Tribalism

Trend - Esports technology companies are increasingly investing in software to help consumers more accurately predict the outcomes of competitive gaming matches. These technologies, from data analytics to machine learning, allow users to make informed decisions when wagering on esports events.

Insight - As betting platforms gain traction within the growing esports industry, brands are seizing the opportunity to establish themselves as significant players in this untapped market. Many companies prioritize adopting cutting-edge technologies that attract and retain users, encouraging them to choose their platform over others. These brands understand that esports fanatics seek novelty in their experiences, making technological advancement key to differentiating themselves in this evolving space.

Trend - Companies are implementing mentorship programs to support LGBTQ+ employees entering the workforce. By connecting junior employees with successful LGBTQ+ mentors, these initiatives provide resources and skills, fostering a sense of belonging and empowering career growth.

Insight - As Gen Z becomes a larger part of the workforce, many entry-level employees with diverse identities experience isolation and imposter syndrome from perceived underrepresentation. In response, companies are launching programs that connect senior employees with younger LGBTQ+ individuals, providing vital support during their transition into full-time roles. Businesses that identify these unique hurdles can enhance employee retention and gain valuable insights into their diverse consumer bases.

Trend - Brands are increasingly attending conferences and fairs that promote businesses from diverse suppliers. These events, which typically feature minority-, women-, veteran-, and LGBTQ+-owned companies, foster relationships between large corporations in search of vendors that meet diversity criteria.

Insight - The demand for inclusive business practices has incentivized many companies to reevaluate their supplier diversity strategies and seek new partnerships from historically disadvantaged communities. To address this, many leadership teams are opting for physical experiences to connect with and better understand the services underrepresented businesses can offer. These companies recognize that their customers desire authenticity and want to see that reflected in the brands they support.

Trend - Toiletry companies are launching eco-friendly product lines with recycled and organic materials. Utilizing post-consumer recycled plastics, papers, and bamboo, these products further reduce the environmental footprint of single-use disposable papers, while only marginally increasing prices.

Insight - Environmentally-conscious consumers find pride in using products from brands that align with their personal values. These consumers are far more likely to purchase products with recyclable packaging, recycled materials, and without single-use plastics. These consumers believe in voting with their dollar toward products that make progress toward a genuine greener future. As a result, brands from typically unsustainable industries, such as toiletries, are now turning to recycled materials.

Trend - Decorating the inside of one's fridge is a trend called 'Fridgescaping' that is gaining popularity on social media platforms. Fridgescaping involves neatly sorting all fridge contents while adding decor in empty spaces, such as photos or fake plants.

Insight - Consumers that frequent platforms such as TikTok or Instagram often participate in trends that gain traction on the platforms to feel a sense of participation and community. Additionally, many popular trends relate to life-improvement, such as dietary trends or productivity trends. However, users are not always influenced by productivity without entertainment, leading to the creation of trends such as Fridgescaping which blend aesthetics with benefits - that of a clean and organized fridge.

Trend - Bubble tea restaurants are launching new seasonal flavors inspired by traditional pumpkin spice lattes. This blending of a traditional fall dessert flavor with the bubble tea format is designed to offer more variety to fans of both respective products.

Insight - Younger consumers ranging from younger Millennials to Gen Alpha, are more drawn to loaded dessert-style beverages, such as bubble tea, than those of previous generations. These consumers treat bubble tea as a social experience. As these drinks continue to become ritualized in consumers' lives, demand for new flavors and experiences goes up in turn. In order to cater to the ever-growing demand for flavor diversity, bubble tea restaurants are looking to popular seasonal flavors for inspiration.

Trend - As GLP-1 gains popularity in the western world as a weight management solution, brands are launching apps and services designed to support the GLP-1 community. These apps offer support through social forums, fitness and diet planning, and enable direct connections to healthcare providers if needed.

Insight - The number of adult consumers in North America and Europe that use GLP-1 supplements continues to grow at a rapid rate each month. These consumers are drawn to GLP-1 for its easy-to-use, ingestible format and its high efficacy rate. However, some GLP-1 users become complacent, relying on the supplement instead of balancing it with a healthy lifestyle, while others run into unforeseen medical side effects. Businesses are now launching apps and websites to support the needs of GLP-1 users.

Trend - Social media has inspired dental care brands to innovate by developing products focused on oil pulling. This ancient Ayurvedic practice entails swishing oil in the mouth for a set time before spitting it out. It claims to reduce plaque buildup, prevent gum disease, and freshen breath.

Insight - Health and beauty trends, especially on TikTok, are introducing a new era of self-care practices that redefine how people approach wellness and aesthetic routines. In response, brands are creating products that resonate with current social media trends, encouraging new consumers to share and experience their effectiveness firsthand. By integrating social media influences into product development strategies, brands can appeal to consumers who prioritize community and seek experiential products.

Trend - Automotive brands are becoming increasingly involved in the consumer technology industry by releasing co-branded smartphones, computers, components, and accessories. These products come with the established credibility of both respective brands, leading to rapid growth within the space.

Insight - Brand identity plays a key factor for most consumers when searching for new products. Brands commonly regarded as household names often get preferential treatment when two products are perceived to be equal. For many consumers, this is true even for products outside of the respective companies' typical industries. In order to capitalize off the preference for established brands, automotive companies are partnering with consumer electronics companies on co-branded offerings in both spaces.

Trend - Running clubs are soaring in popularity and brands are tapping these groups for sampling opportunities and sponsorships. These clubs provide a structured and social environment for runners of all levels, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie.

Insight - In an increasingly tech-focused world, people are experiencing heightened levels of loneliness and are seeking meaningful, real-life connections. The high cost of living has driven individuals to look for affordable and accessible ways to stay active and socialize. Many are opting for outdoor meet-ups in parks over traditional social settings like pubs. This shift is not just about cost savings; it’s about finding community and support in shared activities