Hybridization

Trend - Pumpkin seed protein is emerging as a standout in the plant-based protein market, particularly among legume-based options. Known for containing all nine essential amino acids, it mirrors the nutritional profile of hemp protein, making it highly valued in vegan and vegetarian diets.

Insight - The rising popularity of plant-based proteins reflects a broader dietary shift towards sustainable and allergen-free nutrition. Consumers increasingly seek diverse protein sources that align with their health and environmental values. Plant-based proteins, like those derived from legumes, not only offer a rich profile of amino acids but also bring additional health benefits such as fiber, vitamins, and minerals. This shift presents a significant opportunity for nutrition brands to innovate with new plant-based offerings, appealing to a market driven by both health considerations and ethical consumerism.

Trend - Embedded lending is reshaping financial services by allowing non-financial companies to offer loans and financing, such as Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) options exemplified by Apple Pay Later. This trend extends beyond consumer finance into the B2B realm, providing small and medium-sized businesses with faster access to capital through various funding methods like merchant cash advances and revenue-based financing.

Insight - The rise of embedded lending showcases a pivotal shift in how companies across various industries integrate financial services, reflecting a broader trend towards embedded finance. This integration is driven by the desire to enhance customer experiences by providing seamless, on-the-spot financing options, effectively turning every company into a potential fintech player. The ability to offer tailored financial solutions not only improves customer engagement and retention but also opens new revenue streams for businesses.

Trend - Healthtech brands are creating specialized eyewear with built-in hearing aids. Utilizing technologies like bone conduction, transcription, or audio amplification, these glasses aim to provide a non-intrusive solution to hearing impairment—meaning they can be worn daily with minimal discomfort.

Insight - As individuals age, many develop issues related to sight or hearing impairments. These consumers turn to wearable solutions, such as corrective lenses or in-ear hearing aids, to improve their quality of life. However, of these consumers acknowledge that these solutions are uncomfortable, and are just worn as necessities. Brands are now looking to use modern technologies, such as artificial intelligence, to improve the quality of these solutions, both in terms of comfort and assistive ability.

Trend - Since their inception in France in 2022, croissants filled with baked cookie dough, or 'Crookies,' have grown in popularity in restaurants and bakeries. Crookies are versatile and offer consumers a mix of the light flakiness of a croissant and the densely flavored dough of a cookie.

Insight - Foodie consumers and influencers continually seek foods with new ingredients, flavors, or cooking methods. These consumers try new products as soon as they are available, with social media bringing attention to more popular selections. Brands recognize that these consumers heavily prioritize more creative and diverse foods. In order to better capture the foodie consumer base, bakeries and restaurants are crafting hybrid pastries that blend different textures and flavors.

Trend - Following the popularization of injectable cosmetic treatments, brands are now introducing products marketed as elevated and exclusive versions of these procedures. These alternatives include topical serums, creams, or devices that target specific skincare concerns such as wrinkles and fine lines.

Insight - As cosmetic treatments become more accessible to the general public, wealthy consumers are seeking out products that are marketed as alternatives to injectables and commonly available treatments. These consumers seek differentiated, premium solutions that reflect their higher status and discerning taste when shopping. Businesses that cater to the demand for premium and exclusive beauty products can appeal to luxury consumers who prioritize investing in the unique and unattainable.

Trend - Restaurants and CPG brands are creating bubble waffles and mixes made with meal-like ingredients. Bubble waffles are versatile, allowing for nearly any type of filling while maintaining a bite-sized and shareable shape. These are easy to prepare and offer new ways of experiencing well-known flavors.

Insight - Foodie consumers continually desire novelty food experiences; whether it pertains to the recipes, preparation method, or food format, these consumers are willing to experiment to see what works for them. The rise of cross-dish experimentation, spurred on by more adventurous customers, has led to the creation of hybrid dishes such as curry hamburgers. In aiming to address the needs of these consumers, brands are turning to savory bubble waffles for their versatility and convenience in preparation.

Trend - Appliance manufacturers are turning to artificial intelligence (AI) for the next generation of laundry machines. AI machines automatically optimize the load settings, such as rotation speed, based on the type and weight of the fabrics, thus saving consumers time and effort when doing laundry.

Insight - Adults in North America are finding themselves with less free time each year due to various economic and social factors. Many of these adults struggle to balance full-time jobs with familial and home obligations. This increases their willingness to invest in smart home products that save them time or money. Home appliance manufacturers interpret this desire for time-saving as an opportunity for automation, leading to many brands turning to artificial intelligence.

Trend - Hardware manufacturers are creating new gaming consoles designed to be used with wireless Augmented Reality (AR) headsets. These unique handheld devices use head-mounted displays rather than traditional screens, but function like traditional game consoles instead of VR headsets.

Insight - The rapid advancement of metaverse-adjacent technologies, such as VR headsets, has made these devices far more sophisticated and cost-effective. This has led to an increased interest in these technologies from tech-enthusiast consumers looking to try new technologies as early as possible. As a result of these factors, brands in adjacent industries, such as gaming, are repurposing these new technologies to diversify product offerings in their spaces.

Trend - New startups are launching alcoholic RTD drinks with honey as the primary ingredient or sweetener. Honey is used due to its unique flavor profile and health benefits over processed sweeteners. These canned drinks boast the convenience of canned drinks and the natural, organic flavors of honey.

Insight - Health-conscious consumers are less likely to purchase canned alcoholic beverages due to high-calorie content, unexciting flavor profiles, and the inclusion of processed ingredients. As such, these consumers are drawn to canned drinks with healthy alternative ingredients and unique flavors that cannot be found in a local bar. Brands are adhering to these desires by taking flavor inspiration from non-alcoholic drinks to use in healthy alcohol-based RTDs.

Trend - Modern technology has sparked a desire for vehicles that are capable of operating both on land and in water. These vehicles seamlessly transition between these two mediums to benefit consumers who require a transportation device for military aid, rugged or remote terrain transportation, or specialized tasks.

Insight - Consumers living in coastal areas or regions prone to flash flooding often require devices to help them safely navigate land and water. These consumers seek vehicles that safely address the inherent risks of operating in these environments without compromising functionality or design. Businesses that address the need for adaptable vehicles can attract customers who seek transportation tailored to varying climates and regional conditions.