Top 15 Best CPG Companies of 2024

Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) companies play a significant role in our lives. They dominate your go-to grocery stores, households, cabinets, and pantries.

Whether I talk about your daily household staples, favorite snacks, and beverages, or your cleaning supplies like laundry detergent and floor cleaners – consumer packaged goods are literally the backbone of every functioning economy.

Now, when we talk about the best CPG companies, there are some that stand tall above the rest. These companies dominate the commercial landscape, selling their goods across the globe and operating in several industries.

But, before we talk about them, let’s dive into a more comprehensive explanation of what CPG companies really are.

What Are CPG Companies?

As the name implies, CPG companies produce and sell consumer packaged goods that we use in our daily lives.

They produce these consumer goods on a large scale and so these goods often come with an expiry date with a one or two-year lifespan.

CPG companies then sell these goods to the distributors, who take these to the retailers, and then finally the retailers sell it to the consumers.

This is recorded first as a sell-in by the CPG companies. This is when a retailer or distributor agrees to buy their product at a discounted price.

When the goods are finally purchased by the consumers from the retailers, the CPG companies then record it as a sell-out.

This figure is important for decision-making on how these CPG companies should forecast their future production, improve their in-store presence, and conduct marketing activities to meet their sales targets in the future.

The Top 15 Best CPG Companies of 2024

Now, let’s talk about the world’s biggest and the best CPG companies in 2024. All of the companies on this list operate in several countries and have a range of product lines. Here’s our list of the top 15:

1. Nestlé (Switzerland)

Net Revenue in 2023: $104.60 Billion

Year-on-year growth: 6%

Iconic brands: Kit Kat, Nescafe, Nestle Pure Life, Milkmaid, Toll House

Industry: Food and Beverage

Reach: 180+ countries

Nestle was founded by Henri Nestle in Switzerland in 1866. Its mission is to enhance the quality of life for everyone in the present and the future. It directs its efforts towards becoming a competitive, global company that leads in health, wellness, and nutrition.

Nestle has a vast product portfolio and caters to a global audience. It has gained prominence in almost every household with its product quality, and a staggering portfolio of iconic food and beverage brands.

It serves various dietary needs and taste preferences through its vast product line such as comforting coffee Nescafé, infant formula and baby food, bottled water such as Nestle Pure Life, confectionery such as Kitkat and Smarties, Cereals such as Cheerio, Dairy Products such as Milkmaid, Pet food such as Purina, and many more.

Nestle is home to well-known brands and thus wins brand recognition. Maggi, Kit Kat, Nescafe, Purina, Perrier, and Gerber are iconic brands that everyone has cherished at some point in their lives.

It also prioritizes innovation, research, and development. It has thus launched its new plant-based meat, fish, and other alternative nutrition solutions such as its Garden Gourmet Sensational Burger and Vrimp (Vegan Shrimp).

It aims to serve different health conditions, life stages, as well as dietary preferences by using peas, soy, seaweed, and konjac root.

The company is also a leader in sustainability initiatives. People choose Nestle for its focus on responsible sourcing and on reducing its environmental footprint. Nestle’s products are sold in over 180 countries worldwide and it is a publicly traded company.

2. Unilever (Netherlands/UK)

Net Revenue in 2023: $64.509 Billion

Year-on-year growth: 7%

Iconic brands: Dove, Sunsilk, Axe, Persil, Knorr, Hellmann’s, Lipton, Ben & Jerry’s, Magnum

Industry: Food and Beverage, Personal Care, Home Care

Reach: 190+ countries

Unilever is a multinational CPG company and it was founded on the merger of the British soapmaker Lever Brothers and Dutch Margarine Unie in 1930.

Unilever products are sold in over 190 countries across the globe. This CPG company has a vast product portfolio that is focused on the food, beverage, personal care, and home care categories.

Unilever is home to brands like Dove soap, Sunsilk shampoo, and Axe deodorant in its personal care category.

It is present in different households in the form of its home care brands such as Persil laundry detergent, Domestos bleach, and Cif cleaning products.

When it comes to the food category, the most popular brands are Hellmann’s ketchup, mayonnaise, Knorr soups and stock cubes, and Lipton tea.

