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New EY Consumer Products and Retail Executive Pulse reveals perception vs. reality gap for AI maturity

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52% of executives rate their company a 4 out of 5 in terms of artificial intelligence (AI) maturity (with 5 being considered “most mature”) yet an equal number note that the rapid introduction of new and emerging technology keeps them up at night.47% of leaders plan to increase investment in generative AI (GenAI) or AI machine learning (ML) in 2024 (up from 31% in 2023).Nearly half of consumer packaged goods (CPG) executives say supply chain and procurement transformation will create the most value in the coming year.

NEW YORK, July 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Ernst & Young LLP (EY US) today announced the release of its second Consumer Products and Retail Executive Pulse, which highlights the pressure that CPG and retail leaders are under to showcase AI proficiency, with a continued focus on technology modernization and innovation investment and identifying new levers for growth.

The Pulse, which surveyed over 250 US executives in the retail and CPG industries, found that 74% of leaders consider their companies to be AI mature (rating themselves a 4 or 5 out of 5). But the anxiety surrounding the pace of AI coupled with where companies are from an investment standpoint, may call that perspective into question. Fifty-two percent still note that the rapid introduction of new and emerging technology keeps them up at night. Plus, strategic investments are just now starting to ramp up as 47% of executives plan to increase investments in GenAI or ML in the next year, which is up from 31% from the Pulse at the end of 2023.

“AI’s incredible opportunity offers CPG and retail executives the ability to mine data, create new efficiencies and streamline operations in ways never before imagined, and at the same time drive new paths to growth and innovation. But AI and GenAI technologies are still emerging and although investment in this area can create differential value, progress can’t happen overnight,” said Rob Holston, EY Americas Consumer Products Sector Leader.

“We’re still seeing many brands and retailers in the use case testing phase, and they have to balance the pressure for progress with the reality of the journey to a responsible, strategic and long-term AI agenda,” continued Mark Chambers, EY Americas Retail Sector Leader.

The use cases for AI are compelling, with 41% of the retailers and brands navigating shrink challenges saying AI and enhanced predictive analytics are the most effective solution, more than any other prevention method. Further, one in three (33%) of executives are using AI to drive more personalization in the customer experience, improve decision support across forecasting and scenario planning and for customer service chatbots. But the opportunity to embed AI to accelerate the strategic agenda could be even bigger.

Additional findings from the Pulse include:

As profitability and margin pressures persist as the top source of anxiety (53%), leaders look to supply chains as a source of value.
Supply chain continues to take center stage, as leaders, especially at CPG companies, understand the value it will bring to their organizations. In fact, 47% of CPG leaders think supply chain transformation will create the most value at their organizations in the next six to 12 months, compared to only 27% of retail executives. At the same time, when asked the top three areas they plan to invest most, supply chain operations (21%) fall out of the running for CPG leaders, falling behind inventory loss (43%), talent (40%), technology (36%), D2C (34%) and more. While the supply chain can help drive and improve cost optimization in the short term, with 45% of CPG leaders saying they are trying to create a more efficient supply chain, it’s also important to think about the long-term, where supply chain can be leveraged as an integral growth driver. 

“Historically, the supply chain has been viewed as a lever to take cost out of the business for many CPG leaders,” says Holston. “But supply chain transformation represents a considerable growth opportunity as companies look to drive increased volumes, innovate and open new revenue streams.”

Cost optimization has been high on the retail and CPG agenda for years, but we’re seeing companies pivot from cost to growth.
Investing more in revenue growth opportunities bubbles to the top of CPG company (57%) and retailers (43%) approaches to responding to the current economic environment. In fact, 66% of CPG and retail leaders plan to make significant investments in alternative revenue streams in the next two to three years.

You can’t talk AI without talking data.
Leaders are doubling down on data to drive profit and create customer loyalty. Forty-two percent of executives believe the shift to online shopping has impacted their business strategy by adding more rigor and investment in consumer data. However, when it comes to data, security must remain top of mind, with 25% of leaders increasing investments in cybersecurity and 31% agreeing that data security matters most for consumer experience in 2024.

