Consumer Trends Archives | Page 6 of 8

To fight inflation, UK consumers are choosing private label products

ConsumerGeniuses April 13, 2022

Due to increasing inflation rates, UK consumers are managing their budgets by buying own-label products instead of branded grocery products. According to the research carried out by NielsenIQ, the sales for branded grocery items went down by 5.1%, as compared to a 1.9% decrease in own-label items. At the broader level, the sales of own-label products excelled from 52.4% to 53.2% as compared to the last year’s statistics. While the sales of the private-label packaged grocery category grew by 3.3%, giving tough competition to branded products. Read more from ESMmagzine

Weekly Snapshot of Top Trends in CG Industry

ConsumerGeniuses April 11, 2022

This is the weekly snapshot of top trends from the Consumer Goods industry in the past week (4th April-8th April). We have covered different categories, including 1, DTC: The marketing budget for the majority of the companies accounts for a share attributed to the TikTok ads business, as Tiktok offers nine times more engagement than Facebook. 2, AI and Robotics: The ARC Advisory Group has presented its report, featuring 25 companies for their strategic use of AI and data, including Tesla, Intel, J&J, Procter & Gamble and Nestlé. 3, Sustainability: Coca-Cola has used TV commercials to sell sustainability this time. The famous scientist, Bill Nye, made of recycled plastic has appeared in the three-minute animated vignette to take viewers into the world of recycling. 4, Consumer Trends: The Organic Trade Association shared the report, revealing that claims like hormone-free, cruelty-free, and all-natural are more effectively influencing the purchasing patterns of consumers as compared to the USDA organic label. 5, Supply Chain: FedEx Express is testing a middle-mile autonomous drone in collaboration with Elroy Air to improve its efficiency, operational productivity, and safety.

USDA organic labels are not enough for consumers: They demand MORE claims

ConsumerGeniuses April 8, 2022

The Organic Trade Association shared the survey report carried out by Edelman Data, which revealed that claims like hormone-free, cruelty-free, and all-natural are more effectively influencing the purchasing patterns of consumers as compared to the USDA organic label. When 2,500 consumers were asked about organic food and their purchasing behaviour, they unfolded that they are significantly concerned about the ethical issues involved in the organic certification process. These issues range from the use of chemicals in farming to the rights of farmers and animals. Having said that, they disclosed that they do not prioritise buying products with organic labelling, rather they look forward to other sustainability indicators. Read more from Fooddive

Ethisphere’s list of global organisations 2022 committed to integrity and ethics

ConsumerGeniuses April 6, 2022

Ethisphere has been releasing the list of organisations that work and deliver based on high ethical standards and integrity. Ethisphere utilises a 200-point assessment model to list the organisations after evaluating them based on leadership, reputation, ethics, governance, and environmental impacts. Besides these umbrella categories, the institution evaluates the firms keeping in mind their corporate responsibilities, sustainable activities, and culture. Among the 136 organisations listed for their commitment to business integrity by Ethisphere are Kellog Co., PepsiCo, Grupo Bimbo SAB de CV, and ADM. In the food and beverage industry, Thailand-based C.P. Group, Italy-based Illy, and US-based Brown-Forman made it to the list. Read more from Foodbusinessnews

Weekly Snapshot of Top Trends in CG Industry

ConsumerGeniuses April 5, 2022

This is the weekly snapshot of top trends from the Consumer Goods industry in the past week (28th March-1st April). We have covered different categories, including 1, DTC: TalkShopLive, a live streaming platform, wants to drive food and drink shopping sessions led by the founders of DTC brands, allowing brands affiliated with retailers to operate a shoppable live feed and order fulfilment. 2, AI and Robotics: Mars’ Maria Velissariou revealed that the Skittles company utilises AI to ensure the right balance of colours in each packet, giving its consumers the taste of the rainbow and sorts skittles. 3, Sustainability: The statistics from the Plant-Based Food Association (PBFA), The Good Food Association (GFI), and SPINS revealed that US plant-based food retail sales have surged by 6.2%, hitting a market valuation of $7.4 billion. 4, Consumer Trends: General Mills reported growth in sales of 30% to $568 million in its pet food category so far in 2022 by leveraging the cost savings. 5, Supply Chain: As per the Ernst and Young (EY) report, the ASEAN region’s businesses should optimise their supply chains to drive growth and feature digital twinning into their systems.