Magnum Ice Cream and Ben & Jerry’s are also iconic product lines that are people’s favorite.

Unilever is a publicly traded company with consistent revenue growth and strong financial performance. It is currently exploring expansion opportunities in its direct-to-consumer business and seeking to offer more personalized products.

Its inclusion in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index is a testament to its innovation in sustainability efforts, product quality, and brand reputation.

3. PepsiCo (USA)

Net Revenue in 2023: $91.5 Billion

Year-on-year growth: 13%

Iconic brands: Pepsi, Mountain Dew, 7 Up, Lay’s, Doritos, Quaker Oats, Gatorade

Industry: Beverage, Snacking

Reach: 200+ countries

Pepsi-Cola Company, also known as PepsiCo was founded in 1893 and is now a global leader in beverage and snack brands.

The company believes in winning consumer loyalty by providing refreshments that bring joy to the consumers. It aims to lead and win with a purpose with initiatives that are good for all and the environment as well.

The products of this CPG company are sold in over 200 countries, and thus it holds a significant market share in its main categories such as carbonated beverages, sports drinks, and salty snacks.

It is currently focusing on bringing healthier options to the market and introducing portion control, sugar-free drinks, and reduced sodium by innovating its product offerings.

Speaking of its product line, PepsiCo offers popular products like Pepsi, Mountain Dew, and 7 Up in its carbonated beverages category. In non-carbonated beverages, it has popular brands like Gatorade and Aquafina water.

Frito-Lay chips, Lay’s potato chips, and Doritos are a staple in almost every household when it comes to salty snacks. Other snacks are Quaker Oats and PopCorners, which are also popular among consumers.

PepsiCo has also formulated exceptional marketing strategies and connects with consumers through sports sponsorships, celebrity endorsements, and social media. It has won many awards for its product quality, and marketing campaigns.

4. Procter & Gamble (USA)

Net Revenue in 2023: $82.006 Billion

Year-on-year growth: 7%

Iconic brands: Pampers, Gillette, Ariel, Tide, Downy, Head & Shoulders, Always

Industry: Personal Care, Home Care

Reach: 180+ countries

The Procter & Gamble Company (P&G) was founded in 1837 and started as a soap and candle maker. However, now it appeals to various household needs with everyday essentials and serves people from different demographics with its consumer packaged goods.

The product line consists of personal care and household products including Tide detergent, Downy fabric softener, Febreze odor eliminator in laundry care, Head & Shoulders shampoo, Pantene hair care, and Olay skincare in beauty care.

P&G also offers baby care and cleaning products such as Pampers diapers, Pampers wipes, Always feminine hygiene products, Mr. Clean, Swiffer, Cascade dishwasher detergent, and more. Some other iconic brands are Gillette and Ariel.

P&G products are accessible in over 180 countries across the globe and is a leader in categories like diapers, razors, and laundry detergents.

Its inclusion in multiple sustainability indexes is proof that it achieves its sustainability goals by investing in sustainable packaging solutions, water conservation, responsible sourcing, and renewable energy sources.

P&G has won many awards for its data-driven marketing campaigns and its effective use of traditional media for advertising.

5. The Coca-Cola Company (USA)

Net Revenue in 2023: $45.8 Billion

Year-on-year growth: 6%

Iconic brands: Coca-Cola, Coca-Cola Zero, Diet Coke, Minute Maid

Industry: Beverage

Reach: 200+ countries

Coca-Cola was founded in 1886, and like PepsiCo, it is also considered as a global icon and a leader in the beverage industry. Its mission statement is “To refresh the world and make a difference.”

Coca-Cola sells its products in more than 200 countries. Its main product offerings in carbonated beverages are Coca-Cola, Fanta, and Sprite.

The CPG company has expanded its product portfolio over time and has introduced hydration beverages which include Dasani bottled water, and Dasani sparkling water.

Coca-Cola has recently introduced low-sugar alternatives such as Diet Coke, and Coca-Cola Zero, and flavored Coca-Cola such as Coca-Cola Cherry, Vanilla, and Orange Vanilla, opening itself to a wide range of consumers.

