North America

Now in its seventh edition, this report explores the top digital shopper trends that will redefine commerce the most in the year ahead. Some of the trends included in this edition touch on topics such as second-hand shopping, community group buying,…

The next billion consumers represent new growth opportunities worth trillions of dollars in consumer spending across the globe. However, the next billion consumers are not a monolithic cohort, as they vary hugely from market to market. In order to…

In 2022, sales of plant-based alternatives to meat and seafood grew at a slower pace, leading to speculation that this is no longer a top trend. Due to rapid inflation and supply chain disruptions since the pandemic, consumers looked for…

2022 observed a shift back to foodservice volumes rather than retail within Canadian staple foods. As Canadians returned to the workplace and restrictions lifted, consumers started to once again spend time participating in activities outside of the…

Due to the negative health effects of COVID-19, during the pandemic shoppers began buying beverages to boost their health, preferring products which claimed benefits such as immune system support. Demand grew for functionality, and thanks to the…

The momentum regarding the general health and wellness trend preceded even COVID-19, as local consumers searched for ways to prioritise their wellbeing through soft drinks. As the pandemic substantially impacted the lives of consumers, interest in…

With higher prices negatively impacting the affordability of nutritious foods for US consumers, players in snacks and government authorities have set long-term intervention strategies to expand access to healthier snacks. President Biden hosted the…

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, home seclusion lasted considerably longer than expected in Canada. When these restrictions were first introduced in 2020, home snacking surged and then remained constant through 2021 and 2022. While hybrid lifestyles…

The nature of modern life has led to a US consumer whose default setting is increasingly one of a high level of stress. This has naturally been a boon to hot drinks with calming claims, particularly those in the herbal tea space, although other…

Since the drastic increase of at-home consumption of hot drinks in response to the pandemic and the ensuing lockdowns, demand for hot drinks appeared to have somewhat normalised in 2022. Local consumers are enjoying hot drinks, usually in the form of…

As plant-based dairy has become increasingly mature in the US, the large dairy producers in the industry have now introduced plant-based varieties to the market in all categories within dairy products and alternatives. For instance, the Babybel…

2022 witnessed some significant movement within dairy products and alternatives in Canada. Despite only recording modest growth, brands of both dairy and plant-based alternatives are competing on all fronts for their respective consumer base. With…

Interest in labels and certifications that highlight positive and/or “healthy” attributes is increasing, as consumers are looking for functionality and are taking a more balanced approach, instead of simply consuming foods with reduced ingredients…

While the impact of the pandemic started to gradually wane in Canada towards the end of the review period, echoes remained in 2022. For one, wellbeing and health trends were at the forefront of consumers’ minds as they were still concerned about…

The health and wellness industry continues to grow in importance post-pandemic as consumers become more aware of the negative health impact of processed foods, seeking healthier foods and beverages from a range of claims such as natural, organic,…

The health and wellness industry continues to grow in importance post-pandemic as consumers become more aware of the negative health impact of processed foods, seeking healthier foods and beverages from a range of claims such as natural, organic,…

As the end of 2021 approaches, almost two years into the COVID-19 pandemic, the emergence and rapid spread of the Omicron coronavirus variant has increased uncertainty and weakened the momentum of the global recovery. This series of quarterly reports…

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has triggered the most severe global recession since World War II. In Q4 2020, the end of the pandemic started as countries began administering effective vaccines among the population; however, vaccine distribution…

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has triggered the most severe global recession in nearly a century. Businesses are operating in a world of anxieties and uncertainties, not knowing what will be the new normal or when output and consumer spending…

The global outlook has improved as of Q1 2021, thanks to vaccination progress in many developed countries. Nevertheless, the recovery prospects remain distant for most economies in the face of the spread of new, more infectious variants of the virus.…