A stronger focus on consumer categories is the name of the game for ACCO Brands.

 

Illinois-based ACCO Brands, parent company of ACCO Brands Australia, has highlighted some significant changes to its operating model in a mid-year investor presentation held last month.

 

The company also outlined the impact of the pandemic on its global business.

 

The acquisition last year of US-based gaming and technology firm Power A, which has sales of more than US$200 million, represents a new strategic focus on consumer-based brands and categories.

 

Computer and gaming accessories are now the company’s largest and fastest growing categories.

 

Other categories showing above average growth include wellness (air purifiers) and writing and drawing (art and craft).

 

ACCO Brands stated that 75% of its sales were accounted for by brands that were first or second in their respective categories.

 

COVID-19 impact

 

Since the start of the pandemic ACCO Brands has seen demand influenced by government-mandated closures, work-from-home, remote schooling, high unemployment and low business confidence.

 

Corporate products have been most affected while the least affected products have been consumer-centric and WFH.

 

Online, technology and mass channels have been the least affected while commercial channels have been the most-affected.

 

International sales

 

ACCO Brands’ international sales have been significantly affected by the pandemic, particularly in the larger markets of Mexico and Brazil.

 

Australia, which with New Zealand accounts for around eight per cent of the company’s sales, and Asia, showed “considerable improvement” according to the company.