Top Three Trends from the 2024 Sweets and Snacks Expo
Miri Eliyahu
The 2024 National Confectioners Association’s Sweets and Snacks Expo wrapped up last week in Indianapolis. Among numerous innovative new product launches, educational sessions, and an overall celebration of everything snack-related, three trends emerged. Read on to find out more.
Is Tesla Abandoning Its Electric Vehicle Charging Business?
Fransua Vytautas Razvadauskas
Tesla’s endeavours in electric vehicle (EV) charging took a hit in May 2024 when it announced that it would be dismissing a sizeable chunk of its supercharger team. While its decision to slow down supercharger expansion may offer opportunities for other charge point operators (CPOs) to catch up, Tesla is unlikely to relinquish its supercharger business, long-term, having already built partnerships for charge port compatibility with major automotive OEMs.
Skinification: A Game-Changer in Sunscreen Usage
Sonali Jagadev
As consumers adopt a more holistic approach towards their health, they are starting to see sun care as preventative health measure against not only skin cancer, but also ageing and overall skin health.
Airline and Hotel Acquisitions Threaten to Increase US Travel Prices in 2024
Alex Jarman
The US travel market is facing significant consolidation in 2024. Currently, there are three major M&A stores in the US travel industry: Jet Blue/Spirit, Alaska/Hawaiian, and Choice/Wyndham. This post-pandemic rush of acquisitions mirrors the consolidation of the US airline industry following the 2008 recession. While travel companies may paint these as beneficial to consumers, the most likely consequence will be higher prices for US travellers.
US Major Leagues and European Football Reign Supreme in Euromonitor's Sports Indices 2023
Egle Tekutyte
According to Euromonitor International’s Global League and Club Indices 2023, five major US leagues and five European football leagues dominate league rankings, with the National Football League (NFL) consistently holding its status as the most commercially attractive league globally. In the club ranking football clubs from the five major European football leagues claim all top 10 spots with Manchester United retaining the top position.
Evolving Competitive Landscapes in US Pet Care Amidst Shifting Supply Chains
Melanie Torres Cabrera
Despite growth and innovation across pet care, global supply chains continue to grapple with instability. Faced by climate change, labour shortages, political tensions, and more, key players across pet care are seen expanding domestic manufacturing capabilities. Expansion efforts however, fuel competitive landscapes, with industry giants scooping up facilities previously key to private label production. Consequently, private label manufacturers will face challenges meeting demand.
North American Soft Drinks Volume Under Pressure from Price Increases
Erwin Henriquez
North American retail soft drinks volumes have been characterised by modest growth over the last decade. The industry saw its next big disruptor in 2020 with the COVID-19 pandemic. With consumers shifting away from so many on-trade channels and on-the-go or convenience channels, consumption patterns accelerated growth in retail volume.
Amazon Promoted Beauty More During Amazon Prime Days in 2023 Than 2022
Michelle Evans
Amazon dominates in online sales of beauty and personal care in the US and is continuing to make gains in most categories. Amazon's success in beauty and personal care is due to its competitive pricing, product range, and logistics, but also to its savvy seasonal strategy, especially during the holiday season and its annual Prime Day promotion.
Commercial Stakes High As The New NFL Season Kicks Off
Davide Calzoni
Enthusiasm is high among US fans as the new National Football League (NFL) season kicked off in September. While teams will compete for success on the field, off it both teams and brands are contending for the right commercial partnership. Even though the NFL boasts the highest sponsorship value among the top US leagues in 2023, much of it remains untapped and pressure is building up for the league to reform its commercial strategy so as to maximize revenue streams.