Report Uncovers Gaps Between Consumer Perceptions and Company Priorities on Tariffs, Sustainability and AI

Infios, a global leader in intelligent supply chain execution, today released a new industry report revealing a significant opportunity for companies to strengthen consumer relationships through strategic realignment. The State of Supply Chain: Truth or Trend? report found that while leaders are making bold investments in technology, better alignment between capabilities and consumer expectations could unlock unprecedented loyalty and competitive advantage.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251201434952/en/

The value misread: What really drives loyalty, Infios's State of Supply Chain Report

"Our research highlights a clear path forward for supply chain leaders," said Richard Stewart, EVP of Industry & Product Strategy at Infios. "Companies that bridge the divide between operational performance and what consumers truly value will differentiate themselves in the market. This isn't just a challenge, it's a blueprint for building lasting customer relationships and driving growth."

The Infios report concludes that recognizing the disparities between executive and consumer priorities establishes a clear path for improved outcomes. While leaders currently focus on loyalty (88%), speed (66%), transparency (44%) and low cost (38%), consumers themselves prioritize quality (58%) as their #1 loyalty factor with 29% willing to switch brands if quality drops. The study suggests that companies that reframe their investments to better reflect what consumers truly value, will be best positioned to strengthen loyalty and expand market share.

The State of Supply Chain: Truth or Trend? report identifies key opportunity areas:

• TARIFFS: 78% of consumers expect tariffs to affect them personally, yet 90% of supply chain leaders say tariffs won’t hit consumers’ wallets. Leaders who proactively communicate how they're navigating trade changes can build trust and demonstrate responsiveness, turning a potential concern into a competitive advantage.
• AI & TECHNOLOGY: Leaders are already investing strategically in AI to transform supply chains, with opportunities in optimization, accuracy and productivity. The next frontier lies in ensuring these AI investments deliver visible benefits that resonate with consumers—particularly in product quality, transparency and personalized experiences.
• SUSTAINABILITY: While 32% of leaders currently prioritize sustainability, the report shows that consumer brand loyalty is not driven singularly by sustainability practices. To drive brand value, companies need to authentically integrate sustainability into their customer value propositions—through transparent sourcing, lower environmental impact and ethical practices—to drive loyalty gains with today's purpose-led consumers.

"The opportunity here is tremendous," Infios's Stewart added. "Our research shows companies are investing in the right capabilities. Leaders who take the next step—listening to what consumers actually care about and delivering on those priorities—will build deeper trust and create sustainable competitive advantages. The roadmap is clear; now it's about intelligent execution."

To learn more about how your company can seize the opportunities revealed in today's supply chain landscape, download The State of Supply Chain: Truth or Trend? report here.

About Infios

Infios is a global leader in intelligent supply chain execution, relentlessly making supply chains better - every single day. With a portfolio of adaptable solutions, we empower businesses of all sizes to simplify operations, optimize efficiency, and drive measurable impact. Infios serves more than 5,000 customers across 70 countries, delivering adaptable and innovative technologies that evolve with changing business needs. Our deep expertise and commitment to purposeful innovation help businesses turn supply chains into a competitive advantage, building resilience and shaping a more sustainable future. Infios is a joint venture of international technology provider Körber and global investment firm KKR.

Learn more at Infios.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251201434952/en/