When it comes to juice, energy drinks, tea, and coffee, it has brands like Minute Maid, Monster Energy, Fuze Tea, and Georgia Coffee. Currently, it is also exploring plant-based beverage options to serve a growing consumer need.

Coca-Cola has invested in various sustainability projects such as returning 100%+ water to the environment through initiatives like wastewater treatment and community water projects.

It uses recycled content and plant-based bottle materials for packaging and also focuses on community development programs like women empowerment, youth development, and more.

6. The Kellogg Company (USA)

Net Revenue in 2023: $13.12 Billion

Year-on-year growth: 3%

Iconic brands: Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes, Special K, Nutri-Grain Breakfast Bars, and Pringles

Industry: Breakfast Cereals

Reach: 180+ countries

When Kellogg’s was founded in 1906, it was just a cereal brand launched by Will Keith Kellogg. However, now, it is considered a global giant because of its product offerings in the breakfast and snacking categories.

Kellogg’s mission has been to nourish families and cater to each family member’s needs through its food brands.

It aims to ensure that everyone has a place at the table no matter their lifestyle and dietary needs. Its breakfast options suit busy lifestyles as well. This is why it has a global presence in over 180 countries across the globe.

Kellogg’s houses many brands in its breakfast cereals category, which is its core offering. Some iconic brands in this category are Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes, Rice Krispies, Special K, and Pop-Tarts.

It is also home to brands like Eggo waffles, Eggo frozen breakfast sandwiches, and Nutri-Grain breakfast bars, all of which fall under its convenience foods category.

Kellogg’s also offers cracked snacks such as Pringles potato chips, which was acquired by Kellogg’s to build their snacking presence internationally, Cheez-It crackers, and Amo cookies.

Kellogg’s is now focusing on expanding its product portfolio with new and convenient breakfast and snacking options.

This is to cater to busy lifestyles. It is introducing healthier options in its cereal category with less sugar and more grains, and exploring plant-based products such as MorningStar Farms breakfast sausages to meet the demands of the consumers.

This CPG company responsibly sources ingredients like palm oil and cocoa and remains committed to taste, convenience, and sustainability.

Their financial performance can fluctuate because of fluctuations in commodity prices like grains and sugar, and government regulations on food labeling and sugar content, but they are still a major contributor as a CPG company.

7. Mars, Incorporated (USA)

Net Revenue in 2023: $50 Billion

Year-on-year growth: 3%

Iconic brands: Snickers, Mars Bars, M&Ms, Wrigley, Galaxy, Twix, Milky Way

Industry: Confectionary, Pet Food

Reach: 180+ countries

Frank C. Mars founded Mars in 1911 and transformed it from a candy brand to a key player in the food, confectionery, and pet care industry.

As a CPG company, Mars targets families, pet owners, and individuals who relish tasty food. It has some iconic brands like M&M’s, Skittles, Snickers, Milky Way, Twix, and Starburst in its confectionery category. There are popular brands like Royal Canin, Pedigree, Whiskas, and Iams in the pet care category.

Even though Mars is still smaller than its competitors when it comes to the food category, it still offers popular products like Dolmio pasta sauces and Uncle Ben’s rice.

The CPG company also operates some hospitals namely the Banfield Pet Hospital and VCA Animal Hospitals where it provides veterinary services for injured animals and those infected with a disease.

Mars’ financial figures are not publicly available as it is a privately held CPG company. However, it is reported that it collected $50 billion in revenue in 2023 and $18 billion of this figure came from its snacking category from brands like M&M’s, Snickers, Wrigley, Extra, and Kind nutrition bars.

In the future, Mars will invest in research, development, and innovation in new food categories and offer products that align with health and wellness trends.

8. Johnson & Johnson (USA)

Net Revenue in 2023: $85.159 Billion

Year-on-year growth: – 2%

Iconic brands: Listerine, Neutrogena, Johnson & Johnson’s No Tears Baby Shampoo, Baby Lotion, and Baby Oil

Industry: Healthcare, Pharmaceutical, Skin Care, Baby Care

Reach: 250+ countries

Johnson & Johnson is a leader in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, consumer products, and medical devices. This CPG company was founded in 1886 by Robert Wood Johnson and started as only a surgical dressing company.

