FMCG Glossary

What is Weighted Distribution?

Definition

Weighted distribution (WD) measures the percentage of total category volume sold in stores that stock your product. Unlike numeric distribution (which simply counts what percentage of stores stock a product), weighted distribution accounts for the size of each store, giving more weight to high-volume outlets.

Examples of Weighted Distribution in FMCG

  • A product stocked in Tesco's 1,000 stores may achieve 40% weighted distribution if Tesco represents 40% of category sales
  • A challenger brand with 75% numeric distribution but only 55% weighted distribution — under-penetrating large stores
  • An NPD achieving 88% weighted distribution within 6 months of launch

Weighted Distribution in the FMCG Industry

Weighted distribution is one of the most important brand and sales KPIs in FMCG. Low weighted distribution is often the primary driver of brand growth under-delivery. Increasing weighted distribution — through sales force effort, shopper insight, and retailer relationships — is a core NAM and category management objective.

Why Weighted Distribution Matters for Your FMCG Career

Demonstrating distribution improvements on a CV is highly valued. Statements like 'grew weighted distribution from 68% to 87% within 12 months' are concrete commercial achievements that directly link to business growth.

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