How Leading CPG Companies Understand Their Economic Footprint 

Understanding the broader economic role of a business is becoming increasingly important for companies in the consumer goods and services sector. Decisions around new product launches, facility expansions and supply chain investments ripple far beyond the balance sheet—shaping communities, supporting suppliers and strengthening regional economies. Clearly articulating this economic contribution allows companies to tell a more complete and compelling story about their impact. 

But the story extends well beyond the headline numbers. McDonald’s impact is not limited to its restaurants—it includes its people, its suppliers, the farmers and ranchers that support its supply chain and the communities it serves through charitable and local initiatives. Together, these elements create an economic value story that reflects the social fabric connecting company, community, and individuals. This type of storytelling plays a critical role in external communications and brand perception.

Turning Data into Insight 

Moving from raw data to meaningful insight requires rigorous analysis, real-world context, and a clear messaging objective. By examining the full scope of operations—from direct employment to supplier activity—companies can better understand how their decisions translate into tangible economic outcomes. 

This approach goes beyond reporting figures. It helps organizations identify patterns, uncover opportunities, and guide strategic decisions. For example, economic impact analysis can reveal: 

• How regional investments influence local job creation and income 

• Where supply chain initiatives generate the greatest economic value 

• The broader ripple effects of community programs or infrastructure investments 

Why It Matters 

Many companies measure their impact solely through their own operations: “Company X employs 500 people in Jefferson County.” While accurate, this view is incomplete. It does not account for supply chain activity, the jobs supported by suppliers or the economic activity generated when employees spend their wages locally. 

Economic impact modeling provides the broader framework needed to capture these ripple effects. For executives and public affairs teams, this perspective clarifies a company’s true role within local and regional economies and creates a data-driven foundation for conversations with community stakeholders, internal leadership, and government agencies. 

It also strengthens narrative development. Company X can move beyond being described as a “large employer” in Jefferson County to one that supports 5,000 jobs, nearly $400 million in employee earnings, $1 billion in GDP and 2% of the county’s tax base. Leaders can then place these outcomes alongside community development initiatives, employee volunteer hours, career training programs, and local scholarships—creating a richer, more integrated economic and social impact story. 

Repeated over time, this analysis allows companies to track how their footprint evolves and how operational decisions translate into measurable community outcomes and long-term business value. 

By combining deep sector expertise with rigorous economic analysis, Oxford Economics helps companies understand the full story of their economic footprint—transforming complex data into insight that informs strategy, engagement, and impact. 

Telling the Full Story 

Understanding economic impact is ultimately about clarity and credibility. When conducted consistently, impact analysis allows companies to track how their footprint evolves over time and connect operational decisions to measurable community outcomes. 

By combining rigorous economic analysis with deep sector expertise, Oxford Economics helps companies translate complex data into insight—supporting strategic decisions, stakeholder engagement, and a clear articulation of their economic footprint.