CPG and retail firms: Cybersecurity, customer experience and supply chain are top priorities

6 min read

2026 Executive Perspectives on Top Risks and Opportunities

Cyber threats, supply chain disruption and rising cost pressures are no longer isolated risks for consumer goods and retail leaders — they are shaping near-term investment decisions and long-term strategy. Findings from Protiviti’s 2026 Executive Perspectives on Top Risks and Opportunities survey show how executives are prioritizing cybersecurity, customer experience and supply chain management, while grappling with the pace and governance of AI adoption. Based on insights from 1,540 global board members and C-suite executives, including consumer goods and retail respondents, the research highlights where organizations are concentrating resources, where execution gaps persist and where leaders see growth potential. Read the report to understand how peers are investing, managing risk and positioning their organizations for resilience and growth.

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Where consumer goods and retail leaders see the greatest growth opportunities over the next two to three years

In the face of persistent disruption, consumer goods and retail executives are recalibrating investment priorities to address risk, execution gaps and competitive pressure.

70 %

Revenue potential

60 %

Ecosystem development

57 %

Geographic expansion

Based on a five-point scale assessing agreement/disagreement. 
Percentages reflect sum of "Agree completely" and "Agree somewhat" responses. 

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FAQs

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How are consumer goods and retail leaders balancing supply chain investment with customer experience and cybersecurity?

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Survey results show 61% of consumer goods and retail leaders are prioritizing supply chain management investment, while 42% are focusing on customer experience and 29% on cybersecurity. The findings highlight that leaders are funding interconnected capabilities rather than treating these areas in isolation. Protiviti helps organizations modernize supply chains while embedding customer experience and cyber resilience into the same transformation agenda.

Why are many consumer goods and retail organizations struggling to realize value from AI?

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While AI adoption is accelerating, 31% of leaders cite an inability to deploy AI at a competitive pace, and 29% report challenges equipping the workforce to realize AI’s value. A further 29% are concerned about poor decision-making resulting from AI misuse or inaccuracies. Protiviti supports organizations with responsible AI implementation, workforce readiness and governance to help translate AI investment into business outcomes.

How should consumer goods and retail executives prioritize technology modernization amid legacy system constraints?

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The survey highlights ongoing challenges tied to aging systems, with leaders linking legacy technology to increased risk, slower AI deployment and operational inefficiencies. At the same time, 61% are prioritizing supply chain investment, which often depends on modern, integrated platforms. Protiviti helps organizations modernize core systems in a way that supports AI adoption, operational resilience and long-term scalability.

For consumer goods and retail organizations what is driving board-level concern about AI over the next decade?

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Looking ahead 10 years, 40% of consumer goods and retail leaders identify AI deployments as a top long-term challenge. This reflects concerns around governance, ethical use and the ability to scale AI responsibly across the organization. Protiviti provides support across AI governance, risk management and operating model design to help organizations deploy AI with confidence.

Where are consumer goods and retail executives seeing growth opportunities despite ongoing disruption?

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Seventy percent of respondents express optimism about revenue growth over the next two to three years, with ecosystem development (60%) and geographic expansion (57%) cited as key opportunities. Many organizations are using predictive analytics to enhance customer engagement and support these growth strategies. Protiviti helps organizations connect data, technology and partner ecosystems to support sustainable expansion.

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