Personalization

Implications - Over the past few years, pop-up locations have proven to be an effective way for brands to create meaningful opportunities for engagement with consumers, especially brands that primarily function online. This approach is being taken to the next level, however, through personalization experiences that exclusively take place as part of a pop-up experience. Further incentivizing consumers to visit these locations, this approach plays on consumers' interest in exclusive products and experiences. [More]

Implications - An oft-ignored but fundamental aspect of dining, which is the kitchenware required to eat, is being transformed with various artistic, functional, and experiential purposes in mind. Whether made to enhance accessibility or to encourage mindful eating habits, these products speak to the power of simple tweaks in traditional products in the process of re-engaging consumers. [More]

Implications - The keto diet's low-carb, high-fat nature is inherently restrictive, giving brands the opportunity to serve those on the diet by offering them specialty dessert options. The emergence of such products reveal how brands can look to consumer restrictions or selectiveness as opportunities as opposed to barriers. [More]

Implications - The addition of various sauces to recipes has been revamped by brands choosing to experiment with the format in which these condiments are offered. From sprays to slices, these reformatted condiments offer the unique distinction of being appealing for both niche experimental consumption, and mass market production. [More]

Implications - To-go breakfast foods are more frequently relying nn aesthetics in order to appeal to a broader range of consumers. Rather than simply reiterate these products' healthy qualities in order to establish a perception of reliability among consumers, the focus on vibrancy and design is able to appeal to consumers who are just as likely to trust products and brands based on aesthetic appeal. [More]

Implications - As consumers push off marriage to a later age and the stigma of being single diminishes, brands are catering to single consumers explicitly with the same level of enthusiasm and acceptance often built into couple-focused offerings. The idea of having one's life reflected in the products and services they interact with is important to consumers, especially Gen Z and Millennial consumers, and this shift toward celebrating independence speaks to that expectation. [More]

Implications - Tapping into selfie culture, beauty brands are incorporating flashy, funny and unique elements into their products, and positioning them as a means to improve one's image online. Moving beyond the promise of simply enhancing customers' looks, this shift is distinctive to those in the Millenial and Gen Z cohorts, who are invested -- and willing to invest in -- their online selves, [More]

Implications - Consumers are no longer limited to a few unhealthy baking mix options at the grocery store now, as baking brands increasingly prioritize products that cater to dietary restrictions like carb limitations. Low-carb alternatives to traditional baking mixes cater to health-conscious consumers who are still looking to indulge – prioritizing both their needs and their preferences. [More]

Implications - With the rise of DIY craft cocktails has also come a renewed interest in DIY craft juice and tea products, and brands are catering to this shift by offering kits that allow consumers to easily put together alcohol-free beverages. These products cater to the experiential and DIY preferences of consumers, without sacrificing on the convenience that ready-to-eat products offer. [More]

Implications - Individuals with necessary or self-enforced dietary restrictions are increasingly able to turn to subscription services to cater to their specialized nutritional preferences. This shift comes as consumers increasingly demand and prioritize products and services that suit their niche interests and needs, rather than trying to cater to as many people as possible. [More]