Mintel Little Conversation

Leading a Brand Through Change: Interview with Melissa Stevens, CMO of Fifth Third Bank

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 15:00:00 +0100

In this episode, host Andrew Davidson speaks with Melissa Stevens, Chief Marketing Officer at Fifth Third Bank, about the strategic acquisition of Comerica and what it means for brand integration in today’s competitive banking landscape. Melissa shares how the bank is balancing scale with authenticity—leveraging customer experience, community engagement, and AI-driven insights to build trust and drive growth. The conversation explores the challenges and opportunities of merging brands, and how a clear, customer-centric strategy can turn acquisition into long-term value.

Get in touch with Mintel Consulting to apply predictive insights to your specific growth goals.

Head over to Mintel’s LinkedIn to let us know what you think of this discussion about Fifth Third Bank's acquisition of Comerica, and visit mintel.com to become a member of our free Spotlight community.

Host:

Andrew Davidson, SVP/Chief Insights Officer, Comperemedia.

Guests:

Melissa Stephens, Chief Marketing Officer, Fifth Third Bank.

The Future of Insurance Affordability

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 14:00:00 +0100

Host Andrew Davidson, Mintel expert Kendall Gadie and industry veteran Marty Ellingsworth delve into the current insurance affordability crisis, exploring the factors driving rising premiums and the resulting shifts in consumer behavior. They discuss the impact of post-COVID changes, the role of agents and the strategies insurers are employing to navigate these challenges. Listen to find out more about the importance of AI and technology in shaping the future of insurance, as well as the need for effective communication of value to consumers who are increasingly price-sensitive.

Get in touch with Mintel Consulting to apply predictive insights to your specific growth goals.

Head over to Mintel’s LinkedIn to let us know what you think of this discussion about the insurance affordability crisis, and visit mintel.com to become a member of our free Spotlight community.

Host:

Andrew Davidson, SVP/Chief Insights Officer, Comperemedia.

Guests:

Kendall Gadie, Associate Director, Comperemedia.

Marty Ellingsworth, President, Salt Creek Analytics.

Leading Customer-Centric Change: Interview with Krista Phillips, Chief Customer Officer at M&T Bank

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 14:45:00 +0100

Host Andrew Davidson welcomes Krista Phillips, M&T Bank's first Chief Customer Officer, back to the podcast. Krista shares her journey and insights into the evolving role of customer experience in banking. With a career spanning major financial institutions, Krista discusses how customer insights can be leveraged to drive innovation and improve service delivery, highlighting specific examples of changes made based on customer feedback, such as streamlining onboarding processes and enhancing fraud detection communication.

Get in touch with Mintel Consulting to apply predictive insights to your specific growth goals.

Head over to Mintel’s LinkedIn to let us know what you think of this discussion about driving changes based on customer feedback, and visit mintel.com to become a member of our free Spotlight community.

Host:

Andrew Davidson, SVP/Chief Insights Officer, Comperemedia.

Guests:

Krista Phillips, Chief Customer Officer, M&T Bank.

Barclays’ Doug Villone on What’s Next for Co-Brand Partnerships

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 14:00:00 +0100

Host Andrew Davidson and Doug Villone, Head of US Cards & Partnerships at Barclays discuss the evolving landscape of credit card usage and the potential future partnerships that may shape commerce. Listen to learn more about the importance of understanding consumer behavior and the role of non-traditional retailers in the credit card ecosystem.

Get in touch with Mintel Consulting to apply predictive insights to your specific growth goals.

Head over to Mintel’s LinkedIn to let us know what you think of this discussion about non-traditional retailers in the credit card industry, and visit mintel.com to become a member of our free Spotlight community.

Host:

Andrew Davidson, SVP/Chief Insights Officer, Comperemedia.

Guests:

Doug Villone, Head of US Cards & Partnerships, Barclays.

Inside United’s Co-Brand Strategy: A Conversation with Bob Daly

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 14:00:00 +0100

Go inside United Airlines’ co-brand strategy with host Andrew Davidson and Bob Daly, Managing Director of Global Co-Brand Cards. In this episode, we break down United’s recent card relaunch with Chase, the airline’s bold move into debit, and how a 360° career across consulting, banking, and airlines shaped Bob’s view of what truly drives loyalty. Listen to find out where co-brand programs are heading next and how leading brands are reimagining value for travelers.

Get in touch with Mintel Consulting to apply predictive insights to your specific growth goals.

Head over to Mintel’s LinkedIn to let us know what you think of this discussion about bold co-branding strategies, and visit mintel.com to become a member of our free Spotlight community.

Host:

Andrew Davidson, SVP/Chief Insights Officer, Comperemedia.

Guests:

Bob Daly, Managing Director, Global Co-Brand Cards, United Airlines.

Bold Thinking and the Craft of Insight

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 13:00:00 +0100

Notes: What does it really take to turn information into insight — and insight into impact? Host Andrew Davidson is joined by David Faulkner, Senior Director at Mintel, as he reflects on a remarkable career championing the art of insight across some of the world’s leading food and beverage brands. Together they explore why bold thinking matters, how to move beyond data to meaning, and what the rise of AI means for the future of insight and creativity.

Get in touch with Mintel Consulting to apply predictive insights to your specific growth goals.

Head over to Mintel’s LinkedIn to let us know what you think of this discussion about bold thinking and the future of insights, and visit mintel.com to become a member of our free Spotlight community.

Host:

Andrew Davidson, SVP/Chief Insights Officer, Comperemedia.

Guests:

David Faulkner, Senior Director, Food and Drink Insights.

Additional links:

Video: “FAGE: Wherever You Want It” by FAGE Source: YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lNLhysjTVgE

Video: “Meet Lazlo: The Most Boring Pet in the World” by Catherine McEver Source: YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7ai7MQgmSw

Video: “The Remote Work Revolution | The Prof G Show” by The Prof G Pod – Scott Galloway Source: YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hkWFeSmfAnA

What Premium Really Means Now: A Conversation with Citi’s Pam Habner

Tue, 21 Oct 2025 11:00:00 +0100

Host Andrew Davidson speaks with Pam Habner, Head of US Branded Cards and Lending at Citi, about the launch of the Strata Elite Card and its strategic positioning in the competitive credit card market. Pam shares insights on consumer preferences, marketing strategies, and the importance of flexibility in rewards. Listen to the conversation about the evolving landscape of premium credit cards, the impact of AI on financial services, and leadership lessons from Pam's extensive experience in the industry.

