Business Consumer Insights

Trend - Brands in the plant-based category are developing their own technology or partnering up with a specialized company in order to bring the integrity of their vegan products to a new level. In this space, artificial intelligence is used to determine the best ingredients and recipe ratios for optimal consumer experience, especially when it comes to texture and health benefits.

Insight - Through a combination of wanting to be healthier in their lifestyle choices and determined to lessen their carbon footprint in light of climate change, many contemporary consumers are limiting their intake of animal-based products or switching to a vegan diet altogether. As this proves to be a challenge for some, individuals look for a seamless introduction into the plant-based experience as they attempt to embrace more sustainable alternatives. In this space, many emphasize the need for flavor and texture since it is an important part in their ability to enjoy their meal.

Trend - Back-to-school campaigning is looking a little different this year, with brands recognizing the impact that COVID-19 will have on students' ability to actually attend school in-person. Campaigns and services related to back-to-school are taking on new forms to accommodate this change.

Insight - The COVID-19 pandemic continues its impact on the world, and while restrictions have loosened in North America, people are still facing limitations in what they can and can't do--even in essential services like education. Consumers who understand the ongoing local risks are drawn to brands that are able to adapt their products and services in a way that prioritizes safety.

Trend - While many entrepreneurs and freelancers have chosen to adopt a travel-centric lifestyle, the pandemic has enabled this lifestyle to be a possibility for many employees working from home. Governments in warmer climates are capitalizing on the opportunity with new working visas specifically designed for remote workers looking to leave the city. This will support local economies without taking away employment opportunities from permanent residents.

Insight - While technology has long enabled society to work remotely, the pandemic has been the unexpected push that forced many companies to allow employees to work from home on a long-term basis. This opportunity has changed the way consumers view their day-to-lives and current living situation and, for the first time, many are able to picture themselves living a different lifestyle, away from suburbia and the city. This demographic no longer sees themselves tied to a city and is looking to capitalize on the emerging work-from-home culture to experience new opportunities.

Trend - When cattle digest their food, methane is produced and released into the atmosphere in the form of "cow burps." Since methane is a potent greenhouse gas that is more harmful than carbon dioxide, companies and scientists are looking for ways to inhibit methane production. While some aim to do this by tweaking the cow's microbiome, others attempt to succeed through cow feed supplements.

Insight - Consumers are increasingly concerned about the climate change implications of meat production and consumption and as a result, a demand arises for more mindful agricultural practices and lifestyle diets. This comes as many become more informed on environmental issues and expand their advocacy to include not just individual consumption habits but also larger production practices. In this way, people seek to motivate sustainable change on a grander level.

Trend - The hospitality industry will take some time to fully recover from the economic hits it's taken as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, but its gearing up for an uptick in demand anyway. New measures and products that prioritize safety and sanitization are increasingly important to businesses and customers in this space.

Insight - As consumers look to resume their normal lives pre-pandemic, the psychological impact from experiencing the worst of the pandemic will still affect their consumption behaviors. These individuals are turning to brands that prioritize safety as much as they do experience and service, so they can feel comfortable in the process of resuming everyday life.

Trend - QSR businesses are highlighting new sanitation initiatives to make consumers feel better as locations reopen after the initial outbreak of COVID-19. These initiatives are being highlighted through marketing campaigns, as well as novel branding, which combine to quell the concerns of consumers.

Insight - As lockdown measures are being eased, many consumers are beginning to venture to physical stores. However, these same consumers want to be sure that these companies are taking safety and sanitation seriously. Lingering anxiety from months of lockdowns and/or restrictions have left consumers more careful as they go about their lives. If safety and sanitation messaging can be successfully conveyed through branding, companies could increase market share.

Trend - Brands and agencies are opting-in for specialized platforms when looking to connect with content creators for a partnership. In doing so, companies are able to streamline the search for the right collaborator, especially in a world where the number of content creators is rapidly growing.

Insight - Thanks to social media and other digital tools made available through IoT (the Internet of Things), more and more individuals are enjoying the liberty of being self-employed. On top of having to stay socially active and to produce tangible work, consumers with this occupation are often forced to look for opportunities themselves. In order to not feel overwhelmed when juggling all facets of their career, individuals are looking for streamlined services where they can network and gain access to jobs.

Trend - Autonomous devices in retail spaces that ensure limited contact between employees and customers are on the rise. Though these technologies have been used sporadically, they're in accelerated development due to the implications of retail openings amidst the ongoing pandemic.

Insight - As people and brands adjust to reopened economies, safety is still a primary concern. Understanding the continued health risks, people are venturing out of their homes and shopping as long as they know that the retailers they visit are taking their health, and the health of their employees, seriously.

Trend - Wellness and lifestyle-related industries have long been exclusionary in the demographics they appeal to and target, but this is now changing with the growth of brands in this space that are owned by women of color. Businesses in this space include everything from hair care collections created by and for black women and women of color, and women and minority-supporting subscription boxes.

Insight - Consumers are increasingly demanding representation and equal opportunity in a range of industries, and are now quicker to call out brands and industries that have failed to meet their standards--whether that's in opportunities for minorities, the treatment of minorities, or in exclusionary targeting. With growing knowledge around how discrimination in various industries is impacting many minorities--particularly black and minority women--consumers are turning to brands that are owned by the demographics that have previously received less representation.

Trend - Food delivery companies are purchasing other companies in the same industry in order to increase reach. Purchasing these companies gives organizations new infrastructure that can be used to serve additional markets, without draining the resources of the original company.

Insight - During social distancing orders many food delivery services are experiencing an increase in demand, in part due to COVID-19, and are attempting to capitalize on this uptick. Increased capacity can help these food delivery organizations serve new markets and expand operations. If these organizations can capitalize on the changing circumstances, they could showcase adaptability in uncertain markets.