Two key factors will dominate the consumer goods supply chain in 2016

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So, what will 2016 bring in trade terms? This article looks at consolidation in the retail and manufacturing businesses last year, and posits that 2016 will bring more of the same. As large companies look both to cut supply chain costs, as well as buy into – rather than develop – innovation, acquisitions look set to be on the cards again. There is also enthusiasm from companies in the growth-impoverished developed world to seek new plays in the emerging economies – but regional companies are likely to have the upper hand.