Listen Now

In our Season Two Holiday Bonus episode, the Little Conversation hosts discuss the year ahead and share their predictions for how consumer spending, demand, and optimism (or lack thereof) will impact markets worldwide. We saw some trends, like the rise in ecommerce, accelerate in 2020. Others experienced fundamental shifts, like the focus on local business. What is the trajectory of these changes and will they stick? The events of 2020 have resulted in a consumer divide: those who are eager to get back to pre-pandemic habits, to 'revenge spend', travel, and make up for time lost during lockdowns; and those who will keep their newly-adopted habits and spending practices, still cautious to re-enter in-person experiences and favouring quality over all else. Brands' strategic planning for 2021 must take this divide into account as everything from urban spaces, convenience shopping, and wellbeing to sustainability, transparency, and value come into question. Listen now to find out what's coming in 2021! Mintel's 2021 Global Consumer Trends and 2021 Global Food and Drink Trends are referenced in this episode. Mintel clients can learn more by logging in to clients.mintel.com now or speaking with their Account Manager. For everyone else, check out mintel.com in January for summary insights. Host: Dana Macke (Associate Director, Mintel Reports US, Lifestyles and Leisure). Guests: Andrew Davidson (SVP/Chief Insights Officer), Matthew Crabbe (Director of Mintel Trends, APAC), Samantha Dover (Senior Beauty and Personal Care Analyst, Mintel Reports UK), Edward Bergen (Global Food and Drink Analyst), Andrew McDougall (Associate Director, Global Beauty and Personal Care).

In the season two finale, Mintel retail experts look ahead to the winter holidays. We know there is a willingness from consumers to have a good holiday season, given the events of the last year, but what barriers could stand in their way? How important are cleanliness, safety, and convenience? With discounting now expected, how else can retailers show value? Experiences were a popular gift in 2019; how will that evolve this year given social distancing restrictions? The consumer experts share their opinions and make recommendations for how retailers should engage with consumers during the festive time of year. Host: Samantha Dover (Senior Beauty and Personal Care Analyst, Mintel Reports UK). Guests: Nick Carroll (Associate Director, Retail, Mintel Reports UK), Alexis DeSalva (Senior Research Analyst, Retail and eCommerce, Mintel Reports US).

Most consumers have them; many have grown during the global pandemic. From indulgent food and drink to enticing gaming and gambling, vices have been a part of human history from the very start. In this episode, Mintel analysts discuss what makes a vice so 'bad', its impact on cultures and mental health, its role in entertainment and emotional release, as well as what brands must do to help consumers balance between extremes. While vices make for good (bad) headlines, they also provide catharsis, security and community. Listen now to find out what that means for consumer and companies today. Host: Edward Bergen (Global Food and Drink Analyst). Guests: John Poelking (Senior Gaming Analyst, Mintel Reports US), Marcia Mogelonsky (Director of Insight, Mintel Food and Drink), Jonny Forsyth (Associate Director, Mintel Food and Drink).

Given the advancements in modern medicine and a keen focus on health and wellness, global populations are expected to grow significantly older over the next half-century, giving new meaning and new life to the concept of healthy ageing. Meanwhile, the working population is expected to shrink, which could have a negative effect on how seniors are cared for in their later years. Mintel's expert analysts discuss the wider societal changes that will need to be addressed in order to properly care for an ageing population, including the role that brands play. Listen now as they ponder: What does healthy ageing look like for middle-aged consumers vs. those that are well into their ageing lifecycle? How will increased automation technology create new brand opportunities? Host: Matthew Crabbe (Director of Mintel Trends, APAC). Guests : Richard Cope (Senior Trends Consultant, EMEA), Stephanie Mattucci (Associate Director, Food Science, Americas), Pongpera Mitradarmbidhaks (Senior Research Analyst, Beauty and Personal Care, Thailand).

When dining inside a restaurant was no longer an option earlier this year, the foodservice industry was severely impacted. Mintel expert analysts from around the globe discuss the challenges the industry is facing and how restaurants have quickly pivoted to meet the needs of consumers. They also discuss trends and innovations they are seeing and what they recommend brands do to help recover. Host: Dana Macke (Associate Director, Mintel Reports US, Lifestyles and Leisure). Guests: Jill Failla (Senior Foodservice Analyst, Mintel Reports US), Graciana Méndez (Senior Regional Consumer Insights Analyst, Latin America), Trish Caddy (Senior Foodservice Analyst, Mintel Reports UK).

In this episode, Mintel beauty experts discuss how COVID-19 accelerated the trends they predicted for 2030 such as 'The Panorama of Humanity,' the push and pull between science and nature, and 'Identity Traders,' toggling between connection and disconnection as consumers seek out their tribe with brands serving as the facilitator. They also discuss the importance of trust and transparency and how brands need to reconnect with consumers to rebuild brand loyalty. Host: Andrew McDougall (Associate Director, Global Beauty and Personal Care). Guests : Sarah Jindal (Associate Director, Global Beauty and Personal Care), Sharon Kwek (Associate Director, Beauty and Personal Care), Vivienne Rudd (Director of Innovation and Insight).

