Rachel Cheatham, PhD’s Post

Consumer businesses are trying to keep sales humming along by creating new items -- and new uses for everyday items. Think all-over deodorant that isn't just for the armpits, or different razors for different body parts. The catch is that these new items are premium, and therefore carry a premium price. It's a crucial time for consumer-packaged companies that are trying to show volume growth for the first time in years after revenues have largely been boosted by price hikes (not people buying more). For example, shampoo retail sales units are down 16% since 2019. Another example of this so-called "upflation" is in the snack aisle. Cheetos dust can be used as a chicken flavoring, and ice cream isn't just for dessert anymore thanks to new Haagen-Dazs bites -- a premium product. Read more here. https://lnkd.in/gGf3WsWf

In the beverage alcohol sector, trends that emerged and evolved in 2023 will maintain their influence on consumer choices throughout 2024. Dive into the dynamic world of beverages with our latest analysis on what made waves in the BevAl space last year! 🥂 🕵️♂️ Trend 1: Shifting Shopping Behaviors From grab-and-go RTDs to the rise of wellness-conscious choices, discover how convenience and health are reshaping the way we sip and savor. 🧑🤝🧑 Trend 2: Dynamic Demographics As Gen Z steps into the spotlight, we're exploring how their progressive tastes are steering the ship towards a new era of alcohol consumption. 💰 Trend 3: Psychology of Premiumization Less might be more, but premium is king! Uncover why consumers are opting for quality over quantity and how brands are rising to the occasion. 🍹 Trend 4: Flavor Forward From bold RTD concoctions to culturally-inspired flavors, taste buds are in for a treat as we delve into the world of palate-pleasing beverages. With challenges of balancing value and volume ahead, let's raise a glass to the exciting journey that lies ahead in the world of beverages! Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/g_8un3RY #alcohol #alcoholicbeverages #marketanalysis #markettrends

Check out this new Circana snack market research that highlights "the enduring importance of on-shelf availability as a critical factor influencing consumer purchasing decisions". https://ow.ly/LSKC50S8MBI

In today’s fast-paced world, convenience is paramount, yet health-consciousness is on the rise. Our latest blog dives deep into the evolving landscape of fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), highlighting the importance of household staples, nutritious snacks and clean beauty solutions that cater to modern consumer needs. 📊 With the FMCG sector booming—valued at over $249 billion—discover how brands like Bragg Live Food Products, LLC, Buderim Ginger, DJ&A, The Good Crisp Company, Antipodes and Acure are adapting to meet consumer demands. From innovative beauty to guilt-free snacking options, find out how these key players are shaping the future of wellness-focused shopping → https://lnkd.in/gq4nqByT #UniqueHealthProducts #FMCG #ConsumerTrends #HealthAndWellness #Snacking #CleanBeauty #Innovation #BusinessInsights

You have surely already heard about “shrinkflation,” but what about “upflation”? In our Big Take, Leslie Patton and I explore all the ways companies are trying to resuscitate consumer demand for categories where people are buying less stuff. Don’t think you need as much deodorant these days? Well companies would love to sell you full body deodorant — for more money, of course. Not eating as many chips? Perhaps you need to consider them a side dish and not just a snack. Will the tactics work? We will have to wait and see. Read more on Bloomberg News

Circana's latest analysis reveals on-shelf availability is critical in today’s $214 billion snack market. By focusing on key strategic imperatives, brands can cultivate stronger customer relationships, driving sustained growth and long-term success in the ever-changing snack market.

🛒 Shopping habits in #Latam evolve as consumers seek savings, making package size a crucial factor. 60% of all the #FMCG categories that are growing in volume now come in smaller packages compared to the previous year, proving that this can be an effective strategy for #retailers. Ice cream is the product that has shrunk the most, together with powdered milk, soft drinks, biscuits, and snacks. In contrast, consumers are taking home larger packs of personal and home care categories, such as air fresheners, yogurt, concentrated juices, and laundry detergent. Read our article and stay informed on #consumertrends for strategic decision-making! 👉https://lnkd.in/dNv_zAdA

Polarized Spending: Shoppers are trading down to private-label brands or paying more for premium products, squeezing out mid-tier options like Kraft. Private Labels Rise: Store brands (e.g., Target’s Market Pantry, Costco’s Kirkland) outperform national brands with improved quality and affordability. Premium Products Thrive: New entrants like Goodles capture health-conscious consumers with higher prices and better nutrition. Mid-Tier Brands Decline: Kraft, Luvs, and Band-Aid face sales slumps, with rising costs pushing consumers away. Company Responses: Firms launch premium upgrades (e.g., Neutrogena Collagen Bank, Band-Aid Pro Heal) or focus on premium segments like Pampers over Luvs. #ConsumerTrends #PrivateLabel #PremiumProducts #InflationImpact

🛒 Shopping habits in #Latam evolve as consumers seek savings, making package size a crucial factor. 60% of all the #FMCG categories that are growing in volume now come in smaller packages compared to the previous year, proving that this can be an effective strategy for #retailers. Ice cream is the product that has shrunk the most, together with powdered milk, soft drinks, biscuits, and snacks. In contrast, consumers are taking home larger packs of personal and home care categories, such as air fresheners, yogurt, concentrated juices, and laundry detergent. Read our article and stay informed on #consumertrends for strategic decision-making! 👉https://lnkd.in/gfsjS8D3

Integrity is a funny thing - not funny, funny, but interesting, funny. While food companies celebrate another record quarter, consumers suffer from shrinkflation. I couldn't believe how skinny a Toblerone is right now. Is Mondelez concerned about my sugar intake? Hardly. A brand can afford to break its promise once every blue moon under certain circumstances, but consumers will punish any brand in the long run when it continues to break its promise. There is an opportunity for brands to increase sales in the short and long run by showing integrity (what you say, do, and think are all the same) and telling people about it. #brand #branding #brandstrategy