What Is an Example of a Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG)?
You’ve definitely bought a CPG product today. Probably more than one. Grabbed a bottle of shampoo at Woolies? Tossed a block of Cadbury in the trolley? Brushed your teeth with Colgate this morning?
That’s CPG in action. These are fast-moving, everyday items you buy, use, and replace regularly. You don’t think much about them, but they’re everywhere.
Let’s break it all down and see why it matters.
What Are Consumer Packaged Goods?
Consumer Packaged Goods, or CPG, are products that are:
Pre-packaged
Sold in large volumes
Used frequently
Replaced often
They include items like food, drinks, cleaning products, and personal care essentials. These products usually sit on supermarket shelves, get picked up quickly, and are designed to sell fast.
They’re affordable, branded, and heavily influenced by packaging.
According to Investopedia, companies like Unilever, L’Oréal, and Procter & Gamble are global leaders in this space. In Australia, you’ll also find homegrown legends that thrive in this category. Brands like Carman’s, Bondi Sands, and Thankyou are great examples.
A Classic Aussie CPG Example
Let’s talk chocolate.
Cadbury Dairy Milk is a textbook CPG product. Here’s why:
It’s packaged in individual blocks
Sold at almost every major supermarket
Eaten quickly and bought again regularly
Heavily branded and easy to recognise
Priced for impulse and repeat purchases
You don’t need to overthink buying it. And that’s the point.
What Types of Products Fall Under CPG?
If it’s something you use up and buy again, it’s probably a CPG.
Think about:
Snack foods like biscuits, muesli bars, and chips
Bottled drinks, tea bags, and instant coffee
Shampoo, toothpaste, and hand wash
Dish soap, laundry liquid, and toilet paper
Vitamins, skincare, and over-the-counter medicines
These are the everyday items you stock at home and restock frequently.
Aussie Brands Winning at CPG
Australia has some standout brands that know exactly how to succeed in the CPG space.
Who Gives a Crap makes eco-friendly toilet paper that comes in quirky, brightly coloured wrappers. It’s fun, ethical, and available on subscription.
Bondi Sands has turned sunscreen into a lifestyle product. With sleek packaging and a beachy, aspirational vibe, it appeals to a young, sun-smart crowd.
Thankyou creates body care products with minimalist design and a powerful mission behind each purchase. People don’t just buy the product—they buy the purpose.
Carman’s markets its snacks and cereals as health-conscious, trustworthy, and down-to-earth. Their rustic, black packaging helps them stand out on shelves packed with bright colours.
These brands understand that success in CPG starts with packaging and brand personality, not just what’s inside the box.
Why Packaging Is Everything
In CPG, packaging does more than protect the product. It’s your first impression. It has to say everything without saying a word.
Your packaging needs to:
Stand out in a crowded aisle
Communicate your brand clearly
Create trust and familiarity
Help customers choose you again next time
Think of the deep purple Cadbury wrapper. One glance and you know exactly what you’re getting. That’s the kind of brand recognition strong packaging delivers.
CPG Is Moving Online, Fast
CPG used to be all about supermarket shelves. Now it’s moving online quickly.
Shopify reports that more shoppers are buying everyday products from ecommerce stores. Think vitamins, eco-friendly cleaners, and personal care kits.
Brands are using digital channels to:
Launch subscription options
Sell directly through their own websites
Run targeted ads on social media
Tell deeper brand stories through content
The CPG world is now just as much about clicks as it is about checkouts.
How CPG Is Different From FMCG
You’ve probably also heard of FMCG, or Fast-Moving Consumer Goods.
In Australia, CPG and FMCG are often used to mean the same thing. But technically, there’s a small difference.
FMCG focuses on how quickly products are sold. CPG focuses more on how the product is packaged and presented.
Your toothpaste? It’s both. Your carton of milk? Likely FMCG. Your vitamin tablets in a custom-branded jar? Definitely CPG.
What It’s Like Working in the CPG Industry
Jobs in CPG are fast-paced and all about understanding customer behaviour.
According to Indeed, common roles in this industry include:
Brand management
Product development
Packaging and design
Supply chain and logistics
Retail sales and strategy
If you’re the kind of person who loves trends, data, and figuring out why people buy what they buy, you’ll feel right at home here.
FAQs
What is an example of a CPG?
Cadbury Dairy Milk is a perfect example. It’s pre-packaged, affordable, used quickly, and regularly purchased again. Other common examples include Colgate toothpaste and Dove body wash.
What are considered CPG products?
CPG products are items people use regularly and replace often. These include snacks, personal care items, cleaning supplies, beverages, vitamins, and toiletries.
What is consumer packaging with an example?
Consumer packaging is how a product is wrapped, bottled, or boxed for sale. It protects the product and influences the buyer’s choice. For example, Cadbury’s purple chocolate wrapper is iconic and instantly recognisable.
Final Thoughts
Consumer Packaged Goods are all around us. They might seem simple, but they’re part of a smart, competitive world where packaging, branding, and positioning can make or break a product.
If you’re launching a new product in Australia, think about more than just what’s inside. Ask yourself:
Is it easy to use? Is the branding clear? Will customers remember and rebuy?
Because when it comes to CPG, the real secret isn’t just the product, it’s how you package the promise.
Book a discovery call or visit quirkdesign.au to start today.