Do you feel bad for throwing away expired products? Tech-food startups have got your back

ConsumerGeniuses April 4, 2022

The best before date transforms produce into food waste, and many tech startups are working to change the game. These startups not only help the online stores deal with perished vegetables but redesign the AI digital labelling system that drops the price range as soon as the product ages. Among the tech startups are 1, Apeel, a plant-based protective peel that keeps the product fresh for a longer time. 2, Shelf Engine, uses AI-driven models to predict the demand for perishable items. 3, Too Good To Go, an app allowing consumers to buy unsold products from the nearest shops and cafes at a discount. Read more from Trends

Despite inflation, consumers’ grocery baskets are full of fresh products

ConsumerGeniuses April 4, 2022

Despite higher inflation rates for fresh items, consumers’ grocery baskets are still full of fresh products, according to Symphony RetailAI. The data presented by Symphony RetailAI shows that the majority of price-sensitive shoppers have reduced their consumption of poultry, meat, and dairy products. As per the data, shoppers prioritise fresh items as they buy 43% of costly fresh products, 6% of frozen products, and 29% of shelf-stable products. The monthly purchase frequency unfolds that the fresh category leads others as shoppers buy 24.8% of fresh items as compared to 22.5% of ambient products. Read more from Progressivegrocer

General Mills’ pet business is achieving unicorn growth despite challenges

ConsumerGeniuses April 1, 2022

Despite supply chain challenges and cost inflations, General Mills reported growth in sales of 30% to $568 million in its pet food category so far in 2022 by leveraging the cost savings. According to the CG giant, the net sales rose up to 28% to $1.65 billion, while the organic sales increased up to 16%. This tremendous growth is the result of favourable net price mix and realisation along with strong volume growth. The company holds that the pet business accounts for 19.5% of the company’s net sales, representing the second-largest business sector of General Mills. Plus, the acquisition of Tyson Foods’ pet treat business earned General Mills a 21% growth in the sales of True Chews, Nudges, and Top Chews brands. Read more from Petfoodprocessing

An insight into how PepsiCo is committed to keeping a track of consumers’ preferences

ConsumerGeniuses April 1, 2022

PepsiCo is utilising technical solutions to address consumers’ demands and deliver the right products to the right consumers at the right time. The beverage giant has invested in omnichannel capabilities to establish a seamless omnichannel system, plus the brand has scaled up its DTC platforms by collaborating with brands like Gatorade and SodaStream. The brand aims to establish a positive value chain, aiming to go net-zero by 2040, reducing the use of virgin plastic by 50% by 2030, becoming net water positive by 2030, and investing $570 million in racial equality. The positive choices initiative focuses on delivering products that are better for consumers and the environment. Read more from Foodbusinessnews

Weekly snapshot of top trends in CG industry

ConsumerGeniuses March 28, 2022

This is the weekly snapshot of top trends from the Consumer Goods industry in the past week (21st March-25th March). We have covered different categories, including 1, DTC: Due to high digital marketing costs and prohibitive customer acquisition, DTC brands like Another Tomorrow, Warby Parker, and Allbirds are heading towards physical stores to establish a seamless omnichannel system. 2, AI and Robotics: Chipotle is pivoting a tortilla-making robot, Chippy, in its innovation hub in Irvine, Calif., optimised to make tortilla chips instead of flipping burgers or frying potatoes like Miso’s Flippy. 3, Sustainability: PepsiCo invested in the Saudi kingdom to increase its sustainability and inclusivity footprint by improving its waste management system and launching recycling projects comprising of positive value chain, positive agriculture, and positive choices. 4, Consumer Trends: Mac launched its new mascara, MACStack Mascara on 1st March 2022. The hashtag #MacStackMascara crossed 73.1 million views on TikTok, encouraging more and more people to buy the product. 5, Supply Chain: Nestlé has constructed a new factory in Serbia to produce Plant-Based Eat Solutions under Nestlé’s Garden Gourmet portfolio. The facility would export goods to the Netherlands, U.K, France, Italy, Spain, and Germany.