However, with a mission to promote health and alleviate human suffering, it has grown to become a global leader.

Johnson & Johnson targets patients, medical professionals, and consumers.

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Since this article is about CPG companies, I will focus on the consumer health products they offer and not the pharmaceuticals, medical devices, diagnostics, or surgical equipment they offer to patients and medical professionals.

Listerine mouthwash, Neutrogena skincare, and Tylenol pain relievers are renowned brands that fall under Johnson & Johnson’s consumer health category.

Some other well-known brands in women’s health and baby care are Prenatal vitamins, pain relief medications, Johnson & Johnson’s baby lotions, baby wipes, and diaper creams.

Johnson & Johnson’s net revenue as of December 2023 was $85.159 billion, a 2% decline year-on-year from its revenue in 2022. The reason for this decline could be related to the talc lawsuit they settled or the appreciation of the U.S. dollar against other currencies, which may have made its products expensive in other parts of the world.

Johnson & Johnson has a massive reach and they operate in over 250 countries. As a CPG company, they have prominent products in baby care, skin care, pain relief, oral care, and women’s health and are an important player in the consumer health market.

9. L'Oréal (France)

Net Revenue in 2023: $44.8 Billion

Year-on-year growth: 7.6 %

Iconic brands: Garnier, Loreal Paris, Maybelline, NYX Professional Makeup

Industry: Beauty, Hair Care, Cosmetics, Skin Care

Reach: 140+ countries

Loreal is the world's leading cosmetics company. It operates in over 140 countries and caters to different price points as well. This CPG company was founded by Eugene Schueller and was only a hair dye company at its inception.

However, by staying true to its mission of empowering each individual to express their unique beauty, it has grown into a company that has a vast product portfolio in haircare, cosmetics, and skincare categories.

From a professional product line featuring products like Redken, Kerastase, Maybelline, and Matrix to consumer products like Garnier, Loreal Paris, Maybelline, NYX professional makeup, and Essie, it is home to multiple iconic brands.

Loreal caters to the high-end market with its luxury products like Giorgio Armani Beauty, Yves Saint Laurent Beaute, Kiehl’s Since 1851, and Lancome.

It also caters to consumers with skin conditions with its active-ingredient skin care, combining skin care with science. These products come under the brand names Vichy, La Roche-Posay, CeraVe, and Skinceuticals.

Loreal continues to grow by expanding its reach through its e-commerce presence, digital marketing strategies, and strong sustainable and ethical practices. It is a publicly traded company and is also listed on the Euronext Paris stock exchange.

10. Colgate-Palmolive Company (USA)

Net Revenue in 2023: $19.457 Billion

Year-on-year growth: 8.29 %

Iconic brands: Colgate, Palmolive, Tom’s of Maine, Sensodyne, Curaprox, elmex, Ajax, Speed Stick, Sanex, Murphy’s Oil Soap, Fabuloso

Industry: Oral Care, Personal Care, Home Care

Reach: 200+ countries

The Colgate-Palmolive Company helps people and their pets to live a healthier future through its diverse product lines and CPG brands in the oral care, home care, and pet nutrition categories. It offers trusted hygiene solutions to individuals and families alike.

In their core business segments, they have the Colgate brand, which features household essential products like toothbrushes, toothpaste, and mouthwash.

It also offers natural options in oral care such as Tom’s of Maine and Hello products as they are friendly for the ecosystem.

In the home care category, the CPG company offers multiple options such as Ajax and Palmolive in dishwashing liquids, Fab, Axion, and Soup in laundry detergents, Irish Spring and Palmolive in surface cleaners, Snuggle in softeners, and Air Wick in deodorizers.

Under the Colgate-Palmolive umbrella, there are pet care brands like Hill’s Pet Nutrition, which is a science-backed food brand for cats and dogs.

The Colgate-Palmolive Company sells its products in over 200 countries with a net revenue of $19.5 billion. Its year-on-year growth has been consistent over the past couple of years.

The future outlook of this CPG company continues to expand its reach in emerging markets and innovate its product line to cater to environmentally conscious consumers.