“Retailers understand the immense value and potential of consumer data to drive customer lifetime value. However, an ongoing paradox remains. Consumers are still hesitant, in some cases, when it comes to the safety of data sharing,” says Chambers. “With data powering everything from inventory and merchandising to store and e-commerce experiences as well as the technology and AI applications that enable them, the companies coming out ahead are those that are able to capitalize on data without risking consumer trust.”

For more information, visit ey.com/en_us/consumer-products-retail.

Survey methodology

Ernst & Young LLP commissioned Atomik Research to conduct an online survey of 254 executives from Fortune 1000+ CPG and Retail companies throughout the United States. The sample consists of executives within the consumer-packaged goods and retail industries who hold a title of vice president or higher at their organization.

Fieldwork took place between May 10 and June 3, 2024. The margin of error is +/- 6 percentage points with a confidence level of 95 percent.

About EY

EY exists to build a better working world, helping to create long-term value for clients, people and society and build trust in the capital markets.

Enabled by data and technology, diverse EY teams in over 150 countries provide trust through assurance and help clients grow, transform and operate.

Working across assurance, consulting, law, strategy, tax and transactions, EY teams ask better questions to find new answers for the complex issues facing our world today.

EY refers to the global organization, and may refer to one or more of the member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients. Information about how EY collects and uses personal data and a description of the rights individuals have under data protection legislation are available via ey.com/privacy. EY member firms do not practice law where prohibited by local laws. For more information about our organization, please visit ey.com.

Ernst & Young LLP is a client-serving member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited operating in the US.

Media contact:
Julia Menefee, EY
julia.peters@ey.com 

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CHIME and ScaleHealth Announce Joint Venture to Expand Healthcare’s Innovation Ecosystem

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ScaleHealth, powered by CHIME, creates new pathways connecting healthcare leaders, innovators, technology partners, and investors to accelerate the future of digital health.

ANN ARBOR, Mich., Oct. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHIME) today announced a strategic joint venture with ScaleHealth, Inc. to create ScaleHealth, powered by CHIME, LLC, a new innovation ecosystem designed to connect healthcare’s most pressing challenges with the innovators, leaders, organizations, and partners capable of solving them. By combining CHIME’s trusted digital health community with ScaleHealth’s expansive innovation ecosystem, the venture creates a unique environment where healthcare organizations, entrepreneurs, established technology companies, and investors can discover, connect, validate, and advance the ideas shaping the future of healthcare.

For 35 years, CHIME has evolved alongside the digital health leaders it serves. What began as a community centered on healthcare CIOs has grown into a global network of digital health leaders supported through education, events, research, policy initiatives, media platforms, executive collaboration, and professional communities. The creation of ScaleHealth, powered by CHIME represents the next chapter in that evolution, expanding CHIME’s ecosystem to include the innovators, entrepreneurs, and emerging technology companies helping define what comes next in healthcare.

As healthcare organizations face increasing pressure to improve outcomes, strengthen operations, address workforce challenges, improve cybersecurity, and realize the promise of emerging technologies including artificial intelligence, the need for stronger connections across the innovation ecosystem has never been greater. ScaleHealth, powered by CHIME was created to help build those connections.

“CHIME has spent 35 years bringing together the leaders responsible for solving healthcare’s most important technology and transformation challenges,” said Russ Branzell, President and CEO of CHIME. “As the pace of innovation continues to accelerate, we have an opportunity to expand that trusted community even further. ScaleHealth, powered by CHIME, extends our ecosystem to include entrepreneurs, innovators, investors, and emerging technology companies so that healthcare leaders can engage earlier, collaborate more effectively, and help shape the innovations that will define the future of healthcare.”

The opportunity emerged through CHIME’s growing innovation programming, particularly its Innovation Summit series, where healthcare leaders and technology companies increasingly expressed a desire to engage more directly with innovators and entrepreneurial organizations. At the same time, startups and growth-stage companies were seeking trusted pathways into healthcare and stronger connections to leaders who understand the industry’s real-world operational challenges.

