Introduction

Read through Salesforce Consumer Goods Report 2025 and you’ll notice a theme running through the whole thing: the industry isn’t just in a slump, it’s in a reset. Prices keep climbing, supply chains are shaky, and shoppers aren’t spending like they used to. For leaders, the question isn’t “how do we ride this out?” but “how do we change the way we play the game?”

And here’s the part that really jumps off the page: AI agents in consumer goods are no longer a “someday” technology. They’re not some distant idea anymore—they’re already in play. The brands leaning in fastest are pairing AI with more personal engagement and rethinking how they run promotions to stay competitive.

Why AI Agents in Consumer Goods Are Becoming Essential

1. Profitability under strain

More than half of executives admit margins are getting harder to protect. Regulations shift, shoppers hesitate, costs pile on from every angle. Pushing harder on old tactics won’t cut it anymore.

2. AI agents moving into daily business

Close to 90% of leaders expect AI agents — software that acts on data without needing constant human oversight — to become indispensable in the next two years. Nearly all of them believe these tools will help boost sales. Picture a sales rep who doesn’t waste hours planning store visits. AI already does the heavy lifting.

3. Uncertainty rewriting global strategies

Almost every executive surveyed (98%) pointed to global shifts like tariffs, sourcing challenges, and trade policy changes as cost drivers. For some, the fix is cheaper packaging. For others, it’s moving production closer to home. Everyone is feeling the squeeze.

4. Promotions that don’t pay off

Here’s the kicker: less than half of trade promotions (46%) deliver a positive return. That’s barely changed in years. On the flip side, AI-powered personalized offers are far outperforming loyalty programs, closing the gap by nearly 20 points.

5. Digital engagement taking priority

Direct-to-consumer sales and loyalty programs have plateaued. Instead, seven in ten leaders are shifting more budget into personalization. Nearly three-quarters are putting more into social engagement. The goal is simple: connect better with the right shoppers, in the right channel. Read the full Salesforce report here.

Why This Matters for Consulting Partners

For consulting firms like The Pinq Clouds, these aren’t just headlines, they’re the day-to-day conversations we’re having with clients.

  • AI as a growth driver: Think less about shiny tech and more about how it frees up people. AI can forecast, plan routes, optimize promotions. Teams get back to strategy and relationships.
  • Marketing ROI needs a rethink: Promotions eat up cash and often don’t deliver. Personalized offers powered by Salesforce AI help ensure every dollar is spent wisely.
  • Supply chain resilience is non-negotiable: Whether it’s new sourcing hubs or packaging changes, visibility is everything. Salesforce analytics provides the insights to move faster.
  • Customer experience is the battleground: Today’s consumer expects you to know them. Not guess, not generalize. Salesforce Customer 360 stitches the data together to make it happen.

What Leaders Should Do Next

Here’s a practical playbook inspired by Salesforce’s insights:

  1. Cut the dead weight in promotions. Don’t keep running campaigns that don’t return value.
  2. Experiment with AI in bite-sized projects. Forecasting or promo planning are easy places to start.
  3. Fix your data. Clean, connected data is the foundation for personalization and AI success.
  4. Walk the customer journey yourself. Find the friction points and adjust the experience.
  5. Stay alert to policy and supply chain changes. Don’t react late — act early.

Leaders who act now won’t just survive. They’ll set the pace.

Wrapping Up

2025 won’t be smooth sailing for consumer goods. But the roadmap is becoming clearer. Companies that embrace AI agents in consumer goods along with personalization and supply chain resilience will lead the pack.

At The Pinq Clouds, this is the kind of work we roll up our sleeves for. Sometimes it’s helping a brand weave Salesforce AI into their daily operations, other times it’s figuring out how to stop trade dollars from leaking away. The common thread? We’re focused on turning insights into growth.

If you’re curious about what this could mean for your business, check out the The Pinq Clouds Blog.