Changing consumer preferences are driving a profound transformation in ingredient innovation in the food and drink industry. The upheaval caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has further emphasised the importance of preventative health and addressing climate change concerns, prompting a diversification of ingredients. To navigate these changes, the food and drink industry is also exploring novel technologies that can revolutionise food production. Here we delve into the ingredients that are capturing consumer demand and uncover some of the fastest-growing ingredients trends shaping the future of f ..read more

Gen Z consumers across the globe are now firmly in a romantic relationship with iced coffee. Courting Gen Z with superior taste perceptions, versatility for add-ins and the aspirational draw of foodservice options, iced coffee is hot right now. Iced coffee brands can take this relationship to the next level through elevating taste appeal and affordable foodservice service-inspired options. Link brew method to taste In Thailand, 68% of Gen Z coffee consumers agree that flavour is important when choosing a coffee product, while just one-fifth agree that the brewing method is important ..read more

In this new blog series, Mintel reviews the latest retailer marketing and innovations, including new store openings, online developments, new concept or category launches. For this month’s highlight, our retail experts weigh in on four highlights from Britain’s retailers during the period leading up to Christmas 2023. Grocers: premium performs well as sector does benefit from the uptick in confidence It remained a difficult market for the grocery sector with value high on the agenda, but it was also the sector which most directly benefited from the uptick in confidence in Q4 with across mos ..read more

More brands are now incorporating SPF into skincare and makeup according to Mintel’s The Future of Suncare: 2023 report. This trend corresponds with growing consumer interest in embracing minimalistic beauty practices. However, this “sunification” trend – which includes minimalistic and multi-benefit skincare and makeup products such as tinted moisturizers with SPF, tinted sunscreen, and even loose powder with sunscreen – threatens the suncare category’s independent existence.  Meanwhile, as concerns around climate change escalate, the need for protection and climate adaptation will ..read more

The days of undereye baking, matt lips, intense smokey eyes and cut creases are a thing of the past. The trend of cosmetic minimalism has started taking over in the last few years. This shift is seeing beautiful nude tones making a comeback and base make-up that promises a ‘glow from within’ rather than a streak of highlight that could be its light source. Blush has seen a particularly startling comeback in 2024, promoting healthy colour across the wearer’s face and supporting microtrends like ‘ballet core’ and ‘tomato girl’. What is a tomato girl, you ask? Imagine the kind of natural rosines ..read more

Beauty packaging has long been synonymous with opulence and sophistication, even ancient perfume bottles were manufactured in a variety of pleasing shapes from glass or terracotta. Most agree that if a product claims to make you beautiful, it should at least look appealing. Now AI technology is expanding the limits of what’s possible with beauty packaging design. Already, The House of Guerlain celebrated its 170th anniversary by using AI prompts to create a digital exhibition of the iconic bee bottle from its establishment in 1853 into the future, the year 2193. Transparency and Technology ..read more

The video gaming industry is experiencing a welcome shift, with women gamers making up a significant and ever-growing portion of the player base. Nearly three-quarters of women play video games, and of these gamers almost eight in 10 play at least weekly. This play rate is indicative of serious consumer participation and presents real opportunities for brands to promote women in gaming. Women’s Gaming Preferences A powerful demographic within the world of video gaming, women gamers are often under-targeted. Women’s nuanced gaming behaviour indicates major opportunities for brands to grow ..read more

The 2024 Budget: the changes that count for consumers Despite the pressure from his own party to deliver an election-winning budget, full of tax cuts and eye-catching spending promises, Jeremy Hunt didn’t have a lot of room for manoeuvre. Although the UK could well already be out of its shallow recession, Government finances are still under huge pressure after years of weak GDP growth. The most eye-catching measure is the reduction in National Insurance, which should save the average earner a few hundred pounds a year, although for many people this will be offset by the continued freeze in ..read more

The UK homeware market has shown remarkable resilience and adaptability in recent years, having faced the extended hiatus of the COVID-19 outbreak and a cost of living crisis which squeezed budgets back to the essentials. The high interest rates of 2023 also impacted homebuyers – a key target market for this sector. Despite these challenges, the homeware sector emerged as one of the best-performing non-essential retail categories. Consumers reassessed their living spaces and prioritised spending on homeware as an affordable means of personalisation. This trend has continued, with almost 9 i ..read more

At Mintel, we know that in an increasingly dynamic business landscape, leveraging insightful market research is more essential than ever. Recent advances in generative artificial intelligence (AI) and large language models (LLM) have enabled Mintel to once again define what the future of market intelligence looks like. We’ve created a groundbreaking AI solution that will fundamentally change how businesses across the globe conduct their research. Imagine market research without the struggle. Imagine a faster, smarter and more efficient way of conducting market research. Welcome to Mintel Le ..read more