“Healthcare has no shortage of innovation. The challenge is creating trusted pathways that connect innovators with the healthcare leaders who understand the industry’s most urgent problems,” said Taylor McPartland, CEO of ScaleHealth and leader of the new venture. “By combining ScaleHealth’s innovation ecosystem with CHIME’s trusted community of digital health leaders, we’re creating an environment where meaningful connections can lead to validation, partnership, and real-world impact. This is about bringing together everyone who has a role to play in the future of healthcare innovation and helping them move great ideas forward.”

Unlike traditional accelerators, startup showcases, or innovation marketplaces, ScaleHealth, powered by CHIME is designed as a trusted innovation ecosystem. Healthcare organizations bring forward meaningful challenges. Innovators and startups contribute cutting-edge ideas and technologies. Established technology organizations bring expertise, infrastructure, and scale. Investors provide capital and growth pathways. Together, these stakeholders create an environment where innovation can move from discovery and connection to validation, partnership, and measurable impact.

“Throughout its history, CHIME has grown by bringing the right people together around the challenges that matter most,” said Tressa Springmann, Senior Vice President and Chief Information and Digital Officer at LifeBridge Health and Chair of the CHIME Foundation Board of Directors. “Today, innovation is essential to every aspect of healthcare transformation. ScaleHealth, powered by CHIME extends that trusted community into a broader innovation ecosystem, creating new opportunities for healthcare leaders, entrepreneurs, technology partners, and investors to collaborate, learn from one another, and accelerate meaningful progress across healthcare.”

The venture reflects CHIME’s belief that the next era of digital health will be co-created by healthcare leaders, technology partners, entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators working together to solve the challenges that matter most. By creating a trusted environment for discovery, collaboration, validation, and advancement, ScaleHealth, powered by CHIME aims to become the connective layer between healthcare’s needs and the innovation being built to address them.

Read the full release here.

About CHIME
The College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHIME) is the leading professional organization for digital health executives and leaders. CHIME provides a trusted, collaborative environment where members and partners connect, share best practices, advance professional development, and advocate for the effective use of information and technology to improve health and care in the communities they serve. For more information, please visit chimecentral.org.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Contact

Calli Dretke
Executive Vice President & Chief Digital and Marketing Officer
CHIME                                                                                                           
734.412.6255
cdretke@dhinsights.org

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SOURCE College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHIME)

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In HelloNation, Prenatal Imaging Expert Erika Lambright Explains Ultrasound Differences Between 2D, 3D, And 4D Imaging

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The article outlines how each type of pregnancy ultrasound supports fetal development and family understanding.

DENISON, Texas, Oct. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — What is the difference between 2D, 3D, and 4D ultrasound imaging during pregnancy? HelloNation has published an article that clearly explains the differences between ultrasound and other prenatal imaging modalities and how each supports fetal development.

The HelloNation article explains that a 2d ultrasound is the most common form of prenatal imaging used during routine pregnancy ultrasound appointments. It produces flat, black-and-white images that allow medical providers to assess fetal development, monitor growth, and evaluate vital structures. The article notes that 2D ultrasound plays a central role in identifying potential concerns early and remains the foundation of prenatal diagnostic imaging.

According to the article, a 3d ultrasound builds on the same technology but creates a more detailed still image with depth. This form of prenatal imaging allows families to see clearer views of the baby’s face, hands, and feet. While 3d ultrasound can support certain medical evaluations, the article describes its primary value as helping parents better visualize fetal development in a more lifelike way.

The article further describes how a 4D ultrasound adds motion to the 3d ultrasound image. This allows families to view real-time video of the baby moving, stretching, or making facial expressions. The article explains that this type of pregnancy ultrasound creates a more engaging experience and helps strengthen the emotional connection, while still using the same safe, noninvasive prenatal imaging technology.

The HelloNation article emphasizes that understanding ultrasound differences helps families set clear expectations before imaging sessions. Each type of pregnancy ultrasound serves a distinct purpose. 2D ultrasound focuses on medical accuracy and fetal development monitoring, while 3D and 4D ultrasound provide enhanced visualization and connection. The article highlights that medical professionals typically rely on 2D ultrasound for diagnostic purposes, while 3D and 4D ultrasound are often optional.