Download Comperemedia’s FREE 2025 Global Financial Services Trends and get in touch with our consultants to learn more about how the trends apply to your brand.

Head over to Mintel’s LinkedIn to let us know what you think of this discussion about the state of premium cards, and visit mintel.com to become a member of our free Spotlight community.

Host:

Andrew Davidson, SVP/Chief Insights Officer, Comperemedia.

Guest:

Pam Habner, Head of US Branded Cards and Lending, Citi.

Rewarding Car Payments: Interview with Fasten founder Jacob Zachs

Mon, 29 Sep 2025 11:06:00 +0100

Host Andrew Davidson speaks with Jacob Zachs, founder and CEO of Fasten Rewards, about the innovative Fasten Rewards Visa credit card, which uniquely offers points on auto-related expenses such as loans, leases, insurance, and maintenance. Jacob discusses the card's target market, early adoption insights and the challenges of launching a new financial product. Listen to the conversation and find out more about marketing strategies, dealer partnerships, and the competitive landscape, highlighting Fasten's unique value proposition in the auto financing space.

Download Comperemedia’s FREE 2025 Global Financial Services Trends and get in touch with our consultants to learn more about how the trends apply to your brand.

Head over to Mintel’s LinkedIn to let us know what you think of this discussion about rewarding car payments, and visit mintel.com to become a member of our free Spotlight community.

Host:

Andrew Davidson, SVP/Chief Insights Officer, Comperemedia.

Guest:

Jacob Zachs, Founder and CEO, Fasten Rewards

Inside Subprime Credit: Interview with David Johnson, CEO of Vervent

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 10:00:00 +0100

Host Andrew Davidson is joined by David Johnson, CEO of Vervent, to explore the company’s journey from a specialist provider to a global force in financial services. They unpack how economic uncertainty is reshaping consumer needs — particularly among subprime audiences — and how Vervent is responding with innovation, agility and a consumer-first mindset. David shares his perspective on building trust in financial services, the evolving role of brand strategy, and how AI is shaping the future of the industry.

Download Comperemedia’s FREE 2025 Global Financial Services Trends and get in touch with our consultants to learn more about how the trends apply to your brand.

Head over to Mintel’s LinkedIn to let us know what you think of this discussion about subprime credit, and visit mintel.com to become a member of our free Spotlight community.

Host:

Andrew Davidson, SVP/Chief Insights Officer, Comperemedia.

Guest:

David Johnson, CEO & Founder, Vervent.

Building Brands with Purpose: Interview with Tati Lindenberg from Unilever

Thu, 11 Sep 2025 10:00:00 +0100

Mintel experts speak with Tati Lindenberg, Chief Brand Officer of Unilever's Dirt is Good brand, about leadership, consumer trends & purpose-driven branding in FMCG. Tati shares insights on adapting to local markets while maintaining a global brand identity and the future of fabric care in a technology-driven world. Listen to the conversation to find out more about consumer trends in fabric care, sustainability efforts, and the significance of storytelling in advertising.

Head over to Mintel’s LinkedIn to let us know what you think of this thought-provoking conversation about leadership in FMCG. Download Mintel's FREE 2025 Global Consumer Trends and get in touch with our consultants to learn more about how the trends apply to your brand.

Coming this October: Mintel’s 2026 Global Consumer Predictions—insights to shape the year ahead; visit mintel.com to become a member of our free Spotlight community to get our latest updates.

Host:

Andrew McDougall, Director, Mintel Beauty and Personal Care.

Guests:

Tati Lindenberg, Chief Brand Officer, Dirt is Good, Unilever.

David Jago, Principal Consultant, Mintel Consulting.

Inside the Upgrade Card: Interview with Sumit Agarwal, Head of Cards at Upgrade

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 15:00:00 +0100

Host Andrew Davidson speaks with Sumit Agarwal, Head of Cards at Upgrade, about the innovative financial products offered by Upgrade, including the unique Upgrade Card and the new OneCard. They discuss the company's mission to provide responsible credit solutions and the challenges of marketing these products. Listen to find out more about the future of financial services, particularly the role of AI in transforming the industry.

Download Comperemedia’s FREE 2025 Global Financial Services Trends and get in touch with our consultants to learn more about how the trends apply to your brand.

Head over to Mintel’s LinkedIn to let us know what you think of the discussion, and visit mintel.com to become a member of our free Spotlight community.

Host:

Andrew Davidson, SVP/Chief Insights Officer, Comperemedia.

Guest:

Sumit Agarwal, Head of Cards, Upgrade.

Credit Card Transformation: Interview with Adam Boyd, Head of Consumer Lending at Citizens

Wed, 13 Aug 2025 15:00:00 +0100

Host Andrew Davidson speaks with Adam Boyd, Head of Consumer Lending at Citizens, about the bank's strategic shift in its credit card offerings. The discussion covers the rationale behind the overhaul and the bank's approach to marketing and customer engagement. Listen to find out more about the importance of understanding customer needs and why it's crucial to remain committed to maintaining a relationship-focused strategy in a competitive market.

Download Comperemedia’s FREE 2025 Global Financial Services Trends and get in touch with our consultants to learn more about how the trends apply to your brand.

Head over to Mintel’s LinkedIn to let us know what you think of the discussion about relationship-focused strategies in banking, and visit mintel.com to become a member of our free Spotlight community.

Host:

Andrew Davidson, SVP/Chief Insights Officer, Comperemedia.

Guest:

Adam Boyd, Head of Consumer Lending, Citizens.

Building Financial Futures for Gen Z: Interview with CJ MacDonald, Founder and CEO of Step

Wed, 23 Jul 2025 14:00:00 +0100

Host Andrew Davidson speaks with CJ MacDonald, Founder and CEO of Step, a fintech company focused on providing financial services tailored for Gen Z. They discuss the inspiration behind Step, the challenges faced in the highly regulated financial services space, and the innovative products offered. Listen to find out more about the importance of building credit for young consumers and how Step aims to grow with its users as they transition into adulthood.

Download Comperemedia’s FREE 2025 Global Financial Services Trends and get in touch with our consultants to learn more about how the trends apply to your brand.

Head over to Mintel’s LinkedIn to let us know what you think of the discussion about providing financial services to Gen Z, and visit mintel.com to become a member of our free Spotlight community.

Host:

Andrew Davidson, SVP/Chief Insights Officer, Comperemedia.

