There are two main types of data providers for consumer-packaged goods and food retail: (1) product content data syndicators and (2) product attribute platforms.

Data Syndicators

Data syndicators are organizations or platforms that collect, aggregate, normalize, and distribute data from multiple sources to various end-users or systems. In the context of retail and e-commerce, data syndicators play a critical role in ensuring that product information across different platforms and channels is accurate, consistent, and up-to-date.

Syndigo, Salsify, Rivir (formerly IX-One) by The Data Council, and 1WorldSync are the most established data syndicators for consumer-packaged goods (CPG) and food retail.

Here’s a closer look at the role and importance of data syndicators in this sector:

Roles of Data Syndicators

1. Product Images: Data syndicators in CPG and food retail often start with capturing product images of every item using 360 degree cameras. From these images they collect product information.

2. Data Collection: Data syndicators gather information from various sources, including product images, manufacturers, retailers, and third-party data providers. This might include product descriptions, specifications, images, prices, and other relevant details.

3. Data Aggregation: They compile data from different sources into a unified database. This aggregation process involves sorting data, removing duplicates, and organizing information in a structured format.

4. Data Normalization: To ensure consistency, data syndicators standardize the format and presentation of the data. This includes unifying measurement units, categories, and terminologies so that the data is uniformly understood across different systems and platforms.

5. Data Enhancement: They often enhance the data by adding value through additional information or insights. This could include attributing products to specific categories, adding metadata, or improving the quality of product images.

6. Data Distribution: Data syndicators distribute the processed and enhanced data to various retailers, e-commerce platforms, and other stakeholders. This ensures that all parties have access to the same standardized and comprehensive set of data.

Product Attribute Platforms

In the CPG (Consumer Packaged Goods) and food retail industries, Product Attribute Platforms (PAPs) are crucial for managing the vast array of information related to products, particularly those aspects that influence consumer decisions and regulatory compliance. These platforms are tailored to handle the unique requirements of food products, including nutritional information, sourcing details, allergen warnings, and other health-related attributes.

Pinto (SPINS), Label Insight (Nielsen IQ), GreenChoice, Vestcom healthyAisles, Sifter Solutions, and HowGood are the most established product attribute platforms for consumer-packaged goods (CPG) and food retail.

Key Features of Product Attribute Platforms in CPG and Food Retail

1. Comprehensive Data Management: These platforms collect and organize extensive data on food products, such as ingredients, nutritional facts, country of origin, organic certifications, and expiration dates.

2. Regulatory Compliance: They help ensure that product labels comply with local and international food safety and labeling regulations, such as the FDA and USDA in the United States or the EFSA in Europe. This includes managing allergen labeling, nutritional information, and claims like "non-GMO" or "gluten-free."

3. Health and Wellness Tracking: PAPs in the food sector often include tools for analyzing and reporting on nutritional content, helping consumers make healthier choices based on detailed, scientifically backed data.

4. Sustainability Attributes: With a growing consumer focus on environmental impact, these platforms also track and report on sustainability attributes, such as carbon footprint, water usage, and ethical sourcing practices.

5. Personalization and Recommendations: By leveraging detailed attribute data, these platforms can drive personalized shopping experiences, recommending products based on consumer preferences, dietary restrictions, or even past purchasing behavior.

6. Integration Capabilities: They are designed to integrate seamlessly with other retail and product information management systems, including inventory management, PIMs, DAMs, e-commerce platforms, loyalty and personalization platforms, facilitating a unified approach to data handling.

7. Real-time Data Updates: Given the fast-paced nature of the food retail industry, these platforms often support real-time data updates to reflect changes in product formulations, availability, or regulatory requirements.