Consumer
Insights

Trend - Performance beverages are common in the eSports space and now, food brands are engaging the industry with food and snack options that target the gaming community. These products offer a nutritious cognitive boost to enhance performance.

Insight - Millennial and Gen Z consumers who are part of the eSports community are interested in improving their performance and excelling in the space. Comparing it to other athletic activities, individuals are deducing that a healthy diet, rest, and general self-care practices can be beneficial in enhancing their mental and physical states, enabling them to have stronger cognition, better focus, and reflexes. As a result, many turn their attention to wellness-minded products.

Trend - As traveling has substantially subsided during the ongoing pandemic, brands in the travel and hotel industry are launching special discounts, contests, and offers for unique experiences in one's vicinity. With features focusing exclusively on wellness, these initiatives are boasting a short-term change of pace for an individual or a small group.

Insight - Due to the government's orders, pertaining to health and safety during the COVID-19 pandemic, many individuals have diligently cancelled all non-essential travel plans and remained socially distant at home. As time goes on, consumes are becoming more and more restless in their personal quarters, especially if they share a space with family or roommates. Recognizing that they need a change of pace, many individuals are opting-in for short escapes that are convenient, safe, and nearby.

Trend - Brands are collaborating on online resources and experiences that are geared toward bringing mindfulness to consumers during the COVID-19 pandemic. While some companies collaborate with professionals on digital retreats and online pop-ups, others launch features that allow users to share their thoughts.

Insight - The ongoing global pandemic has forced many individuals to practice physical distancing and remain home when possible, increasing their feelings of isolation. Combined with other factors—like social unrest, the growing threat of climate change, and personal circumstances— consumers are experiencing an exponential build-up of stress. As a result, more people are looking for accessible resources that will help them deal with their anxiety in a healthier way, while remaining within their means.

Trend - In order to meet their sustainability goals, some companies are launching reusable and refillable stainless steel product packaging. Other brands are employing the material as a functional feature in their offerings.

Insight - Conscious about the environment, as well as their overall wellness needs, consumers are creating a demand for high-quality products that utilize premium materials. As a result, when making purchasing decisions, individuals are emphasizing high-end experience that affords them accessible luxury. This, in turn, allows them to gain more confidence and feel more at peace with their lifestyle choices.

Trend - Health brands are touting "free-from" formulations in the products they offer, prioritizing allergin and unhealthy ingredient-free supplements. These items come in a variety of drinkable forms, including everything from shakes to shots.

Insight - Health conscious consumers are increasingly particular about the healthy food and beverages they purchase. Blindly believing branded claims is a thing of the past as consumers' knowledge about and ability to research into health topics grows. Thus, brands are having to focus in on ingredients, formulations and effective presentation in order to cater to ultra health-conscious individuals.

Trend - As the strict rules imposed because of the COVID-19 pandemic persist, companies are attempting to answer consumer worries about tech fatigue. This comes in the form of special built-in features on meeting platforms or concrete products that limit stimuli.

Insight - As a result of COVID-19, many individuals are working or attending school from home. The lack of physical activity and being outside, in combination with the stress that is experienced due to the pandemic, is causing many to feel burnt out and fatigued from predominantly maintaining their personal and professional lives in the digital realm. In order to mitigate this and be more productive in the long run, consumers are looking for solutions that will enforce them to take breaks and be mindful of their energy levels.

Trend - Due to the ongoing pandemic, the housing crisis has intensified and many have been left without a home. As a result, designers and brands are deploying various flexible solutions—whether it is a hotel lending its empty rooms to people at-risk or a portable device that would at least protect individuals from the elements.

Insight - The COVID-19 pandemic has caused many people to become financially insecure and their access to basic life necessities—like health, food, and shelter—has been threatened or altogether removed. As a result, people are creating a stronger demand for assistance in this area. This is highlighted further by the many consumers who are fortunate enough to have remained relatively stable during the pandemic and who are now calling attention to this as a human rights issue, advocating for solutions that will help alleviate the stress for those at risk.

Trend - Micellar water's ability to gently cleanse the face has resulted in its growing popularity, particularly among those who wear makeup and have sensitive skin. Now that the ingredient is familiar to consumers who invest in personal care, brands in this space are creating new and unique formulations with the ingredient--ranging from eye cleansers to facial scrubs.

Insight - The self-care space has led to a lot of experimentation among consumers, but once in a while "buzzy" formulations or ingredients remain in consumers' routines indefinitely. Typically, consumers choose to remain loyal to these products despite ample competition because of their efficacy, multi-purposeness, and ease of use. Brands that are able to tap into these three components can expect longevity in consumers' homes.

Trend - Fermented foods are credited to be health-conscious and many brands are introducing such ingredients to their snack offerings. Whether it is in chips, desserts, or even pet food, these products offer a new flavor experience, as well.

Insight - The abundance of product options in the market has sparked curiosity in consumers and as a result, many individuals are feeling a little bit more adventurous when making purchasing decisions. In the food and beverage category, consumers are looking for products that suit their taste and lifestyle—whether they are dealing with a diet restriction or they want to be more mindful of their health at-home and on-the-go.

Trend - Companies are offering various resources and products that are geared toward allowing individuals to stay healthy at-home—from healthy meal subscriptions to at-home classes or accessible weight management systems.

Insight - During the pandemic, most people have been restricted to their home and local outdoor spaces and as a result, many individuals have been experiencing lower levels of physical activity. In addition, the anxiety brought on by COVID-19 has caused some to struggle with bad habits—especially when it comes to eating. In this space, individuals are looking for ways to mitigate stress and maintain a healthier routine while indoors, which helps them be level-headed and productive.