will be the way to influence consumer behaviour because values are even more important to consumers. In western countries, the population is getting older and the Generation Z will change consumer habits and are ready to spend more money on services and experiences and prioritize their health and well-being. Digitalisation also effects consumer behaviour because the value of data is increasing all the time. However, consumers are very conscious about their privacy and are willing to control this,’ adds Sanna Leppaluoto.
Private labelling vs. branded products
Mathias Friedrichs (Kestria Germany) sees Inflation as a challenge for FMCG. ‘In times of inflation and uncertainty, consumers are more cautious with their budgets and become quite price-sensitive with their spending, in favour of private-label products while branded products are less in demand. This trend causes a major headache for FMCG companies. The big retail companies are seeking their own profits in this situation and are pushing their own private label offering while at the same time reducing sales of branded products. Since private label products are winning market share in the outlets, FMCG companies are forced to increase their point-of-sale activities in the outlets.
Based on the word of our experts we can safely say that candidates being hired in this sector need to have a very specific skillset and to be especially driven in a way that they are constantly open to being further educated and stepping up their knowledge to face every challenge. Our colleagues see the intricate details such as this that are imperative not just for the candidate, but for the survival and further development of the companies we serve.