In this episode, Mintel analysts discuss what the outlook for movie theatres and streaming platforms will be post-pandemic. With local lockdowns forcing movie theatres to close, brands had to make temporary adjustments like drive-in movie theatres and releasing movies straight to streaming services to help consumers get their movie fix. Do consumers want to go back to movie theatres? What are movie theatres currently doing to make consumers feel safe? Listen to find out! Host: Dana Macke (Associate Director, Mintel Reports US, Lifestyles and Leisure). Guests : Rebecca McGrath (Senior Media Analyst, Mintel Reports UK), John Poelking (Senior Gaming Analyst, Mintel Reports US).

With the travel industry severely impacted by COVID-19, Mintel analysts in the US and Canada discuss the current state of the travel industry and what’s to come for travel loyalty programs. They also provided insight into how loyalty programs have pivoted and what type of innovation is needed to help build the industry back up and convince consumers these types of programs are still relevant even if they aren’t travelling as often. Host: Andrew Davidson (SVP/Chief Insights Officer). Guests: Nicole Bensi (Director of Competitive Intelligence, Comperemedia), Carol Wong-Li (Associate Director, Mintel Reports Canada, Lifestyles and Leisure), Mike Gallinari (Travel and Leisure Analyst, Mintel Reports US).

In this episode, Mintel beauty experts from around the globe discuss the impact that COVID-19 is having on the fragrance industry. They discuss what is currently happening in the industry and how consumers are rethinking the way they use fragrance products. They also give recommendations for how brands should appeal to consumers in the current environment and share innovations in the fragrance industry they have seen recently. Host: Samantha Dover (Senior Beauty and Personal Care Analyst, Mintel Reports UK). Guests: Margaux Caron (Global Beauty Analyst), Lauren Goodsitt (Senior Global Beauty Analyst), Amanda Caridad (Senior Beauty and Personal Care Analyst, Mintel Reports Brazil).

Mintel experts in food and drink discuss how COVID-19 has impacted innovation in the food and drink industry and what brands should be doing to progress in the next six months and beyond. Online shopping, eating at home more, interest in health benefits and sustainability are all behaviours that have changed due to COVID-19 and the experts predict whether this is short or long-term and what brands can do to enhance these behaviours. Mintel experts also compare consumer behaviour in the current recession compared to what it was in 2008. Host: Edward Bergen (Global Food and Drink Analyst). Guests: Lynn Dornblaser (Director of Innovation and Insight), Alex Beckett (Associate Director, Food and Drink), David Jago (Director of Innovation and Insight)

With the news of Clarisonic, a beauty device brand owned by L’Oreal, closing after a decade, Mintel experts in the beauty industry from across the globe discuss where it all went wrong and why beauty devices have not taken off as expected. They discuss how beauty devices have evolved and what it will take for these products to take hold and fulfil consumer’s wants and needs. Listen now to hear what the experts have to say about the future of beauty devices and products. Host: Andrew McDougall (Associate Director, Global Beauty and Personal Care). Guests: Reiko Hasegawa (Senior Beauty & Personal Care Analyst, Japan), Samantha Dover (Senior Beauty and Personal Care Analyst, Mintel Reports UK).

The global pandemic has created a sea change in the way consumers live their lives and brands are shuffling their messaging to connect with them. Mintel experts from across the globe discuss how COVID-19 has accelerated and shifted global consumer trends, such as more experiences, seamless spending, humanizing technology interactions, and going live on social media. They also provide recommendations on how brands should move forward in this new era. Host: Dana Macke (Associate Director, Mintel Reports US, Lifestyles and Leisure). Guests: Diana Kelter (Senior Trends Analyst, Americas), Vanessa Rondine (Senior Trends Analyst LAR), Helen Fricker (Trends Manager, EMEA), Elysha Young (Trends Manager, APAC).

Mintel expert analysts in beauty and personal care sit down to discuss the top beauty ingredients in the North Asia Pacific that are grabbing consumer attention. From ingredients that are safe and hygienic to COVID-19’s impact on ingredient preferences, and needing scientific information on how products are beneficial, consumers in APAC are focused on making sure they are using the best ingredients possible. The analysts also predict the best ingredients to look for in Asia as well as trends moving forward. Host: Matthew Crabbe (Director of Mintel Trends, APAC). Guests: Laurie Du (Senior Beauty & Personal Care Analyst, China), Hwa Jun Lee (Senior Beauty & Personal Care Analyst, South Korea), Reiko Hasegawa (Senior Beauty & Personal Care Analyst, Japan).