The article also notes that several factors can affect the quality of prenatal imaging results. Baby position, gestational age, and fluid levels all play a role in how clearly images appear, especially during 3D and 4D ultrasound sessions. The article explains that providers often guide families on the best timing for ultrasound visits during pregnancy to improve image clarity and achieve better results.

Prenatal Imaging Experts emphasize through the article that learning about ultrasound differences can reduce uncertainty and help families feel more prepared. By understanding how each type of prenatal imaging contributes to monitoring fetal development, expectant parents can approach each pregnancy ultrasound appointment with clearer expectations.

The article concludes that while 2D ultrasound remains essential for medical care, the added perspectives of 3D and 4D ultrasound offer families a broader, more personal understanding of fetal development. Together, these forms of prenatal imaging provide both clinical insight and meaningful connection throughout pregnancy.

What Is the Difference Between 2D, 3D, and 4D Ultrasounds Explained Simply features insights from Erika Lambright, Prenatal Imaging Experts of Denison, Texas, in HelloNation.

About HelloNation
HelloNation is America’s Good News Network, a premier media platform built on the idea that good news travels faster when real people tell real stories. Through its community-focused digital publications and innovative “edvertising” approach, HelloNation delivers expert-driven, good-news content that informs, inspires, and spotlights the leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities. HelloNation maintains partnerships with the U.S. Conference of Mayors and the United States First Responders Association.

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Grünenthal presents Phase III results for Qutenza® in post-surgical neuropathic pain at IASP 2026 World Congress on Pain

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Late-breaking data from the Phase III RISE trial further strengthen the well-established efficacy and safety profile of Qutenza®. Post-surgical neuropathic pain is a debilitating complication of surgery affecting millions of patients every year.1 

AACHEN, Germany, Oct. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Grünenthal, a global leader in pain management and research, today announced new data from the Phase III RISE trial (NCT04967664), evaluating Qutenza® versus control in people with post-surgical neuropathic pain. These data were shared today as late-breaking poster presentations at the 2026 International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) World Congress on Pain in Bangkok, Thailand.

The trial (n=409) showed that Qutenza® achieved a statistically significantly greater reduction in average pain intensity (API) than the control treatment over weeks 2-12, meeting one of its pre-specified primary endpoints. When evaluating API at week 12 specifically, at the point when patients would typically return for retreatment, the numerical difference favoured Qutenza® but did not reach statistical significance. In the extension phase of the trial, in which up to 4 retreatments were allowed, Qutenza® achieved a statistically significantly greater reduction in API than the control treatment over weeks 2-42. Safety findings were consistent with previous Qutenza® trials and no new safety signals were observed. These data support the well-established efficacy and safety profile of Qutenza®.2,3

“Post-surgical neuropathic pain can be difficult to manage with current treatment options, and there is an urgent need for patient-centred, effective solutions. The RISE trial provides encouraging evidence that Qutenza® can deliver clinically meaningful and sustained pain reduction for up to 42 weeks, having shown a greater reduction in average pain intensity than the control,” said Prof. Patrice Forget, MD, PhD, FFPMRCA, Clinical Chair (full professor) in Anaesthesia, University of Aberdeen, and Honorary Consultant, NHS Grampian, Aberdeen, UK. “As IASP shines a global spotlight on neuropathic pain at this year’s congress, findings such as these are important to help improve outcomes for patients and reduce the burden of pain on families and healthcare systems.”

“Post-surgical neuropathic pain has been relatively understudied and continues to go under-recognised in clinical practice,” said Uli Brödl, Chief Scientific Officer, Grünenthal. “These results build on the robust body of evidence for Qutenza® and reinforce its potential to provide meaningful, long-lasting pain relief for people living with pain.”

Post-surgical neuropathic pain is a poorly recognised potential complication of surgery that can result in devastating outcomes. It affects millions of patients every year, with pain lasting for months or years post-procedure.1 It can also have a significant mental health impact, with patients reporting feeling extremely depressed or anxious, and having problems with daily activities.4

Qutenza® is already approved in Europe for the treatment of peripheral neuropathic pain in adults, either alone or in combination with other medicinal products for the treatment of pain.5 It is also approved in the US for the treatment of neuropathic pain associated with postherpetic neuralgia and for the treatment of neuropathic pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) of the feet in adults.6

About the RISE trial2,3
The RISE (AV-001) trial is a Phase III multi-centre, randomised, double-blind, parallel-group trial to confirm the efficacy and safety of Qutenza 179mg cutaneous patch versus a low-dose capsaicin control patch in people with moderate to severe post-surgical neuropathic pain.

