Consumer
Insights

Trend - Synthetic biology is revolutionizing the personal care industry by making products more sustainable and personalized. Companies are using biosynthesis, a process where engineered organisms like yeast convert sugar into various useful substances, to produce ingredients traditionally derived from petroleum or animal sources.

Insight - Consumers are increasingly driven by the tension between their need for effective personal care products and their ethical and environmental values. They are no longer willing to compromise on sustainability or animal welfare for the sake of performance. This growing awareness and concern for the planet and ethical sourcing practices are pushing consumers to seek out products that reflect their values.

Trend - Brands are designing their products with wash-off labels to streamline the post-consumer recycling process. These multi-use labels are designed to remove adhesive residues, which often require harsh chemicals or scraping that compromise the integrity of the packaging.

Insight - Eco-conscious consumers are often aware of how their purchasing decisions affect the environment and desire products that minimize this impact. As a result, brands are implementing efficient strategies to facilitate and streamline the recycling process without necessitating any significant lifestyle changes. Businesses that address challenges related to post-consumer materials can successfully appeal to consumers who prioritize sustainable business practices.

Trend - Single-serve packets with eye-catching designs are gaining traction, particularly among Gen Z and Millennials. Brands like Chia Smash, Zab's Datil Pepper Hot Sauce, and Mike's Hot Honey are leading the charge, marrying practicality with style. This trend caters perfectly to on-the-go lifestyles and the social media-savvy nature of these younger demographics.

Insight - In today's image-centric market, branding through packaging has become paramount. The trend of "yassification" – elevating packaging design to be more glamorous and eye-catching – plays a crucial role in grabbing attention and communicating quality. Visually appealing packaging can elevate even ordinary products into coveted items, driving social media buzz and organic promotion. For brands, investing in striking designs fosters not only sales but also consumer trust and loyalty.

Trend - Breathing necklaces are designed to aid in mindfulness and relaxation through breath control. The wearer takes a deep breath while holding the tip of the hollow pendant to their lips and then exhales. The necklace contains a small air channel that slows down the exhale, helping the user achieve a slower breathing rhythm.

Insight - Due to increasing stress levels, consumers are increasingly prioritizing mental well-being and stress reduction, seeking products that combine functionality with aesthetic appeal. These products offer stress relief, improved focus, and emotional balance, aligning with trends in self-care and mental health awareness. Additionally, the appeal of mindfulness products is enhanced by their integration into daily routines, making them accessible and practical for modern lifestyles.

Trend - Architectural companies are creating compact homes with sustainability-first designs. Often with an emphasis on minimalism and nature, these homes offer the essentials for living comfortably in a compact structure built with eco-friendly materials.

Insight - As more millennial consumers become homeowners, many are noting the current undesirable state of the housing industry. With rising costs of living affecting more than just housing costs, it is becoming increasingly difficult for many such consumers to live comfortably on their own. As a result, architectural companies are creating compact, often portable, homes with eco-friendly designs that help mitigate energy costs, tax rates, and more.

Trend - Incremental games are titles that progress over time without user input. This progress can be accelerated by actively playing the game. The passive progression model leads to consistent progression for the players, which is often satisfying and addicting, regardless of the players' busy schedules.

Insight - One of the fastest-growing markets in gaming is mobile gaming. With nearly every consumer having a gaming-capable smartphone in their pocket, the potential user base for these games is incredibly expansive. However, not all consumers have the time to actively engage with games. For these busier consumers who desire the satisfaction and relaxation of gaming with minimal free time, brands are releasing incremental progression games that automatically play themselves, even when the app is closed.

Trend - New startups are launching wearable sweat monitors for safe hydration levels. These are non-intrusive wearables that measure the sweat on the skin, rather than detecting moisture within the skin directly. This helps remind users when to hydrate, particularly during sporting activities.

Insight - Climate change has led to outdoor weather becoming increasingly unpredictable, with rising temperatures causing more regions to become near-uninhabitable at certain times of the year. These conditions cause consumers to pay more attention to proper hydration. When performing physical activities, these consumers are looking for non-intrusive solutions to ensure their bodies maintain healthy fluid levels. Brands are in turn creating hydration monitors with less intrusive sweat-monitoring designs.

Trend - Brands are creating wearable water reservoirs, or bladders, with hands-free bite vales that allow users to drink while moving. These pouches help active consumers stay hydrated during outdoor activities without having to stop to refill water bottles constantly.

Insight - Active consumers frequently seek products that enable them to maximize their workouts and concentrate without any disruptions. In response, brands are developing portable hydration solutions for situations where refilling standard water bottles might be difficult or impractical. Businesses that respond to the demand for convenient and highly portable fitness solutions are well-positioned to thrive in today's health-conscious market.

Trend - Brands are increasingly launching cooling devices to relieve individuals experiencing hot flashes, a common symptom during menopause. These products regulate body temperature and alleviate discomfort caused by sudden heat sensations, benefitting consumers seeking effective and tailored solutions.

Insight - Consumers struggling with menopause symptoms are seeking out non-invasive products to help minimize or relieve their symptoms. In response, brands are creating technology-based solutions to provide personalized support and help consumers navigate their reproductive health more effectively. Companies that address the demand for non-invasive femtech products can attract consumers seeking convenient and personalized health solutions for their everyday needs.

Trend - Restaurants and CPG brands are adding dried pepper mixes to iced beverages to add an extra level of refreshing flavor. Previously a more niche product in North America, big-name restaurants are entering the space, leading to spiced beverages becoming more commonplace.

Insight - Spicy products have continued to grow in popularity in the Western World, with studies reporting incremental increases in popularity year over year, particularly from 2019 onwards. This rise in popularity can be attributed to various consumer demands, such as globalization, or the desire for variety, novelty, and healthier products, as many peppers are rich in vitamins and feature antioxidants. In recognition of these desires, brands are infusing peppers into non-traditional beverages.