11. Beyond Meat (USA)

Net Revenue in 2023: $340 Million

Year-on-year growth: – 21% (due to price-sensitive consumers, niche product market, price war between the growing number of competitors)

Iconic brands: Beyond Chicken Tenders, Beyond Beef Jerkey, Beyond Meatballs, Beyond Sausage Links, Beyond Sausage, and Beyond Burgers

Industry: Plant-based Meat

Reach: 80+ countries

Beyond Meat is a CPG company that produces plant-based meat alternatives for its consumers. It was founded in 2009 by Ethan Brown who wanted to enable consumers to enjoy the texture and taste of real meat while staying vegan.

Beyond Meat serves three main types of consumers: meat lovers (who love meat but are looking for healthier alternatives), flexitarians (who are on a plant-based diet but want to consume meat sometimes), and environmentally conscious consumers (those who care about animal well-being and the planet).

The company offers products like Beyond Chicken Tenders, Beyond Beef Jerkey, Beyond Meatballs, Beyond Sausage Links, Beyond Sausage, and Beyond Burgers.

These products are available in over 80 countries and the company has seen explosive growth since its inception.

Beyond Meat is a publicly traded company and is listed on the Nasdaq stock exchange. It is striving to grow and looks towards expanding its product portfolio in an increasingly competitive market.

12. Hims & Hers (USA)

Net Revenue in 2023: $872 Million

Year-on-year growth: 65.50%

Iconic brands: Hims & Hers Tele Consultation, Shampoos, Conditioners, Serums, Cleansers, Moisturizers

Industry: Telehealth

Reach: Strong Presence in the U.S., Plans to Expand in Europe Post Acquisition of Honest Health Limited in the U.K.

Hims & Hers, founded by Andrew Dudum in 2017, is a telehealth platform that is designed to offer personalized prescriptions and consultations to empower people with different conditions.

The target audience is men and women who struggle with conditions like hair loss, skin concerns like rosacea or acne, birth control, sexual health, and more.

Hims & Hers acts as a bridge that connects patients with healthcare professionals for online consultations, personalized treatment plans, and prescription medications.

It also offers its own branded line of products such as shampoos, conditioners, serums, cleansers, moisturizers, acne treatments, lubricants, intimacy kits, and FDA-approved medications such as finasteride for hair loss.

13. Califia Farms (USA)

Net Revenue in 2023: $100 Million

Year-on-year growth: 2022 revenue not disclosed

Iconic brands: Califia Farm’s Oat Milk, Almond Milk, Coconut Milk, Almond Milk and Coconut Milk Coffee Creamers, Ready-to-Drink Cold Brew

Industry: Plant-based Beverages

Reach: U.S., U.K., Australia and Canada

Califia Farms is a new CPG company, founded in 2010 by Greg Steltenpohl. It operates in a niche market and offers plant-based beverages to health-conscious consumers. It caters to vegans, lactose intolerants, and those on a flexitarian diet.

The company’s core product line features plant-based milk such as oat milk, almond milk, cashew milk, macadamia nut milk, and coconut milk.

It also offers cold brew coffee made with oat milk, plant-based coffee creamers, barista blends, and plant-based alternatives for everyday tasks like cooking and baking.

Better Half and Unsweetened Better Half are their plant-based substitutes for heavy cream that is often used in baking and cooking.

The company is focusing on growing its presence and position in the plant-based food and beverage industry and plans to continue introducing new products to cater to consumers with plant-based dietary preferences.

14. Perfect Day (USA)

Net Revenue in 2023: $320.2 Million

Year-on-year growth: 2022 revenue not disclosed

Iconic brands: Perfect Day Animal-Free Milk Protein

Industry: Food Technology, Alternate Protein

Reach: Strong Presence in the U.S.

Perfect Day is another CPG company that aims to provide animal-free milk protein to its consumers. It was founded by Ryan Radloff and Nicholas Straus who wanted to make use of an innovative fermentation technology to give consumers a new form of milk protein similar to the protein they receive from cow’s milk but different in its source.

The company serves a specific audience such as animal rights advocates, environmentalists, flexitarians, and lactose-intolerant individuals.