Guest:

CJ MacDonald, Founder and CEO, Step.

Talking Tariffs: The New Rules of Marketing Under Pressure

Fri, 18 Jul 2025 07:29:00 +0100

Mintel Little Conversation's new mini-series explores the impact of tariffs worldwide. In this series’ third episode, our experts explore consumer sentiment surrounding US brands, and how they may need to rethink their marketing strategies. Are brands going to cut back on marketing spend? Listen to find out more!

Get in touch with our Consultants to learn about how shifting global trends apply to your brand.

Head over to Mintel’s LinkedIn and let us know how tariffs are impacting your purchasing decisions. Don't forget to visit mintel.com to become a member of our free Spotlight community.

Host:

Lynn Dornblaser, Client Advisor, Mintel.

Guests:

Nicole Bond, Director of Marketing Strategy, Comperemedia.

Paris Hogan, Principal Consultant.

Membership and trust in disruptive financial products

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 16:00:00 +0100

Host Andrew Davidson speaks with Meera Iyer, CMO of SoFi Lending, about the innovative strategies and products that SoFi is implementing to disrupt the financial services industry. Listen to find out more about how SoFi is helping members achieve financial independence, and the role of education and trust in marketing disruptive financial products.

Download Comperemedia’s FREE 2025 Global Financial Services Trends and get in touch with our consultants to learn more about how the trends apply to your brand.

Head over to Mintel’s LinkedIn to let us know what you think of the discussion, and visit mintel.com to become a member of our free Spotlight community.

Host:

Andrew Davidson, SVP/Chief Insights Officer, Comperemedia.

Guest:

Meera Iyer, CMO, SoFi Lending.

Rewarding financial responsibility: Interview with Nate Bacon, Head of Consumer and Small Business Credit Cards at PNC

Wed, 18 Jun 2025 17:52:00 +0100

Host Andrew Davidson speaks with Nate Bacon, head of consumer and small business credit cards at PNC, about the bank's evolution from a regional player to a national competitor, particularly in the credit card space. They discuss PNC's new card launch which rewards responsible financial behavior, and the strategic focus on building customer relationships and trust. Listen to find out more about PNC's innovative marketing approaches in a competitive landscape.

Download Comperemedia’s FREE 2025 Global Financial Services Trends and get in touch with our consultants to learn more about how the trends apply to your brand.

Head over to Mintel’s LinkedIn to let us know what you think of the discussion, and visit mintel.com to become a member of our free Spotlight community.

Host:

Andrew Davidson, SVP/Chief Insights Officer, Comperemedia.

Guest:

Nate Bacon, Head of Consumer and Small Business Credit Cards, PNC.

Talking Tariffs - Impact of tariffs on US brands

Thu, 05 Jun 2025 14:30:00 +0100

Mintel Little Conversation's new mini-series explores the impact of tariffs worldwide. In the second episode of this series, our experts explore consumer sentiment surrounding US brands in Canada and the EU, discussing how localism is influencing consumer behavior, the complexities of brand perception, and strategies for US brands to navigate the landscape.

Get in touch with our Consultants to learn about how shifting global trends apply to your brand.

Head over to Mintel’s LinkedIn and let us know how tariffs are impacting your purchasing decisions. Don't forget to visit mintel.com to become a member of our free Spotlight community.

Host:

Lynn Dornblaser, Client Advisor, Mintel.

Guests:

Nick Carroll, Director of Retail Insight, Mintel

Scott Stewart, Associate Director for Lifestyles and Retail, Mintel.

Talking Tariffs - Changing consumer sentiment and behaviours

Mon, 19 May 2025 18:00:00 +0100

Mintel Little Conversation's new mini-series explore the impact of tariffs worldwide. The first episode explores the impact of tariffs on consumer sentiment and behavior in both the U.S. and European markets. Mintel consumer experts highlight the differences in consumer attitudes towards tariffs, the economic indicators affecting spending, and the strategies brands can adopt to navigate these challenges.

Get in touch with our Consultants to learn about how shifting global trends apply to your brand.

Head over to Mintel’s LinkedIn and let us know how tariffs are impacting your purchasing decisions. Don't forget to visit mintel.com to become a member of our free Spotlight community.

Host:

Lynn Dornblaser, Client Advisor, Mintel.

Guests:

Andrew Davidson, SVP/Chief Insights Officer, Comperemedia.

Rich Shepherd, Category Director - Financial Services and Social Research, Mintel.

Accessible credit solutions: Interview with Self Financial CEO Julie Szudarek

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 06:00:00 +0100

Host Andrew Davidson speaks with Julie Szudarek, CEO of Self Financial, about accessible credit solutions for consumers facing financial challenges. Listen to the discussion about innovative credit builder products, customer success stories, and how Self adapts to economic changes.

Download Comperemedia’s FREE 2025 Global Financial Services Trends and get in touch with our consultants to learn more about how the trends apply to your brand.

Head over to Mintel’s LinkedIn to let us know what you think of the discussion, and visit mintel.com to become a member of our free Spotlight community.

Host: Andrew Davidson, SVP/Chief Insights Officer, Comperemedia.

Guest: Julie Szudarek, CEO, Self Financial.

Innovation and Trends at Natural Products Expo West

Tue, 25 Mar 2025 17:59:00 +0100

Food and drink experts at Mintel discuss key innovative products and trends observed at the Natural Products Expo West. They explore the rise of hydration-focused products, the impact of upcycled ingredients, and the evolving snacking landscape. Listen to find out more about innovative cooking solutions, emerging flavors, and the importance of community and provenance in food products.

Download Mintel's FREE 2025 Global Food and Drink Trends and get in touch with our Consultants to learn about how the trends apply to your brand.

Head over to Mintel’s LinkedIn and let us know which innovative products caught your attention at Natural Products Expo West. Don't forget to visit mintel.com to become a member of our free Spotlight community.

Host: Lynn Dornblaser, Client Advisor, Mintel.

Guests: Stephanie Mattucci, Director, Mintel Food and Drink.

Rewarding homeowners: Interview with Mesa co-founder and CEO Kelley Halpin

Fri, 31 Jan 2025 18:00:00 +0100

Host Andrew Davidson interviews Kelley Halpin, co-founder and CEO of Mesa, about the innovative Mesa Homeowners Card, which rewards homeowners for their mortgage payments and other home-related expenses. Listen to the discussion about the value proposition of the card, the challenges of launching a fintech product, and the importance of consumer insights in shaping the product's features.