The emerging trend across the globe in the credit industry, 'buy now, pay later,' is gripping consumer attention, especially Millennials. The idea itself isn’t anything new, but new brands have entered the space and different styles are being used, such as no interest or late fees that are attracting consumers. In this episode, Mintel experts in the financial services industry discuss this trend and how it’s going to impact banks and credit card companies but also consumer’s personal finances. Host: Andrew Davidson (SVP/Chief Insights Officer). Guests: Mark Miller (Associate Director of Insights, Financial Services, Comperemedia), Thomas Slide (Senior Financial Services Analyst, Mintel Reports UK).

In this episode, Mintel experts dive into the evolution of livestreaming. They discuss how the COVID-19 pandemic has escalated livestreaming and how consumers are using it in different parts of the world. How can brands make the most of the opportunities a live platform brings? How will livestreaming impact social media influencers? What will livestreaming look like in the future? Mintel experts discuss how it got here and where its going. Host: Samantha Dover (Senior Beauty and Personal Care Analyst, Mintel Reports UK). Guests : Nick Carroll (Associate Director, Retail, Mintel Reports UK), Rebecca McGrath (Senior Media Analyst, UK).

Mintel experts take on the age-old debate of science vs. nature in the beauty and food and drink industries, as they discuss why consumers no longer blindly trust "natural" claims and are showing curiosity in scientific and synthetic solutions. They also share their favourite products or brands in the scientific/lab-grown space, such as barley facial cream developed to help with anti-ageing, growing kale in indoor farms, and upcycled bread to make craft beer. Host: Dec Cooney (Consulting Team Manager). Guests: Edward Bergen (Global Food and Drink Analyst), Alex Fisher (Associate Director, Beauty and Personal Care), Richard Cope (Senior Trends Consultant).

As consumers look for ways to spend their time stuck at home during the pandemic, beauty routines have been a focus for some. From advancing their skincare routine to giving themselves a haircut due to closed salons, consumers have taken their beauty and personal care into their own hands. In this episode, our beauty experts in the UK discuss how consumer behaviours and purchases have changed due to the pandemic and what brands can do moving forward past the lockdown stage. Host: Andrew McDougall (Associate Director, Global Beauty and Personal Care) Guests: Lucy Cornford (BPC Content Manager, EMEA), Alex Fisher (Associate Director, Beauty & Personal Care), Margaux Caron (Global Beauty Analyst)

On this week’s episode, Mintel analysts sit down to discuss the current food and drink startup landscape. With the global pandemic creating major shifts in consumer behaviours and buying habits, is there still a focus on new experiences when it comes to food and drink or are consumers looking for familiarity and comfort - and how is that playing out across various food and drink sectors, the use of flavours and ingredients, and brand preference? There is no doubt that it is a challenging time for food and drink startups and small businesses, but there are also key opportunities in the short, medium, and long term with consumer behaviour at the core of future potential. Host: Dana Macke (Associate Director, Mintel Reports US, Lifestyles and Leisure) Guests: Caleb Bryant (Associate Director, Food and Drink, Mintel Reports US), Emma Allmann (Junior Analyst, Mintel Disruptor), Jack Duckett (Associate Director, Consumer Lifestyles, Mintel Reports UK)

How we clean and care for our homes have taken on new meanings following the COVID-19 pandemic, potentially changing behaviours forever. In this episode, Mintel household analysts discuss the 2030 Global Household Care Trends - released at the start of 2020 - specifically looking at if and how the crisis is accelerating their predictions. And, while we have them, we ask their opinions on some innovative new household care products, including a device that turns tap water into a disinfectant, self-cleaning surfaces, and a cleaning product with just nine, simple ingredients. Host: Samantha Dover (Senior Beauty and Personal Care Analyst, Mintel Reports UK) Guests: Jamie Rosenberg (Senior Global Analyst), Rebecca Cullen (Senior Household Care Analyst, US), Richard Hopping (Global Household Analyst)

The evolution of the brand-consumer relationship is gaining momentum. Brands ask a lot of consumers, who, increasingly, are demanding more in return. Following the death of George Floyd in May 2020, brands were compelled to make statements admonishing racism and supporting racial justice. However, consumers want more than words. In this episode, Mintel experts in the fields of consumer behaviour, culture, trends, and lifestyles analyse what accountability, authenticity, and honesty mean for today's brand-consumer relationship, how it evolves within cancel culture, and what brands must consider when speaking up. In a world where public image is meticulously crafted, words are good, but action is what's important. If brands can't afford to be static, but can only be reactive for so long, the question remains: what's next? [Disclaimer: This episode was recorded June 12, 20202; since then Starbucks has reversed its decision to allow employees to wear Black Lives Matter apparel.] Host: Dana Macke (Associate Director, Mintel Reports US, Lifestyles and Leisure) Guests: Toya Mitchell (Senior Multicultural Analyst, Mintel Reports US), Lisa Dubina (Senior Analyst, Mintel Reports US, Culture and Identity), Alex Milinazzo (Trends Analyst), Jeannette Ornelas (Senior Digital Marketing Analyst, Comperemedia)