# Inclusive Consumption Food establishments offer up more inclusive environments for guests. By [Tana Makmanee](https://www.trendhunter.com/tmak), SVP, Research Services at Trend Hunter | Published Sep 20, 2019 | Category: [Business](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/business-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/inclusive-consumption ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.7/10 - Evidence articles: 5 ## What is the Inclusive Consumption trend? **Inclusive Consumption:** Moving beyond just marketing or branding tactics, retailers in the food and beverage space are adapting everything from hiring processes to in-store accessibility to better align to areas of inclusivity. ## The consumer insight behind the Inclusive Consumption trend Consumers' expectations for brands are now that they align with their personal needs and values. Accommodation and inclusion tend to be top of mind for the North American consumer as they acknowledge and express the differing the needs of diverse groups–particularly those that tend to be underrepresented in the public sphere. Thus, brands are having to take an all-encompassing approach to inclusion in both who they employ, and the customers they reach. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 5 featured examples - Articles from: Feb 6, 2016 to Jul 19, 2019 - Published: Sep 20, 2019 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence), [Acceleration](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/acceleration) - Megatrends: [Catalyzation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/catalyzation) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Themes within the Inclusive Consumption trend ### Inclusive Hiring Businesses are adapting hiring processes to create more inclusive environments for employees and consumers with developmental disabilities ### Sensory-Friendly Initiatives Retailers are launching sensory-friendly campaigns and making small changes, such as turning off noise, to create more accessible and inclusive environments for people with autism ### Sign Language Education Businesses are adopting sign language training to create an inclusive customer experience for the hard-of-hearing community ## What the Inclusive Consumption trend means for industry ### For Hospitality Hospitality businesses can create a more inclusive environment by adapting hiring and training processes, launching sensory-friendly campaigns, and offering support for people with developmental disabilities ### For Retail Retailers can create a more accessible environment for people with autism by making small changes such as turning off noise and offering sensory-friendly hours ### For Education Education services can adopt sign language training to create an inclusive environment for the hard-of-hearing community and to better serve their needs ## Workshop question What risks are you willing to take to showcase a stronger brand commitment to inclusivity? ## Trend signals for Inclusive Consumption Trend score 3.7 out of 10, from popularity 58%, activity 43%, freshness 9%. - Popularity: 58% - Activity: 43% - Freshness: 9% ## Examples of the Inclusive Consumption trend 5 featured examples from Feb 6, 2016 to Jul 19, 2019. - [Sensory-Sensitive Restaurants](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chuck-e-cheeses): 'Chuck E. Cheese's' Now Offers Autism-Friendly Play Spaces (Category: Life-Stages) Implication: The restaurant industry can explore creating sensory-sensitive options and spaces to cater to customers with sensory challenges. - [Noise-Free Retail Initiatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/quiet-hour): This Store Will Run a Quiet Hour for Shoppers with Autism (Category: Social Good) Implication: Retailers have the opportunity to differentiate themselves by implementing initiatives that take into account the specific needs of customers with disabilities. - [Sign Language Grocery Stores](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/signsburys): Signsbury’s will be Open for Four Days and Highlight Inclusivity (Category: Business) Implication: The retail industry can explore opportunities to create inclusive and community-focused shopping experiences. - [Community-Supporting Bakeries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/puzzles-bakery-cafe): The 'Puzzles Bakery & Cafe' Employs Adults with Autism (Category: Social Good) Implication: The hospitality and food service industry can explore opportunities for inclusive hiring practices and supporting individuals with developmental disabilities, as exemplified by Pu… - [Autism-Supporting Restaurants](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sams-canterbury-cafe): Sam's Canterbury Cafe Employs Staff on the Autism Spectrum (Category: Social Good) Implication: Opportunity for restaurants, cafes and other food services to employ and serve individuals on the autism spectrum to promote inclusion and diversity. ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Conversion](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/ai-assisted-checkout) (Business) - [Occasion Commerce](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/occasion-commerce) (Business) - [Autonomous Merchandising](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/autonomous-merchandising) (Business) - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Business - [Performance-Based Creator Ads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/creator-ad-platforms) - [MIami Pop-Culture Shirts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/miami-pop-culture-shirts) - [Natural Deodorant Expansions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/target-beauty-studios) - [Mini Beauty Stores](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/little-luxuries-store) All articles: [Business](https://www.trendhunter.com/business)