Download Comperemedia’s FREE 2025 Global Financial Services Trends and get in touch with our consultants to learn more about how the trends apply to your brand.

Head over to Mintel’s LinkedIn to let us know what you think of the discussion, and visit mintel.com to become a member of our free Spotlight community.

Host: Andrew Davidson, SVP/Chief Insights Officer, Comperemedia.

Guest: Kelley Halpin, co-founder and CEO, Mesa.

Food and Drink Trends for 2025 and beyond

Fri, 17 Jan 2025 18:00:00 +0100

Food and drink experts at Mintel explore key trends in 2025, focusing on the importance of nutrition, supply chain challenges, and the integration of technology in agriculture. Listen to find out how consumers are navigating contradictory desires for health and indulgence, the impact of global events on food sourcing, and the role of innovation in meeting evolving consumer expectations.

Download Mintel's FREE 2025 Global Food and Drink Trends and get in touch with our Consultants to learn about how the trends apply to your brand.

Head over to Mintel’s LinkedIn and let us know what trend you think will have the most impact in 2025. Don't forget to visit mintel.com to become a member of our free Spotlight community.

Host:

Lynn Dornblaser, Client Advisor, Mintel.

Guests:

David Jago, Principal Consultant, Mintel Consulting.

Jenny Zegler, Director, Mintel Food & Drink.

Brand transformation: Interview with Bread Financial’s CMO Nick Antonelli

Mon, 06 Jan 2025 18:00:00 +0100

Host Andrew Davidson sits down with Nick Antonelli, Chief Marketing Officer from Bread Financial, to talk about the strategies for building brand awareness, and the diversification of products and services. Listen to find out more about the importance of partnerships, consumer engagement, and the evolving marketing landscape in the credit card industry.

Download Comperemedia’s FREE 2025 Global Financial Services Trends and get in touch with our consultants to learn more.

Head over to Mintel’s LinkedIn to let us know what you think of today's episode, and visit mintel.com to become a member of our free Spotlight community.

Host: Andrew Davidson, SVP/Chief Insights Officer, Comperemedia.

Guest: Nick Antonelli, Senior Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer, Bread Financial.

Beauty and Personal Care Trends for 2025 and beyond

Fri, 13 Dec 2024 18:01:00 +0100

Beauty and personal care experts at Mintel explore key beauty trends in 2025. Listen to find out more about the three themes that we think will be influential in 2025 and beyond: embracing ownership and individuality while prioritising functional efficacy, the merging of climate-adaptive beauty, localism and minimalism, and, finally, back-to-basics through comfort, nostalgia and slow living.

Download Mintel's FREE 2025 Global Beauty and Personal Care Trends and get in touch with our consultants to learn more.

Head over to Mintel’s LinkedIn to let us know what you think of today's episode, and visit mintel.com to become a member of our free Spotlight community.

Host:

Andrew McDougall, Director, Mintel Beauty and Personal Care.

Guests:

Alex Fisher, Associate Principal Consultant, Mintel Consulting.

Clotilde Drape, Global Beauty Analyst, Mintel.

Vivienne Rudd, Senior Consultant, Mintel Consulting.

Buy Now Pay Later: Interview with Zip’s CMO Jinal Shah

Tue, 12 Nov 2024 18:00:00 +0100

Host Andrew Davidson sits down with Jinal Shah, GM, Shopping & CMO at Zip, to talk about the growth and evolution of the Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) sector. Listen as they discuss BNPL’s target audience, marketing strategies, corporate commitment to financial literacy and the importance of responsible lending practices. Tune into the conversation to find out more about the future of BNPL and the opportunities it presents for both consumers and marketers.

Download our FREE 2025 Financial Services Marketing Trends and get in touch with our consultants to learn more.

Head over to Mintel’s LinkedIn to share your take on how BNPL impacts consumer trends, and visit mintel.com to become a member of our free Spotlight community.

Timestamps:

(00:03) Introduction

(01:56) BNPL market growth

(05:14) Target audience of BNPL and evolution

(10:15) Competition in the BNPL space

(13:59) Responsible lending and transparency

(18:23) Marketing strategy and innovation

(28:43) Future plans and aspiration

(32:22) Career advice for aspiring marketeers

(38:56) Closing thoughts and takeaways

Host: Andrew Davidson, SVP, Chief Insights Officer, Comperemedia.

Guest: Jinal Shah, GM, Shopping & CMO, Zip.

US Election: American values and consumer sentiment

Fri, 01 Nov 2024 17:00:00 +0100

Culture and brand experts at Mintel explore consumer sentiment during the US election season, focusing on the stress and anxiety consumers are currently experiencing. How are brands navigating political engagement? Listen now to find out more about the evolving relationship between consumers and brands in a politically charged environment.

Disclaimer: This content does not endorse any political party, candidate, or stance in the 2024 US presidential election.

Browse Mintel’s Cultural and Identity research and buy a report here, and get in touch with our consultants to learn more.

Head over to Mintel’s LinkedIn to share your take on what brands should do to engage consumers, and visit mintel.com to become a member of our free Spotlight community.

Host:

Lynn Dornblaser, Client Advisor, Mintel.

Guests:

BJ Pichman, Principal Consultant, Mintel Consulting.

Lisa Dubina, Associate Director for Culture and Identity, Mintel.

The Future of Travel Credit Cards with Citi: Interview with Anthony Merola, Head of Proprietary Products for Citi Branded Cards

Tue, 15 Oct 2024 16:56:00 +0100

In today's episode, host Andrew Davidson sits down with Anthony Merola, Head of Proprietary Products for Citi Branded Cards, to discuss Citi's vision for its credit card products and the rise of travel credit cards. Listen to find out more about the importance of customer feedback in driving product innovation and how financial powerhouses navigate the increasingly competitive landscape of the credit card industry.

Download our FREE 2025 Financial Services Marketing Trends to hear our predictions on the future of the industry.

Head over to Mintel’s LinkedIn to share your take on the future of branded travel cards, and visit mintel.com to become a member of our free Spotlight community.

Host:

Andrew Davidson, SVP, Chief Insights Officer, Comperemedia.