Mac’s MACStack Mascara is the hot topic on TikTok, grabbing the attention of influencers and buyers

ConsumerGeniuses March 25, 2022

Mac launched its new mascara, MACStack Mascara on 1st March 2022, which achieved unicorn status within no time. The hashtag #MacStackMascara crossed 73.1 million views on TikTok, encouraging more and more people to buy the product. The mascara comes in two variations: one is the classic version, and the other comes with a micro brush for shorter and harder-to-reach bottom lashes. The mascara works wonders on the lashes as it does not clump after a number of coats. Numerous TikTok stars, including Kelly Rose Sarno (624,000 followers), Mikayla Nogueira (11 million followers), Patrick Starrr (3 million followers), and others compared and reviewed the product, stating it one of the best of its kind. Read more from Glossy

Teeccino’s findings: Consumers are either curbing their coffee intake or looking for alternatives

ConsumerGeniuses March 25, 2022

Caffeine’s serious health side effects, including insomnia, acid reflux, and headaches, have driven consumers to curb caffeine intake or explore healthier alternatives. Many newbies have entered the space, like Mellow Rooster, Buzz Lite, and Mud\Wtr, but Teeccino, serving consumers for decades still leads others. Teeccino launched a key ingredient, Ramon seeds, that tastes like dark roasted coffee with chocolate flavours, for consumers not willing to completely eliminate coffee. The brand offers multiple flavours like creamy, spicy, fruity, and minty tastes for health-conscious consumers, along with roasted tea bags made from functional ingredients such as plant-based prebiotic concentrates and adaptogenic mushrooms. The brand aims to reduce stress, improve gut health, and boost immunity via its refreshing beverage line. Read more from Foodbusinessnews

Weekly snapshot of top trends in CG industry

ConsumerGeniuses March 21, 2022

This is the weekly snapshot of top trends from the Consumer Goods industry in the past week (14th March-18th March). We have covered different categories, including 1, DTC: The latest Report by CI&T revealed that among the 415 US individuals only 9% expected the same-day delivery, while the rest prioritised reliability over speedy delivery. 2, AI and Robotics: Food and beverage companies like Campbell Soup Co. and Coca-Cola Co. are pivoting NFTs to innovate their business strategies, raise awareness, engage with global customers and promote their brands. 3, Sustainability: PepsiCo pledged to reduce its single-use plastic packaging by 50% across its global beverage sector by 2030. It would craft its sustainability goals per system capabilities, consumer preferences, and market opportunities. 4, Consumer Trends: The 14th AGS study claims that 70% of UAE consumers research about pricing and product prior to visiting a nearby store. The retailers need to know their well-informed customers through personalisation, customisation, and data. 5, Supply Chain: Google has pledged to invest $2.5 billion in diverse suppliers in 2022 and the tech firm aims to branch out its supplier diversity program beyond America.

Instagram and Instagram Stories remained the top choice for brands for influencer-driven marketing

ConsumerGeniuses March 18, 2022

According to the report presented by CreatorIQ and Tribe Dynamics, 66% of brands have spent more on creator-driven marketing campaigns as compared to the last year. With transforming marketing styles, Instagram and Instagram Stories secured the top position among other social media apps for creator campaigns. TikTok has prompted retailers to find the right consumers via effective approaches and strategies. The report claims that 88% of influencers and 96% of brands promote their products via Instagram Stories, while 42% of influencers and 46% of brands utilise TikTok for the same purpose. Due to the constantly evolving influencer-driven marketing trends, brands and retailers are thinking of creative strategies to grasp the attention of the targeted audience. Read more from Socialmediatoday

Know your customer: A key to success for Middle East’s retailers

ConsumerGeniuses March 18, 2022

Pandemic has transformed consumers’ shopping behaviour as UAE’s Kearney Research reveals that consumers demand the touch and feel the experience of physical stores, combined with the convenience and ease of e-commerce. The 14th Annual Global Shopper Study claims that only two-thirds of consumers are returning to stores, while 70% of them research about pricing and product prior to visiting a nearby store. The true challenge for retailers lies in “knowing” their well-informed customers to improve the in-store shopping experience. Retailers should train their staff members to deal with smart customers who expect convenience, choice, access, and speed of online shopping from in-store retailers. Plus, retailers should strategically utilise personalisation, customisation, and data to provide the right product to the right customer at the right time. Read more from Gulfbusiness

Weekly snapshot of top trends in CG industry

ConsumerGeniuses March 14, 2022

This is the weekly snapshot of top trends from the Consumer Goods industry in the past week (07th March-11th March). We have covered different categories, including AI & Robotics, Sustainability, Consumer Trends, Direct to Consumer, and Digital Supply Chain.

