Packaging costs and supply volatility reshaped CPG strategy

Packaging became the month's clearest operating pressure, moving from proposed restrictions and reuse ambitions to litigation, producer cost exposure, and competition for scarce recycled material. Supply chains also moved from broad cost and input shocks toward trade barriers and capacity investments intended to protect production and distribution.

Meanwhile, retail media moved closer to the purchase itself as brands and retailers connected shopper intelligence with sponsored discovery in conversational grocery search.