Guest:

Anthony Merola, Head of Proprietary Products for Citi Branded Cards.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introduction to Citi and the travel credit card landscape

(02:57) Citi's vision and how it relates to product development

(07:17) What gave rise to travel credit cards

(09:49) Brand cards refresh - how did it go

(12:07) The branding of Citi Strata Premier

(21:40) Impact of inflation on consumer spending

(23:30) Looking ahead: Innovations and customer engagement

The Silver Economy: Understanding the 55+ consumer

Mon, 07 Oct 2024 18:39:00 +0100

Join Mintel food and drink experts as they delve into the characteristics of the 55+ consumer group. They discuss the diverse needs of this demographic and the stereotypes that often misrepresent them, and look into the marketing challenges brands face when targeting this audience. Listen to understand the unique preferences of older consumers, including their desire for familiar, natural, and affordable products.

Learn more about our Gen X and Seniors (65+) research and buy a report here.

Head over to Mintel’s LinkedIn to share your take on 55+ consumers, and visit mintel.com to become a member of our free Spotlight community; Mintel clients can read our insight pieces on the Silver Economy here.

Host:

Lynn Dornblaser, Client Advisor, Mintel.

Guest:

Jonny Forsyth, Senior Director, Mintel Food & Drink.

Global Outlook on Sustainability 2024: Bridging the value-action gap

Mon, 16 Sep 2024 16:26:00 +0100

Mintel sustainability experts discuss the evolving landscape of consumer attitudes towards sustainability and climate change. They explore the mixed outcomes of consumer engagement, the challenges brands face in addressing consumer skepticism and the importance of health and wellness in the sustainability narrative. Join the conversation to find out how companies can achieve sustainability through efficiency and the need for brands to engage consumers with transparent practices.

Learn more about Mintel's Global Outlook on Sustainability: A Consumer Study 2024-25 and buy the report here.

Head over to Mintel’s LinkedIn to share your take on consumer sustainability, and visit mintel.com to become a member of our free Spotlight community.

Host:

Andrew Davidson, SVP, Chief Insights Officer, Comperemedia.

Guest:

Richard Cope, Senior Trends Consultant, Mintel Consulting.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introduction to sustainability trends

(03:08) Consumer engagement with climate Change

(05:55) Global perspectives on climate change

(09:20) Demographics and climate engagement

(11:32) Skepticism and corporate responsibility

(13:47) The Value-Action gap in sustainability

(17:10) Emerging sustainable behaviors

(21:08) Health and sustainability intersection

(25:19) Brand strategies for sustainability

Future of Credit Cards: Interview with Krista Phillips, CMO, Consumer Lending at Wells Fargo

Fri, 23 Aug 2024 18:15:00 +0100

In today's episode, host Andrew Davidson sits down with Krista Phillips, CMO for Consumer Lending at Wells Fargo, to discuss the competitive credit card marketing landscape, including marketing to Gen Z, the role of AI in marketing, and excitement around product innovation for financial institutions. Join the conversation with one of the credit card industry's leading figures, learn what it takes to shake up the status quo and lead a brand to new heights in a fiercely competitive market.

Learn more about Mintel Comperemedia’s 2024 Financial Services Marketing Trends and download our free insight piece.

Head over to Mintel’s LinkedIn to share your take on the future of credit cards, and visit mintel.com to become a member of our free Spotlight community.

Host:

Andrew Davidson, SVP, Chief Insights Officer, Mintel Comperemedia.

Guest:

Krista Phillips, CMO for Consumer Lending, Wells Fargo.

Declining FMCG innovation: What should brands do?

Fri, 09 Aug 2024 18:00:00 +0100

Mintel innovation experts discuss how critical new product development is at this pivotal moment in the FMCG industry. They reveal surprising data from Mintel Global New Product Database, showing declines in innovation, and share insight into the key drivers behind the trend. Join the discussion about what successful innovation looks like and the competitive edge it offers brands. Get the experts' take on the looming threats to big brands as Mintel predicts a coming wave of innovation competition.

Learn more about The Role of Innovation in the Future of the CPG Industry and download our free insight piece.

Head over to Mintel’s LinkedIn to let us know what you think of this episode, and visit mintel.com to become a member of our free Spotlight community.

Host:

Lynn Dornblaser, Principal Consultant, Mintel Consulting.

Guest:

Jonny Forsyth, Senior Director, Mintel Food & Drink.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introduction

(01:05) Importance of innovation in FMCG

(02:25) Decline of true innovation in the industry

(08:20) Impact of the economic downturn on innovation

(11:08) Rise of private label brands

(15:36) Need for big brands to innovate faster

(17:41) Embracing digital technology for innovation

(19:06) Understanding consumer needs and using data and AI

(21:28) Should brands focus on their core business or work on innovation

(25:47) Conclusion and key takeaways

Paris 2024: What Marketers need to know about the Olympics

Sat, 27 Jul 2024 12:41:00 +0100

Brand and marketing experts from Mintel talk about the Paris 2024 Olympics and what this means for brands. Is there a pivotal role of TikTok in reaching Gen Z audiences? How do athletes and brands alike leverage different platforms for maximum impact? Join this engaging discussion that bridges the gap between marketing strategies and the ever-evolving landscape of social media during one of the world's most anticipated sporting events.

Head over to Mintel’s LinkedIn to let us know what you think of this episode, and visit mintel.com to become a member of our free Spotlight community.

Learn more about Mintel Comperemedia's 2024 Telecom and Media Marketing Trends. Read our media and advertising insights about the Olympics here.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introduction and Advertising Spend for Paris 2024 Olympics

(04:38) The Impact of the Olympics on Fitness Trends

(10:54) Marketing Strategies During the Games

(19:19) The Merging of Pop Culture and Sports

(22:51) The Role of TikTok in Engaging Gen Z

(28:31) Key takeaways

Host:

Andrew Davidson, SVP/Chief Insights Officer, Mintel Comperemedia.

Guests:

Bella Broccolo, Associate Research Analyst, Mintel Comperemedia.

Diana Kelter, Associate Director, Mintel Trends, North America.

Are ultra-processed foods the new tobacco?

Fri, 19 Jul 2024 18:00:00 +0100

Food industry experts at Mintel dive into the complex world of ultra-processed foods (UPFs). They discuss consumer understanding of food processing and the impact of clean label trends. How do global variations in food regulations and market preferences pose challenges for the food industry? Tune in to find out more!

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Find out how Mintel Consulting helps you make better strategic marketing decisions. Discover Mintel Ingredientscape AI and innovate with confidence.