It included eligible adults with a 24-hour average pain intensity (API) score of 4 or more, a pain duration of 6 to 60 months after index surgery and a DN4 (Douleur Neuropathique 4) Interview score of 3 or more.

Participants were randomly assigned to receive treatment with either a 60-minute Qutenza patch (8%) or a low-dose capsaicin control patch (0.04%).

The trial had two primary endpoints:

Change in 24-hour API from baseline to the average score of the entire period between Week 2 and Week 12.Change in 24-hour API from baseline to the average score at Week 12.

The primary sponsor of the trial is Averitas Pharma, Inc., Grünenthal’s U.S. subsidiary.

About post-surgical neuropathic pain
Post-surgical neuropathic pain (PSNP) is defined as chronic pain with neuropathic characteristics that develops or increases after surgery and persists beyond the normal healing process. It is thought to arise, at least in part, from nerve injury and pain sensitisation associated with surgery.7

The signs and symptoms of peri- and post-surgical pain can vary based on the person and the severity of the injury caused in surgery. Reported symptoms include pain caused by stimuli that are normally painless (allodynia), abnormally increased sensitivity to pain (hyperalgesia), tingling, numbness, phantom pain and scar pain.8,9,10 

About Qutenza®
In Europe, Qutenza® (capsaicin) is indicated for the treatment of peripheral neuropathic pain in adults, either alone or in combination with other medicinal products for the treatment of pain.5

Qutenza® (capsaicin) 8% topical system is approved in the US for the treatment of neuropathic pain associated with postherpetic neuralgia and for the treatment of neuropathic pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) of the feet in adults. Important US safety information is available at www.qutenza.com.6

Qutenza® is a topical TRPV1 agonist, designed to provide neuropathic pain relief for up to three months through defunctionalisation of nociceptors and nerve fibre regeneration.

About Grünenthal
Grünenthal is a global leader in pain management and related diseases. As a science-based, fully integrated pharmaceutical company, we have a long track record of bringing innovative treatments and state-of-the-art technologies to patients worldwide. Our purpose is to change lives for the better – and innovation is our passion. We focus all our activities and efforts on working towards our vision of a World Free of Pain.

Grünenthal is headquartered in Aachen, Germany, and has affiliates in 28 countries across Europe, Latin America, and the U.S. Our products are available in approx. 100 countries. In 2025, Grünenthal employed around 4,100 people and achieved revenues of €1.8 billion.

More information: www.grunenthal.com

Follow us on LinkedIn & Instagram

For further information, please contact:

Matt Crabb, Head of Global Communications (Interim) at Grünenthal

matt.crabb@grunenthal.com 

References

1 Gregory P & Settles K. Pract Pain Manag. 2013;13(9):1–6.
2 Wallace M et al. Efficacy of high-concentration capsaicin patch in post-surgical neuropathic pain (RISE). Presented at the International Association for the Study of Pain World Congress 2026.
3 Wallace M et al. Safety and tolerability of high-concentration capsaicin patch in post-surgical neuropathic pain (RISE). Presented at the International Association for the Study of Pain World Congress 2026.
4 Santos MP, Lemos F, Gomes J, Romao JM, Veiga D. Br J Pain 2024;18(1):42–56.
5 European Medicines Agency. Qutenza 179 mg cutaneous patch SmPC. Available at: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/573/smpc
6 US Food and Drug Administration. Qutenza® Prescribing Information. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2020/022395s019lbl.pdf
7 Correl D. F1000Res. 2017;6:1054.
8 Werner MU & Kongsgaard UE. Br J Anaesth. 2014;113(1):1–4.
9 Macrae WA. Br J Anaesth. 2008;101:77–86.
10 Searle RD & Simpson KH. Contin Educ Anaesth Crit Care Pain. 2010;10:12–14.

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SOURCE Grünenthal Group

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