Don't miss out on the latest trends and updates! Subscribe to our newsletter and receive regular updates, exclusive content, and useful tips to keep your industry knowledge up to date.
Industry index: Sentiment and expectations in the global consumer goods industry
4 Feb 2026
How do companies worldwide assess the current situation in consumer goods markets – and which factors are shaping their expectations? The Global Consumer Goods Industry Index 2026 provides, for the first time, an internationally comparable assessment of market sentiment across trade-fair-relevant consumer goods segments.
Reading time: 2 minutes
International comparability of market sentiment
The Industry Index is based on an international survey of companies from more than 60 countries and enables a comparative assessment of current market sentiment. It shows that expectations and perceptions differ noticeably across regions.
The Industry Index at a glance
International market sentiment in the consumer goods industry
Regional differences between Europe, the USA and Asia
Political framework conditions such as tariffs and regulation
Data basis for strategic assessment and planning
Political framework conditions and their impact on the industry
Political decisions, regulatory interventions and international trade conflicts are increasingly influencing the consumer goods industry. Tariffs, import restrictions and geopolitical uncertainties affect not only cost structures but also investment and planning decisions for many companies.
“Many consumer goods segments are currently under significant pressure: price competition and shrinking margins are affecting many companies, as are ongoing geopolitical uncertainty and rising production costs. […] This combination makes one thing clear: companies now need to take action.”
Own business performance compared with overall industry development
A notable finding is the differing assessment of companies’ own business performance compared with the development of the industry as a whole. While expectations for the industry remain rather cautious overall, many companies assess their own situation in a more differentiated way. This points to a stronger focus on individual strategies, resilience and adaptability.
Regional differences between Europe, the USA and Asia
The development of consumer goods markets varies considerably across regions. Different growth drivers, levels of consumer spending and economic framework conditions shape market dynamics in Europe, the USA and Asia. These regional differences influence companies’ international positioning as well as their market and portfolio decisions.
“The framework conditions remain challenging – as the Industry Index also shows. At the same time, companies are sending encouraging signals with regard to their own business development. […] The industry’s message is clear: reliable framework conditions and greater entrepreneurial freedom instead of additional regulation.”
The Industry Index as a strategic point of reference
The Global Consumer Goods Industry Index is designed as a structured point of reference for companies in the consumer goods industry. It supports the assessment of current sentiment, expectations and external influencing factors, providing a data-driven basis for strategic decision-making in industry and retail.