Timestamps:

(00:03) Introduction

(01:21) Discussion on Clean Label and consumer understanding

(04:40) NutriScore and its adoption

(06:52) WHO study on Ultra-Processed Foods

(08:45) Convenience and affordability as purchase drivers

(11:12) Industry response to Ultra-Processed Foods

(13:44) Regulatory challenges for the food industry

(15:33) Varying demographic perception to Ultra-Processed Foods

(18:03) What do young consumers think

(22:05) Key takeaways

Host:

Lynn Dornblaser, Principal Consultant, Mintel Consulting.

Guests:

David Jago, Principal Consultant, Mintel Consulting.

Stephanie Mattucci, CFS, Director, Food and Drink Research, Mintel.

How Euro 2024 affects consumer travel, leisure and spending

Fri, 05 Jul 2024 18:00:00 +0100

Travel and leisure experts from Mintel look into how Euro 2024 is generating consumer excitement in Europe. They dive into the ripple effects of the Euro 2024 on consumer habits across Europe, discussing trends in travel, hospitality, technology, and retail. The conversation reveals insights into how the excitement around the tournament influences various sectors, including the impact on the hospitality industry, changes in consumer purchasing behaviours, and innovative marketing strategies employed by brands to capitalise on this major sporting event.

Head over to Mintel’s LinkedIn to let us know what you think of this episode, and visit mintel.com to become a member of our free Spotlight community.

Visit the Mintel Store to explore all our research on the European Leisure market.

Timestamps:

(00:03) Introduction by Andrew McDougall

(01:18) General trends in consumer behaviour during Euro 2024

(04:40) German consumer behaviour and cultural influences

(06:58) Impact on the travel industry in Germany and the UK

(09:49) UK travel and hospitality industry reactions

(13:17) Influence on technology and retail sectors

(20:12) Brand campaigns about Euro 2024 that energise consumers

(26:10) Engaging consumers using social media during sporting events

(28:55) Opportunities for brands to engage with women during sporting events

(31:54) Takeaways

Host:

Andrew McDougall, Director, Mintel Beauty and Personal Care.

Guests:

Paul Davies, Category Director, Technology and Consumer Leisure, Mintel.

Silvia Hondt, Senior Analyst, Travel and Leisure, Mintel.

How AI is supercharging market research and innovation

Mon, 10 Jun 2024 12:59:00 +0100

Data science experts from Mintel look into how Generative AI can supercharge market research and help market intelligence experts make better analysis faster.

Head over to Mintel’s LinkedIn to let us know what you think of this episode, and visit mintel.com to become a member of our free Spotlight community.

Learn more about Mintel Leap - Market Intelligence AI delivering instant answers to your strategic questions, and book a free demo here.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Intro

(01:34) What is the Fear of Being Obsolete (FOBO) for businesses looking to use AI

(11:42) Risks of adopting new technology earlier than planned

(13:13) How should businesses devise an AI strategy

(19:40) Use cases and how AI supercharges experts in market research

(26:58) Using AI to create better models and analysis

(33:03) Evolution of AI in market research in the near future

Host:

Andrew McDougall, Director, Mintel Beauty and Personal Care.

Guests:

Ben Arnold, Global Head of Data Science, Mintel.

Jason Thomson, SVP of Innovation, Mintel.

Untapped opportunity: Women's sports marketing

Sat, 25 May 2024 18:50:00 +0100

Marketing experts from Mintel explain why now is the time for brands to consider partnerships and advertising in women's sports.

Head over to Mintel’s LinkedIn to let us know what you think about more brands expanding into women's sports, and visit mintel.com to become a member of our free Spotlight community.

Learn more about the latest marketing trends at Comperemedia's Bolder Thinking Blog, and get a free copy of Comperemedia 2024 Omnichannel Marketing Trends.

Host:

Lynn Dornblaser, Principal Consultant, Mintel Consulting.

Guests:

Ema Lazic, Consultant, Mintel Consulting.

Nicole Bond, Associate Director, Marketing Strategy, Mintel Comperemedia.

Scent Stories: Fragrance trends to look out for in 2024

Fri, 03 May 2024 22:25:00 +0100

Host Andrew McDougall is joined by beauty and personal care expert Clotilde Drape in a discussion about the latest trends in the fragrance market. From emerging scents and celebrity fragrances to the prevalence of influencer marketing, listen to find out more about the trends that drive a consumer's olfactory journey!

Head over to Mintel’s LinkedIn to let us know what you think of today's episode, and visit mintel.com to become a member of our free Spotlight community.

Learn more about the Future of Fragrance 2024, and visit the Mintel Store to explore all our research on beauty and cosmetics.

Host:

Andrew McDougall, Director, Mintel Beauty and Personal Care.

Guest:

Clotilde Drape, Global Beauty Analyst, Mintel.

What can CPG brands learn from emerging product trends?

Fri, 12 Apr 2024 18:00:00 +0100

Host Lynn Dornblaser is joined by experts Melanie Bartelme and Michele Golden in a discussion about actionable takeaways for brands in Natural Products Expo West. From innovative ingredients such as dates and mushrooms, to cutting-edge packaging solutions in beauty and personal care, listen to find out more!

Head over to Mintel’s LinkedIn to let us know what you think of today's episode, and visit mintel.com to become a member of our free Spotlight community.

Visit the Mintel Store to explore all our research on ingredients and buy a report today. Learn more about Mintel Consulting and how Mintel helps brands make better strategic marketing decisions.

Host:

Lynn Dornblaser, Principal Consultant, Mintel Consulting.

Guests:

Melanie Bartelme, Associate Director, Mintel Food and Drink.

Michele Golden, Director, Mintel Consulting.

Wellness trends in the age of Ozempic

Fri, 29 Mar 2024 18:00:00 +0100

Host Lynn Dornblaser is joined by consumer experts Diana Kelter and Jenny Zegler in a discussion about Ozempic’s impact on the food, drink, health, and wellness industries. Our experts discuss pharmaceutical interventions and holistic well-being in the age of wellness drugs. What should brands do to help consumers pursue a healthy lifestyle? Listen now to find out!

Head over to Mintel’s LinkedIn to let us know what you think of today's episode, and visit mintel.com to become a member of our free Spotlight community.

Visit the Mintel Store to explore all our health and well-being research and buy a report today.

Host:

Lynn Dornblaser, Principal Consultant, Mintel Consulting.

Guests:

Diana Kelter, Associate Director, Consumer Trends.

Jenny Zegler, Director, Mintel Food & Drink and Global Consumer.

What happened to the Metaverse?

