Naturality

Implications - Having slowly worked its way into grocery store products and North American menu items in the last decade, squid ink-infused foods offer consumers a dramatic dining experience that also boasts unique health benefits. This shift speaks to the new customer expectations of food presentation in the social media era, as well as the interest in adding nutritional value to traditional dishes whenever possible. [More]

Implications - As consumers pursue alternative treatment methods for common ailments, many are looking to cannabis in various formats as an all-natural solution. In addition to highlighting one particular effect of the wellness obsession, this progression speaks to the overall reevaluation of modern "norms" that is taking place in the era of legalization and amid turbulent political times. [More]

Implications - As consumers become more familiar with legal cannabis products in the age of legalization, many are developing their own taste and dosage preferences that are accommodated by pre-packaged ingredients ready for at-home culinary pursuits. This progression highlights the consumer knowledge of the new product category as it diversifies rapidly and the role an individual's experience level will play in purchasing decisions. [More]

Implications - With a higher rate of consumers living in city buildings that don’t usually allow for outdoor gardens, those who are looking for a way to integrate gardening into their home are turning to space-conscious planter kits. Giving consumers a chance to grow their own herbs and foliage even without access to a yard, stackable and mountable solutions make indoor gardening a possibility for smaller homes. The shift towards smaller spaces creates opportunity for brands to provide solutions for city dwellers looking for ways to stay in touch with nature. [More]

Implications - Through playful branding, sophisticated skincare formulas are being repositioned to appeal to the Millennial crowd. Considered the generation that sparked the self-care movement, many Millennials pride themselves on having elaborate skincare rituals that are highly informed by digital media and online forums. Brands are leveraging this momentum to promote preventative anti-aging products to this younger demographic that is both highly concerned and highly educated about its health and wellness. [More]

Implications - Starting to venture into topical forms of health and self-care, many men are becoming aware of the importance of preventative skincare in terms of anti-aging. As an approachable form of entry into the beauty realm, men are looking to keep their skin youthful while also investing more time into their own well-being through adopting skincare rituals and routines. This growth indicates the rise of self-care as a priority for both men and women during their valuable leisure time. [More]

Implications - Restaurant menus are catering to those interested in Instagram-friendly dining experiences by producing brightly colored, aesthetically pleasing dishes that lend themselves to image-based social sharing. This shift speaks to the interest in creating social media-friendly experiences that offer rare elements of joy and delight, while it also highlights the innate interest in curation as a means of having specific control over something tangible in a time of great cultural and social stress. [More]

Implications - As both coffee culture and the world of supplements continues to expand rapidly thanks to a competitive environment of innovation, consumers are embracing superfood-infused lattes as a way of offsetting the negative effects of caffeine. This progression demonstrates the all-encompassing nature of the health and wellness movement, and more specifically, the pursuit of balance in terms of food and beverage consumption. [More]

Implications - Increasingly concerned about their overall health and wellness, consumers no longer look solely for relaxation and indulgence when planning their vacations, rather, they’re looking for ways to integrate productivity and self-improvement. Fitness-focused retreats are the ideal solution for the consumer looking to dip their toe into the aspirational healthy lifestyle and feel great about a vacation getaway with friends. This shift is indicative of the way health and wellness is increasingly being seen as a status symbol. [More]

Implications - As more consumers look to lessen their refined sugar intake, brands are exploring all manner of alternative sweeteners in order to account for taste preference, with the sub-tropical melon-derived monk fruit particularly gaining popularity. This progression highlights the potential for unraveling new healthful alternatives to ingredients that previously may have seemed inseparable from various favored dishes. [More]