CPG Company

Case Prompt

A large food and beverage consumer packaged goods company (CPG) is the client.  

They have a 40% market share in traditional CPG channels, like large format grocery.  They have a 17% market share in food service. 

The client has one major competitor in beverage, but no major competitor in their food’s portfolio.  The beverage portfolio consists of sodas, waters, juices, teas, health drinks, and new specialty bottled drinks—no alcoholic beverages. The food portfolio consists primarily of snack foods. 

The client’s main competitor is a major beverage company—but they don’t have any sort of food portfolio.

They hired us to help them grow that food service business.  How would you structure your approach?

Review the Case Study Overview before proceeding for extra tips and interview help.

BCG Case Study Overview

Your client is a large CPG client specializing in food and beverages who would like to grow its food service business to gain an advantage over their main competitor. You have been brought in to provide the client with practical, strategically sound ways to achieve their goal. In this case study, it’s up to you to examine the market and develop a plan to grow their piece of the pie.

You can use the Market Study Framework to solve this case, but we wouldn’t stop there. Blending your own business acumen with the framework to come up with a custom structure will make you a highly sought after candidate. This is one of many case study overviews in our library that will give you a deep dive into the world of market share to prepare for your upcoming interview.

This case study has a qualitative difficulty score of 3 out of 4 and no math exhibits. This an advanced case interview you might be given in a second round BCG interview.

BCG Interview Tips

BCG is looking for candidates who have a  structured approach and concise communication skills.

As you prepare, make sure you create a structure that is crystal-clear, and are ready to verbalize each part of your process.

In this BCG case study, focus on these 3 things:

• Finding 1 key area you would like to improve
• Timing yourself as you run through the case: 2min for structure, 5min for math, 2min for brainstorming, and 2min for a conclusion
• Concise communication and overall polish

Book an hour of out-loud practice with an ex-MBB coach.