With forward-looking perspectives from our keynote speaker Tanya Barden, CEO of the Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC), and insights from prominent industry leaders, attendees experienced a thought-provoking morning filled with collaborative discussions and networking.
Tanya Barden set the stage with an overview of the challenges and opportunities facing the Consumer Goods industry in 2025. Her focus on economic pressures, technology investments, and the importance of strong retailer partnerships resonated with the audience, sparking engaging discussions among the panellists.
Our Melbourne panellists included Peter Findlay, CEO - Bega Group, Peter Schulte, Head of Global Sales - SunRice Group and Suzanne Harman, Senior Director, Supply Chain & Fulfilment - Simplot Australia Pty Ltd while in Sydney, we were joined by Paul Foster, CEO - George Weston Foods, Alexia Horley, General Manager, Foods - PepsiCo and Glen Wojcinski, Supply Chain Director ANZ - Kellanova. Each speaker brought unique insights into key industry issues, including sustainable practices, supply chain resilience, and collaborative strategies for growth.
"At Six Degrees Executive, we’re committed to supporting the food and grocery sector as it navigates complex market conditions," shared Nick Hindhaugh, Co-Founder of Six Degrees Executive. “These events are part of our broader mission to promote this sector as a vibrant career choice, connecting industry leaders and helping to grow a robust talent pipeline for the future."
We asked Peter Schulte - What is your biggest piece of advice to navigating commercial strategies for consumers?
1. Navigating economic pressures
Economic cycles require businesses to maintain balance and adapt. Consistent strategies and a deep understanding of consumer needs help companies stay resilient.
2. Strong Retailer partnerships
Collaboration with retailers is essential for growth, as Alexia Horley noted:
“We don’t have shop fronts, so we rely on the major retailers to get our products to consumers. A balanced and collaborative approach with our retail partners is critical to ensuring both growth and sustainability.”
3. Enhancing Supply Chain resilience
Building a connected supply chain is crucial for smooth operations. Suzanne Harman emphasised:
“Connecting the end-to-end supply chain- from logistics to customer service - is essential to delivering for customers. True success comes from collaboration, not just with customers, but with suppliers and service providers across the board.”
4. Embracing sustainable practices
Sustainability is increasingly important to consumers, who expect eco-friendly options without extra costs. Integrating sustainable practices boosts both market position and consumer appeal.
5. Tech & Retail media investments
Strategic alignment between suppliers and retailers, alongside technology and retail media investments, is crucial for resilience. As the ACCC’s focus on promotions evolves, businesses must stay informed and adapt.
Download our Key Takeaways document for further insights and strategies discussed.
We asked one of our Victoria attendees:
The '2024 Food & Grocery Industry Outlook' event was more than a discussion of ideas - it was a platform for industry leaders to connect, collaborate, and share actionable insights. The high attendance and quality of discussion reflect Six Degrees Executive’s strong connections within the industry, supporting our clients and candidates with the insights and partnerships they need to stay competitive in a dynamic landscape.
We asked Christy Moses, Director of Customer & Community at Six Degrees Executive - What inspired Six Degrees Executive to collaborate with the AFGC for this event?
With over 20 years as a core focus for Six Degrees, we are proud to work alongside leaders in the food and grocery sector, shaping the industry’s future together.