Fri, 15 Mar 2024 17:40:00 +0100

Host Andrew Davidson is joined by technology experts Brian Benway and Jan Urbanek in a discussion about the Metaverse. Our experts shed light on the latest technological and hardware advancements and marketing strategies from Big Tech. What will it take for the Metaverse to gain mainstream popularity? Listen now to find out!

Head over to Mintel’s LinkedIn to let us know what you think of today's episode, and visit mintel.com to become a member of our free Spotlight community.

Visit the Mintel Store to explore all our technology research and buy a report today.

Host:

Andrew Davidson, SVP/Chief Insights Officer, Mintel Comperemedia.

Guests:

Brian Benway, Senior Analyst, Gaming and Entertainment, Mintel Reports US.

Jan Urbanek, Senior Analyst, Consumer Technology, Mintel Reports Germany.

Gen Alpha - The New Frontier for Beauty Brands

Fri, 01 Mar 2024 23:51:00 +0100

Host Andrew McDougall is joined by Base Beauty founder Jodi Katz to discuss Generation Alpha, the youngest generation of consumers already affecting the beauty industry. How will Gen Alpha's exposure to technology, social media, and diverse cultural influences shape their perception of beauty? What should brands do to communicate and engage with this tech-savvy and trend-setting cohort? Listen now to find out more!

Download Mintel's 2024 Global Beauty and Personal Care Trends for FREE and browse the Mintel Store for more beauty research.

Head over to Mintel’s LinkedIn to let us know what you think of today's episode, and visit mintel.com to become a member of our free Spotlight community.

Host:

Andrew McDougall, Director, Mintel Beauty & Personal Care.

Guests:

Jodi Katz, Founder & Creative Director, Base Beauty Creative Agency.

How 2024 Marketing Trends played out in Super Bowl LVIII

Fri, 16 Feb 2024 20:21:00 +0100

Mintel Little Conversation is back for a new season! In this new episode, host Lynn Dornblaser is joined by Kaitlin Ceckowski and Nicole Bond to discuss marketing trends and highlights from Super Bowl LVIII. Which ads worked and which could have performed better? What precedent does the Super Bowl set for marketing in 2024, and what trends should we expect to see this year? Listen now to find out more!

Download Mintel's 2024 Omnichannel Marketing Trends for FREE and browse the Mintel Store for more media and marketing research.

Head over to Mintel’s LinkedIn to let us know what you think of today's episode, and visit mintel.com to become a member of our free Spotlight community.

Host:

Lynn Dornblaser, Principal Consultant, Mintel Consulting.

Guests:

Kaitlin Ceckowski, Associate Principal Consultant, Mintel Consulting.

Nicole Bond, Associate Director, Marketing Strategy, Mintel Comperemedia

How is consumers' perception of value changing in 2024?

Tue, 12 Dec 2023 17:02:00 +0100

Host Andrew Davidson is joined by consumer research experts Diana Kelter (Mintel) and Pamela Marsh (Omnicom) to discuss the consumer trends that will drive behaviour in 2024. As consumers have increasingly diverse ideas of what 'quality' means, how can brands engage with consumers as they are becoming more realistic and self-serving in their search for value? Listen now to find out more about Mintel's 2024 Global Consumer Trend, 'More than Money'.

Download Mintel's 2024 Global Consumer Trends for FREE and browse the Mintel Store for reports.

Head over to Mintel’s LinkedIn to let us know what you think of today's episode, and visit mintel.com to become a member of our free Spotlight community.

Host:

Andrew Davidson, SVP/Chief Insights Officer, Mintel Comperemedia.

Guests:

Diana Kelter, Associate Director, Mintel Trends, North America.

Pamela Marsh, Ph.D., Managing Director, Primary Research, Omnicom Media Group.

How generative AI changes consumer lifestyles

Tue, 28 Nov 2023 16:04:00 +0100

Host Andrew McDougall sits down with technology experts Jason Thomson and Thomas Slide to discuss the future of generative AI. What can brands do to connect with consumers using the latest generative AI technology? How will this change the way consumers look for information, and what is the next "big" breakthrough in this space? Listen to find out more.

Head over to Mintel’s LinkedIn to let us know what you think of today's episode, and visit mintel.com to become a member of our free Spotlight community.

Learn more about Mintel's products and solutions, browse our technology market research and buy a report today by visiting the Mintel Store.

Has plant-based peaked?

Mon, 13 Nov 2023 23:27:00 +0100

Host Elysha Young is joined by food and drink experts Alice Pilkington, Megan Stanton, and Food Frontier's executive director Dr. Simon Eassom in a discussion of everything plant-based. Are we reaching peak veganism? Do opportunities still exist for meat alternatives brands? Listen to the conversation to find out how our experts think plant-based products will fare in the future.

Head over to Mintel’s LinkedIn to let us know what you think of today's episode, and visit mintel.com to become a member of our free Spotlight community.

Browse all our vegan and plant-based market research and buy a report today by visiting the Mintel Store.

Host:

Elysha Young, Associate Director, Mintel Trends, APAC.

Guests:

Alice Pilkington, Senior Global Food and Drink Analyst, Mintel Food and Drink.

Megan Stanton, Associate Director South APAC, Food and Drink and Purchase Intelligence Insights.

Dr. Simon Eassom, Executive Director, Food Frontier.

Fintech and co-branding with Cardless co-founder Michael Spelfogel

Mon, 30 Oct 2023 21:53:00 +0100

Host Andrew Davidson speaks with Michael Spelfogel, Cardless Co-founder and President, at Money20/20 USA to discuss co-branded credit cards, brand partnerships and industry challenges for fintechs. Listen now to find out how technological innovation and data science is impacting the financial services market.

Join us live to explore 2024 Financial Services Marketing Trends, browse all our financial services market research and buy a report today by visiting the Mintel Store.

Head over to Mintel’s LinkedIn to let us know what you think of today's episode, and visit mintel.com to become a member of our free Spotlight community.

Host:

Andrew Davidson, SVP/Chief Insights Officer, Mintel Comperemedia.

Guests:

Michael Spelfogel, Co-founder & President, Cardless.

'Relationship Renaissance': Global Consumer Trends for 2024

Mon, 16 Oct 2023 21:43:00 +0100

Host Andrew Davidson is joined by consumer experts Dana Macke and Jenny Zegler in a discussion about Mintel's 2024 Global Consumer Trend 'Relationship Renaissance'. The trend predicts that consumers who find comfort through screens at the cost of meaningful, real-life relationships, will seek new forms of intimacy for the sake of their physical and mental health. Listen to find out more about the underlying motivations that will drive consumer spending and how brands should react to changing consumer behaviours.

