There is a shift in consumer behavior, and CPG brands have felt it.

Consumers are no longer selecting a product off a shelf but are engaging with a more comprehensive retail ecosystem.

Considering this shift, consumer packaged goods (CPG) marketers should focus on creating meaningful connections with consumers by aligning internal brand values with those of their customers, ensuring their products and practices reflect such integration.

That's why Voodoo Brands developed these 26 predictions for 2026.

This report is designed to help you prioritize value over volume at every consumer touchpoint.

Retail is an ecosystem, not a shelf

So, why are brands still chasing outdated trends and margins?

Inflation might have been an indicator, but consumer expectations have changed not only in price sensitivity but also in the value and culture alignment they’re getting from brands.

The CPG industry needs to shift from volume-driven to transparent and value-driven. It’s time for CPG brands to lean into value and understand what they bring to their consumers.

Consider:

If nutrition is solved elsewhere, why does my product exist?

If optimization is automated, what emotional work do I do?

If fewer units are consumed, how do I earn more value per interaction?

Stop chasing outdated CPG metrics.

Traditional key performance indicators (KPIs) focused on sales volume are no longer indicators of brand success as the market shifts towards value-based metrics that emphasize consumer engagement and brand alignment.

For instance, while past success measured units sold, future triumphs hinge on meaningful consumer interactions and brand loyalty.