Danone focuses on four areas to expand its sales and market presence

ConsumerGeniuses March 11, 2022

Danone has reshaped its organisational targets and now plans to focus on four core areas to expand its like-for-like sales up to 3% to 5%. These four pillars include strategic expansion of its segments, geographical presence, and channels along with investment in growth-driven opportunities and rotation of its portfolio. The firm plans to branch out in China by investing in plant-based companies. The firm is ambitious to generate financial results from the following major geographical zones, including the US, Middle East, Canada, China, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Southeast Asia, Latin America, CIS, Africa, and Turkey. Danone expects that 2023 and 2024 would be the years of significant growth and revenue. Read more from Foodbusinessnews

Weekly snapshot of top trends in CG industry

ConsumerGeniuses March 11, 2022

This is the weekly snapshot of top trends from the Consumer Goods industry in the past week (1st March-04th March). We have covered different categories, including AI & Robotics, Sustainability, Consumer Trends, Direct to Consumer, and Digital Supply Chain.

Unilever assured more responsible nutrition targets after strong urge from investors

ConsumerGeniuses March 11, 2022

As health is the top trend among consumers, investors have strongly encouraged the food giant, Unilever, to take a serious account of consumers’ health. Unilever, in return, has guaranteed to present its updated nutrition benchmarks for sweet products. U.K.’s regulations against high fat, salt, and sugar, and Europe’s Nutri-Score would review Unilever’s product public report among other 4 government official departments. Global markets including the UK, US, and China would be able to go through the assessment report annually, from October. Read more from Bnnbloomberg

America’s Accel is investing US$650 million funds in south-east Asian and Indian startups

ConsumerGeniuses March 7, 2022

Accel, an American-based capital venture firm, has decided to invest US$650 million funds in south-east Asian and Indian startups. The venture company has raised 7th and the highest funding series of its history, taking the funding commitments to US$2 billion. In the Asian region, Accel is particularly interested in Indian startups, including Flipkart, an e-commerce marketplace, and Freshworks, a software consultancy. Accel aims to boost and support e-commerce, consumer fintech, software as a service, digital health, and web 3.0 in south-east Asia. Accel’s investment portfolio involves Pluang (an Indonesian investment app), Xendit (a payment gateway), and Anxie Infinity (NFT video game). Read more from Businesstimes

Outdoor dining: health, safety, and an enlivening experience

ConsumerGeniuses March 4, 2022

Yelp, an online review site for restaurants, revealed that 18,000 restaurants in America have set up an outdoor dining facility for consumers since the pandemic. The data shows that now the total number of outdoor dining restaurants has reached 26,000, as compared to the 8,000 restaurants in 2020. In 2022, the search rate for outdoor restaurants has grown by 292% as consumers feel comfortable and refreshed in an outdoor space. The national restaurant association revealed that 90% of restaurants faced less customer demand for indoor dining due to the omicron variant. Read more from Restaurantdive

Racial Equality Journey REJ: PepsiCo took an initiative to empower the minorities of North America

ConsumerGeniuses February 25, 2022

PepsiCo has declared the establishment of a Multicultural Business and Equity Development Organisation that will manage operations across the brand’s North American food businesses to eliminate any sort of racial inequality and support minority groups. The creation of a new organization is a step towards advancement under pep+ PepsiCo positive’s Racial Equality Journey REJ, which aims to foster growth and equality among the masses. The firm is dedicated to invest $560 million in REJ over 5 years to accelerate the representation of versatile employees, strengthen scale, influence suppliers, and empower the marginalized group of North America. Read more from Esmmagazine

Alert for retailers: the majority of consumers are planning to shop from social media platforms

ConsumerGeniuses February 23, 2022

Sprout, a social media management software provider, presented its report after surveying 1000 US consumers, stating that the majority of consumers (98%) are planning to buy things from social media platforms this year. Although 60% of consumers have already shopped from social media platforms, the other 60% plan to buy from brands that are considerate of fair trade, ethical sourcing, and rights of workers. 32% of Gen Zers and 30% of millennials are ready to incorporate virtual and augmented reality into their shopping patterns. Gen Zers are more likely to use Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok for shopping, while Gen X and boomers prefer Facebook and Pinterest. Read more from Mediapost

US consumers are going to buy snacks from companies that respect their values

ConsumerGeniuses February 23, 2022

Mondelēz International presented a report after surveying 3,055 individuals regarding snack choices, which indicates that the majority of consumers are adding value to what they want to buy. 85% of consumers hold that they would prefer buying snacks from an organisation that tries to counterbalance its ecological impacts, while 87% are concerned with the rights of workers, producing food items. The statistics forecast that this sense of broader consciousness is probably going to extend in the future. Currently, 75% to 78% of consumers’ snack choices are influenced by low-waste packaging, animal welfare, environmental concerns, and fair labour practices. However, these concerns are more likely to affect 92% to 93% of consumers’ snack choices in the coming years. Read more from Fooddive

