Articles
DIY Brands Unable to Pass on Inflation Costs
Nick Stene
Abnormal cost inflation has caused waves of pain for companies since late 2020, but our new Inflation Projection Tool launched in July 2023 strongly indicates that tools and hardware in home and garden stands out as a category where companies were harmed more than most (and brands more than retailers, so far). This sector is badly dislocated around its ability to pass on costs from production to end consumers.
Another Round at the Bar? On-Trade Facing Post-Pandemic Challenges
Anna Ward
The turbulence of the last few years has left on-trade alcoholic drinks in a precarious state. The rise of retail was already underway prior to the pandemic, but the shift is becoming increasingly entrenched in much of the world. On-trade volumes are still notably below 2019 levels, while retail continues to climb. That partly reflects still-incomplete pandemic recovery, but also likely indicates a more structural adjustment. What do the changing patterns mean for on-trade engagement?
Smart Personalisation at the Core of Establishing Brand Loyalty
Valeriya Sorokina
The concept of a smart home has transformed from a futuristic dream to a reality that many households now embrace. At the heart of this smart home vision is the ability to provide personalised services and experiences to consumers. This could include services such as personalised diets, smart home energy management, health monitoring, and many more.
Consumer Market Flashpoints: Finding Opportunities Despite the Uncertainty
Jana Rude
In the coming years, consumers and businesses face an array of challenges, with rising inequality, mass migration and prevailing uncertainty about another crisis being among the major ones. Nevertheless, within this are untapped opportunities for companies that take appropriate action and address the disruptions holistically and early on.
Unveiling Future Opportunities in Microbiome-Infused Personal Care
Yang Hu
Research has revealed the connection between microbiome and skin health. Imbalanced skin microbiome can result in various skin issues, including acne, eczema and dryness. Incorporating the microbiome-infused concept in beauty and personal care products is poised to expand as consumers increasingly seek comprehensive wellbeing and transparency on ingredients. Here, we outline five opportunities in microbiome care, which are set to introduce fresh prospects within the industry.
The Future of Functional Beverages in Asia Pacific
Nathanael Lim
Consumers in Asia Pacific have a wide range of health priorities ranging from mental wellbeing to getting enough sleep to maintaining a healthy immune system. There are increasing opportunities across both physical and emotional/mental health spaces, creating potential for beverage companies to look into various functional ingredients and map these to consumers’ rising health priorities.
Paris 2024 Olympic Games: Challenges and Opportunities for French Tourism
Alexander Göransson
The Rugby Union World Cup kicked off last weekend in France, considered as a dress rehearsal for next summer’s Olympic Games in Paris. However, the expected 600,000 international visitors will dwarf in comparison to next summer’s Olympiad. The Games will bring with them many opportunities but also challenges for the French tourism industry. With a forecast global television audience of four billion, a well-executed Paris 2024 could raise the profile of France as a destination from 2025 onwards.
Three Growth Opportunities for Traditional Toys in Post-Pandemic China
Alex Li
Despite a weak economic outlook for China over the forecast period, growth of traditional toys and games is poised to remain robust, driven by emerging consumer trends, policy initiatives, product innovations and channel restructuring.
Global Energy Vulnerability Index: Unveiling Risks and Opportunities
Aleksandra Svidler
As the world’s energy landscape is undergoing a significant transformation, countries around the globe are striving to secure reliable and sustainable energy supply. However, not all nations are positioned equally in this quest for energy security. Our Global Energy Vulnerability Index sheds light on the energy vulnerabilities and strengths of different economies, revealing the challenges they face and the opportunities they can seize to enhance energy security.