Transforming Consumer Industries in the Age of AI 2025

Relative confidence in decision-making FIGURE 4 The silver lining is that consumers continue to consume – albeit in new ways enabled by technology. For instance, more than half of consumers (51%) are open to using conversational AI solutions (e.g. AI assistants) to simplify their purchasing decisions.6 Retailers are seeing a shift from product-based to need-based searches driven by AI, highlighting a growing trend of consumers seeking AI-driven solutions to streamline their shopping experiences. Companies that can cut through the noise with compelling, trustworthy and personalized AI- powered solutions will be better positioned to secure a share of consumers’ attention and spending than others. The ability to do so will also help them continue to grow, even amid rapidly evolving trends.Gen Z and Millennials demonstrate the strongest interest in AI-led assistants, with interest levels at 60% and 58%, respectively, and their interest reflects a broader trend among younger generations.7 These individuals increasingly seek involvement and experience alongside greater convenience and reduced stress. Raised in an era of constant connectivity, they expect brand engagement to reflect their values while providing seamless and intuitive digital interactions. Furthermore, the convergence of Gen Z and Gen Alpha (born 2010-2024) is creating what Gartner has called a “trillion-dollar merger” that will profoundly influence spending patterns. Gen Alpha is growing up in a world where genAI assistants will be the norm. Their expectations will pave the way for what Gartner calls “machine customers”, through which AI makes decisions autonomously on a consumer’s behalf.8 As consumer needs evolve, so does the need to meet them more effectively with technology. To support AI- and genAI-driven growth and transformation in the consumer industries, this white paper presents practical “adoption-in-action” use cases from community interviews and workshops. It also explores strategic frameworks that will drive the complete transformation of enterprises as AI technologies continue to advance. Additionally, the paper highlights the challenges of developing and supporting the necessary components to scale AI use, such as leadership and talent readiness, robust digital infrastructure and responsible AI practices. For example, with genAI expected to transform 40-60% of all working hours across consumer industries, responsibility for employee welfare weighs heavily as companies find that they can do more with less.9 Executives must also keep the greater community and societal implications of these advances top of mind, working to ensure that the people they may no longer need in any given function are well-equipped to shift to other positions and be competitive in the greater marketplace.10 Finally, the paper explores the significant potential of and need for collective action in shaping the future. It emphasizes the need to mobilize AI to address global challenges such as sustainability (particularly Scope 3 emissions), facilitate cross-industry data sharing, cultivate industry self-governance to build trust and support the workforce through the transition to an AI-enabled future of work.Cleaning productsBeauty productsOver-the-counter remediesFurniture and home furnishingsConsumer electronicsHousehold appliancesClothes Groceries12 9 2 2 892851Categories consumers feel least confident with Categories consumers feel most confident with Source: Accenture Consumer Pulse Research 2024; Question: Thinking about how you make purchase decisions, which category in this selection do you feel most confident in making the right choice for you and which do you feel least confident in making the right choice? (n = 19,050). Gen Z and Millennials demonstrate the strongest interest in AI-led assistants, with interest levels at 60% and 58%, respectively. Strategic insights and actionable frameworks for AI transformation of consumer industries Transforming Consumer Industries in the Age of AI 9