No retirement: Actors and government officials joined food tech advisory boards

ConsumerGeniuses February 21, 2022

Many Hollywood legends, including actors and former government officials, have joined companies to use their expertise. Leonardo DiCaprio is an environmental activist and a member of the Sustainability & Health Advisory Council SHAC headed by Perfect Day. DiCaprio also participated in the COP26 climate summit in Scotland and joined cell-based meat manufacturers Aleph Farms and Mosa Meat as an advisor and investor. Ashton Kutcher and Guy Oseary have invested in tech empowered companies, including Airbnb and Uber, the pair also collaborated with cultured meat company MeaTech 3D. Ann Veneman, former Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, also joined the board for tech companies as a member of Perfect Day’s SHAC. Former USDA Secretary, Dan Glickman, is a representative on the Good Meat Advisory Board. Read more from Fooddive

Food for thought for retailers: treat Gen Z consumers like co-creators

ConsumerGeniuses February 18, 2022

Pandemic affected multiple life spheres but on the contrary, it promoted unique DIY activities and handicraft artisans. Tufting is one such artisanal skill, which is trending nowadays among local Gen Zers in China. Tufting, more commonly known as 簇绒 in China, is the art of making traditional rugs with a tufting gun. The number of Tufting UgCS videos released on lifestyle channels increases five times every month. The emerging trend provides retailers an interesting opportunity to treat consumers like co-creators by inviting them to participate in skilful activities held at pop-up stores. This way retailers would be able to preserve their local artistic talent and encourage more customers to visit their brand. Read more from Jingdaily

L’Oreal sales excelled over 17% in North Asia

ConsumerGeniuses February 18, 2022

L’Oreal reportedly claimed that the firm’s sales in North Asia excelled by 17.6% in December 2021. The organization experienced twofold digit development in 2021, specifically, in central China as the brand’s quality-driven products allured Chinese consumers. Other regions, including The South Asia Pacific, Middle East, North Africa, and Sub-Saharan Africa saw a growth of 13.9%. The company’s sales in Southeast Asia returned to the pre-Covid level in the final quarter of 2021 due to its remarkable performance in Vietnam and rise in e-commerce. Pacific countries, including Pakistan and India, and the Gulf region also delivered profitable performance. Read more from Retailasia

2022 is the year to embrace Valentine’s Day due to three trends

ConsumerGeniuses February 14, 2022

As per the results of Prosper Insights & Analytics annual survey and NRF, American consumers have celebrated this Valentine’s Day extravagantly by spending $175. The total amount spent during this holiday reached $23.9 billion. NRF pointed out three trends encouraging Americans to celebrate Valentine’s Day 2022 with zest. 1, Among 73% of the consumers, 66% of them embraced Valentine’s Day, 2022 by spending over $100 on gifts for significant others because they were looking for a change in a tension-driven world. 2, Both men and women have surprised their partners with diamonds this year, instead of chocolates and flowers. Men (30%), while females (14%) have spent $75 and $24, respectively on jewellery. 3, Despite the omicron variant, 30% of consumers have enjoyed the day outside, either by going to a concert, relaxing at a spa or relishing the thrills of sky diving. Read more from Nrf

Nestlé extends its health and wellness business by purchasing the majority shares of Orgain

ConsumerGeniuses February 10, 2022

Nestlé’s health science division is all set to purchase most of the shares of Orgain, a protein powder, bars, and shake manufacturing firm. The agreement, however, allows the founders of Orgain to own minor shares of the firm and continue serving as the CEO of the company. This move would speed up Nestlé’s endeavours over the past couple of years to develop and extend its wellbeing and health business. Read more from Fooddive

GSK’s Brian McNamara: An insight to the pandemic challenges and future consumer behaviours

ConsumerGeniuses February 10, 2022

The CEO of GlaxoSmithKline GSK Consumer Healthcare, Brian McNamara, mentioned some of the global challenges his company experienced during the pandemic and expected consumer behaviour. He said that the home-based working model during pandemic improved the performance of employees, fostered shorter and clearer virtual meetings, and helped them focus more on decision making. However, the increased demand and consumption of goods raised supply chain disruptions. Firms solved this issue by sourcing raw materials from China and India and exhibiting flexibility. Regarding consumer behaviour shifts, he claimed that over-the-counter (OTC) e-commerce is the next prevalent trend. He believed that digital technologies would help upgrade customer experience and improve the quality of products. Plus, consumers would become health-conscious and try to have their vitamins and minerals regularly. Read more from Mckinsey