FMCG SMART NOTE TEMPLATE (Decision-Grade)

 1. Core Insight (One sentence only)

Claim:
(Write one clear, testable business insight.)

Example:

Eggless mayonnaise delivers structurally higher margins than egg-based variants in India.

2. Commercial Relevance (Why this matters)

Answer at least one:

  • Margin impact

  • Capital efficiency

  • Scalability

  • Risk reduction

  • Competitive advantage

Example:

Lower cold-chain dependence and longer shelf life improve working capital and reduce distribution risk.

3. Evidence / Basis

Keep this factual and short.

  • Source (report / interview / plant visit / calculation)

  • Year

  • Assumptions (if any)

Example:

  • Trade interviews (Delhi, Mumbai) – 2024

  • Oil cost as % of COGS: ~60%

  • Shelf life: 6–9 months vs 3–4 months (egg)

4. Cost Structure Impact

Tick what is affected and add numbers if known:

  • ☐ Raw material

  • ☐ Packaging

  • ☐ Utilities

  • ☐ Labour

  • ☐ Logistics

  • ☐ Working capital

Example:

Reduced refrigeration lowers logistics cost by ~₹X/kg and inventory holding by ~Y days.

5. Capex / Operations Implication

State what changes operationally.

  • New equipment needed?

  • Complexity increase/decrease?

  • Minimum viable scale?

Example:

No egg-breaking or pasteurisation line required; emulsification line sufficient → lower entry capex.

6. Channel & GTM Implication

Specify impact by channel:

  • Retail:

  • HORECA:

  • Private label:

  • Export:

Example:

HORECA prefers price; retail prefers shelf life and “eggless” positioning in India.

7. Risks & Constraints

List real downsides, not generic ones.

  • Regulatory

  • Supply volatility

  • Consumer perception

  • Margin ceiling

Example:

Oil price volatility caps margin upside despite operational savings.

8. Linked Notes (Critical)

Link to at least 2–3 related notes:

  • [[Edible oil price volatility]]

  • [[HORECA pricing pressure]]

  • [[Cold-chain dependency in condiments]]

This is mandatory.

9. Decision Signal

Force a directional conclusion:

  • 🟢 Positive

  • 🟡 Conditional

  • 🔴 Negative

Example:

🟢 Positive for HORECA-led entry; 🟡 for premium retail without branding support.

10. Reusability Check (Optional but powerful)

Answer one:

  • Where else does this insight apply?

Example:

Also applicable to salad dressings and sandwich spreads.

One-Line Rule

If this note cannot directly influence an investment, product, or capex decision, rewrite it.

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