Perfect Day produces these milk proteins in a controlled environment where they allow genetically modified yeasts to ferment to produce animal-free milk proteins like whey or casein (found in cow’s milk).

Perfect Day does not follow a direct-to-consumer approach. It helps other food and beverage companies in creating innovative dairy products using animal-free milk proteins.

Some examples are ice cream brands like Brave Robot and Cultures For Life. Miyoko’s Creamery is a company that produces vegan cheese products using Perfect Day’s innovative technology.

15. Thrive Market (USA)

Net Revenue in 2023: $87.3 Million

Year-on-year growth: 2022 revenue not disclosed

Iconic brands: Has partnered with brands like Seventh Generation, Tom's of Maine, Dr. Bronner's, Annie's Homegrown, Nature Valley, KIND Snacks, Bob's Red Mill, New Chapter, and Garden of Life

Industry: Online Grocery, E-commerce, Organic and Natural Food Retailer

Reach: Thrive Market

Nick Mazzoni started Thrive Market in 2004 as an online grocery store that allowed consumers to conveniently access natural, organic, and healthy food products. Now, they offer an expansive range of wellness essentials.

Thrive Market follows a direct-to-consumer strategy and has a membership model. Through direct-to-consumer marketing practices, it can ditch the traditional retail markets and can offer its consumers discounted and competitive prices.

From vitamin supplements, beauty, and personal care, and household items to food and beverages, it offers a wide range of products like organic fruits, vegetables, health snacks, pantry staples, plant-based food products, vitamins, dietary supplements, minerals, organic and natural beauty products, and eco-friendly cleaning supplies.

Thrive Market also offers free shipping to its consumers and donates its membership to needy families on the purchase of one membership.

This CPG company is set to grow with its community-driven approach and how it has positioned itself in terms of affordability by deploying the right D2C strategies: free shipping, a membership model to offer discounted prices by ditching retailers, impactful giving, and a selection of healthy and sustainable products.

The Future of CPG: Innovation, Sustainability, and Direct-to-Consumer Strategies

Consumers of today are seeking out healthier and more sustainable products. They will move towards CPG options that are good for both their health and the planet.

In addition to that, the flexibility and functionality of different e-commerce platforms make room for e-commerce stores to emerge and this is promising for the future of consumer packaged goods companies (CPG).

Online shopping is a big game changer in the CPG industry, with consumers demanding convenience and looking out for personalized shopping experiences.

Many CPG companies are now operating through both traditional retail channels and selling directly to consumers through their online stores by implementing direct-to-consumer (DTC) strategies.

These trends present so many new opportunities for CPG companies. The ability to innovate, adapt, and embrace these shifts will make CPG companies stand out in the evolving world of consumer packaged goods.

Conclusion

The CPG industry is big and constantly changing with emerging niches, and changing consumer preferences, more rapidly now than ever before.

You need to understand the emerging trends, the key contributors in the CPG industry, and how they have achieved success, to make informed decisions and learn how to sell CPG products online.

In this guide, I have tried to provide you with enough knowledge to help you navigate the exciting world of CPG companies.

There are fast-moving consumer goods as well that you can consider selling. Read this blog to know the differences and similarities between fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) companies and consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about CPG Companies

What are CPG companies?

CPG is an abbreviation for Consumer Packaged Goods. CPG companies produce and sell everyday essentials and distribute them to your go-to grocery stores and other retail outlets.

Examples include personal care products, food and beverages, household cleaning supplies, and more.

What are CPGs (consumer packaged goods)?

CPGs are those items or products that you are likely to purchase regularly. This could be weekly, monthly, or in some cases even daily.

Examples include food products, beverages, snacking items, OTC drugs, cleaning supplies, and skin care and beauty products.

You either buy them individually, or in bulk, but they often are high in demand, present in almost every household, and come with an expiry date on their packaging.

How are CPG companies adapting to the rise of e-commerce?

CPG companies are actively using their resources to create an online presence, implement omnichannel or direct-to-consumer strategies, and increase their product accessibility through promotions and competitive pricing on online retail websites like Amazon, Target, and Walmart.

What are some common CPG examples?