#consumer-trends

#consumer-trends

Most notably, the president has transformed the look of the Oval Office into a barrage of gold, from gilded statues and vases to accent pieces that Internet sleuths said were actually just painted decor from Home Depot. ( Trump denied this.) While mocked as tacky by many observers, the look is of a piece with a continuing embrace of brazen material opulence, from a $1 million " gold card" visa and a massive new ballroom where the East Wing used to be, to accepting a $400 jet from the Qatari government.

Even Steve Ells, the founder of Chipotle and the burrito bowl that rocketed the chain to lunchtime fame, has moved on. At a Manhattan location of his new concept Counter Service, there's a red neon sign depicting a lunch bowl with a slash through it. It's a bowl-free zone, reinforced by a website that proclaims "we love sandwiches" and "anything, as long as it can go on bread."

Spooky season is all about fun costumes, scary movies, and of course, lots and lots of candy.

Retailer Ocado said despite the cost-of-living crisis, barking mad owners' love for their pets knows no bounds. Around 47 per cent spent more for whole food-style canine ingredients than what ends up on their own plate. Sales of gourmet-style dinners such as chicken casserole and beef goulash are up a staggering 500 per cent year-on-year. Natural brands such as Lily's Kitchen, Scrumbles, Forthglade, tails.com and Edgard & Cooper lead the competition.

The complexity of our current structure makes it challenging to allocate capital effectively, prioritize initiatives and drive scale in our most promising areas,

But shifting tastes complicated those plans, with households seeking to introduce healthier options at the table. Kraft Heinz and other food producers have tried to follow those trends. In 2021, Kraft Heinz sold both its Planters nut business and its natural cheese business, vowing to reinvest the money into higher-growth brands like P3 protein snacks and Lunchables. But the company continued to struggle, and Kraft Heinz's net sales fell 3% in 2024.

"Consumer interest in premium and super-premium products seems to fall into two camps: life-extending and life-affirming," he says. "Life-extending refers mostly to functional non-alcohol products that are purported to promote good health, such as probiotics and nootropics."

Momofuku's instant noodles first dropped in 2021 and have expanded to include five different flavors, highlighting a focus on high-quality sauces and air-dried noodles.

The American auto industry's trajectory became clear: go big, or go bust. Gas was cheap, and big trucks and SUVs became the key drivers of profits.

Java Monster is a coffee energy drink that has garnered popularity, available in flavors like Salted Caramel and French Vanilla, but can reach prices of $3.49.

Gabaldon emphasized the need for legacy brands to evolve while maintaining authenticity, stating it's about adapting without sacrificing their heritage. Collaborations serve as bridges to connect with cultural icons and modern consumers.

"Consumers want quality without the prep work, single-serve, no-mess formats that travel well and suit casual drinking occasions."

Claire's filed for bankruptcy due to increased competition, changing consumer habits, and substantial debt, aiming to restructure and maintain retail operations.

"We're seeing consumers demand more from their beverages than ever before. It's no longer enough to simply hydrate - today's consumer wants cognitive support, immune boosting, and targeted wellness benefits in every sip."

In the 52 weeks ending July 3, 2021, Americans bought nearly 2.5 billion boxes of cereal, according to market research company Nielsen IQ. In the same period this year, the number was down more than 13% to 2.1 billion.

"Chinese consumers have matured significantly, with many now on their fifth or sixth smartphone. This experience has led them to actively seek unique and advanced devices."

McDonald's has relaunched its popular Snack Wrap menu items, bringing spicy and ranch-flavored crispy chicken offerings back after nearly a decade away, priced at $2.99.

"A lot of the consumers that we're seeing on social media, on TikTok, are so proudly displaying the dupes that they found, kind of as a badge of honour. That stigma really isn't there anymore."