The advent and impact of Covid-19 have reshaped FMCG supply chains beyond recognition. From global giants to fast-scaling challengers, every consumer brand has had to rethink (and reset) how they source, move, and deliver products.
At TalentPool, we’ve seen these shifts first-hand through the journeys of our leading consumer clients and candidates. While each business has faced unique pressures, a few clear themes have emerged in how FMCG supply chains have evolved post-Covid.
From just-in-time to resilience-first
Covid exposed the risks of the traditionally championed lean, just-in-time supply chains. Businesses that once prioritised efficiency above all else suddenly found themselves vulnerable to raw material shortages, transport bottlenecks, and factory shutdowns.
General Mills, for example, responded by regionalising parts of its supply chain and investing in data-led forecasting to improve resilience. For them, supply chain planning is no longer just about cost -it’s about keeping shelves stocked in the face of disruption.
Scaling up with agility
For scale-up consumer brands, the challenge was different: how to keep pace with surging demand while supply chains were under unprecedented strain.
- Lucky Saint, the alcohol-free beer brand, doubled down on strong supplier partnerships to ensure continuity of production and distribution as demand for low- and no-alcohol drinks soared post-pandemic.
- TRIP, the CBD drinks brand, built out its logistics and fulfilment capabilities to support rapid D2C growth as consumer appetite for wellness products accelerated.
- Moju, known for its fresh shots, invested heavily in cold-chain logistics to keep pace with rising supermarket listings and direct customer demand, ensuring product integrity while scaling fast.
- Crosta Mollica, specialists in premium Italian food, adapted by diversifying their supply base and strengthening retailer partnerships, ensuring they could grow despite the well-documented challenges of importing goods during and after the pandemic.
These brands show how agility, creativity, and close supplier relationships can make all the difference for scale-ups navigating uncertainty.
Candidate market insights: what skills are in demand?
As supply chains have evolved, so too has the talent landscape. We’ve seen a marked shift in what FMCG businesses now look for in their supply chain and procurement leaders:
- Resilience and risk management – candidates with experience in supplier diversification, contingency planning, and navigating disruption are in high demand.
- Digital fluency – expertise in ERP, forecasting tools, and data-led decision making has become critical, particularly for those leading scaling brands.
- Sustainability expertise – procurement leaders are now expected to align ESG targets with resilient sourcing strategies.
- Omnichannel experience – with many brands expanding D2C, leaders who can flex between retail, wholesale, and direct fulfilment are increasingly sought after.
Competition for this type of talent is fierce. The most in-demand candidates are often courted simultaneously by global household names and fast-scaling disruptors – two very different challenges, but both requiring the same forward-thinking skillsets.
Looking ahead
The post-Covid FMCG supply chain is no longer built for efficiency alone. It is being reshaped around resilience, digital capability, and consumer demand. Large corporates are investing in visibility and technology, while scale-ups are showing that agility and strong partnerships can unlock growth.
For the leaders we work with, the role of supply chain and procurement has never been more strategic. It’s no longer just about cost savings -it’s about safeguarding resilience, driving sustainability, and enhancing customer experience, all at the same time.
At TalentPool, we’re proud to partner with businesses navigating this new landscape, helping them secure the talent they need to build supply chains fit for the future.