Download Mintel's 2024 Global Consumer Trends for FREE and browse the Mintel Store for reports.

Head over to Mintel’s LinkedIn to let us know what you think of today's episode, and visit mintel.com to become a member of our free Spotlight community.

Host:

Andrew Davidson, SVP/Chief Insights Officer, Mintel Comperemedia.

Guests:

Dana Macke, Director of Mintel Trends, Americas.

Jenny Zegler, Director, Mintel Food & Drink.

Why brands should tap into live-stream shopping

Mon, 02 Oct 2023 21:39:00 +0100

Host Andrew McDougall is joined by experts Georgia Stafford, Kaitlin Ceckowski and Katie Hansen in a discussion about how live-stream shopping is transforming the customer experience, how marketers can tap into the trend and how brands can translate the increased engagement into revenue.

Head over to Mintel’s LinkedIn to let us know what you think of today's episode, and visit mintel.com to become a member of our free Spotlight community.

Find out more about social commerce, browse all our research on retail and ecommerce, and buy a report today by visiting the Mintel Store.

Host:

Andrew McDougall, Director, Mintel Beauty & Personal Care.

Guests:

Georgia Stafford, Beauty and Personal Care Analyst, Mintel Reports UK.

Kaitlin Ceckowski, Associate Director, Marketing Intelligence, Mintel Consulting.

Katie Hansen, Retail and Ecommerce Analyst, Mintel Reports US.

Pride Month backlash: Bud Light and Target

Tue, 19 Sep 2023 23:32:00 +0100

Reviewing recent corporate backlash in the US, host Lynn Dornblaser is joined by experts Kaitlin Ceckowski and Nicole Bond in a discussion of marketing do's and don'ts for brands when it comes to Pride Month.

Head over to Mintel’s LinkedIn to let us know what you think of today's episode, and visit mintel.com to become a member of our free Spotlight community.

Find out more about culture and identity in relation to consumer lifestyle, browse all our research on marketing and promotion, and buy a report today by visiting the Mintel Store.

Host:

Lynn Dornblaser, Director, Innovation and Insight, Mintel Consulting.

Guests:

Kaitlin Ceckowski, Associate Director, Marketing Intelligence, Mintel Consulting.

Nicole Bond, Associate Director, Marketing Strategy, Mintel Comperemedia.

Rewarded for a healthy lifestyle: Interview with Ness CEO Derek Flanzraich

Wed, 06 Sep 2023 06:43:00 +0100

Host Andrew Davidson interviews Ness CEO and Founder Derek Flanzraich on the health and wellness positioning of the Ness credit card, entrepreneurship and industry challenges. Mintel consumer trends expert Diana Kelter explores the relationship between financial wellness and mental health.

Head over to Mintel’s LinkedIn to let us know what you think of today's episode, and visit mintel.com to become a member of our free Spotlight community.

Find out more about financial services marketing trends in 2023 , browse all our US financial services research and buy a report today by visiting the Mintel Store.

Host:

Andrew Davidson, SVP/Chief Insights Officer, Mintel Comperemedia.

Guests:

Derek Flanzraich, Ness CEO and Founder.

Diana Kelter, Associate Director, Mintel Trends, North America.

What's behind ingredient innovation to support mood and cognition?

Mon, 21 Aug 2023 20:11:00 +0100

Host Lynn Dornblaser is joined by food scientist Stephanie Mattucci in a discussion about ingredients in food and drink that maintain brain function and support mood health. Do consumers really know the science behind buzzwords on product packaging? Listen to find out more about emerging ingredients to look out for - from everyday caffeine to ancient Ayurvedic medicine - and what marketers need to know before jumping into their next product innovation.

Head over to Mintel’s LinkedIn to let us know what you think of today's episode, and visit mintel.com to become a member of our free Spotlight community.

Learn more about Mintel's research on functional ingredients, browse all our ingredients research and buy a report today by visiting the Mintel Store.

Host:

Lynn Dornblaser, Director, Innovation and Insight, Mintel Consulting.

Guest:

Stephanie Mattucci, CFS, Director, Mintel Food & Drink and Mintel Purchase Intelligence Research.

Why brands are using astrology in their marketing strategy

Tue, 08 Aug 2023 21:58:00 +0100

Host Elysha Yong welcomes consumer lifestyle and marketing strategy experts to discuss how marketers are using astrology in campaigns. How are astrological signs impacting consumers' food and drink purchase decisions? Listen to the conversation to find out more about self-expression, decision paralysis, and astrology trends on social media.

Head over to Mintel’s LinkedIn to let us know what you think, or visit mintel.com to become a member of our free Spotlight community.

Learn more about Mintel's Global Consumer Trends, browse all our consumer research and buy a report today by visiting the Mintel Store.

*This episode is re-aired and was originally published in April 2022.

Host:

Elysha Young, Associate Director, Mintel Trends, APAC.

Guests:

Diana Kelter, Associate Director, Mintel Trends, North America.

Huiqi Ong, Senior Consumer Lifestyle Analyst, Mintel Reports.

Nicole Bond, Associate Director of Marketing Strategy, Mintel Comperemedia.

Can Meta's Threads be the new Twitter?

Tue, 25 Jul 2023 13:46:00 +0100

As Twitter undergoes a rebrand to 'X', will Meta's Threads replace Twitter? The newly dubbed 'Twitter killer,' Threads gained 30 million followers in the first 24 hours upon its release. Host Andrew Davidson is joined by media experts Marisa Frys and Rebecca McGrath for a discussion about what brands should know about Meta's newest text-based social media platform and its associated ecosystem.

Head over to Mintel’s LinkedIn to let us know what you think, or visit mintel.com to become a member of our free Spotlight community.

Learn more about Mintel's Media Landscape Report, browse all our consumer research and buy a report today by visiting the Mintel Store.

Host:

Andrew Davidson, SVP/Chief Insights Officer, Mintel Comperemedia.

Guests:

Marisa Frys, Digital Marketing Analyst, Mintel Comperemedia.

Rebecca McGrath, Associate Director, Media and Technology, Mintel Reports UK.

Sustainability in CPG innovation: How to effectively communicate sustainability claims and benefits

Tue, 11 Jul 2023 01:18:00 +0100

MLC's newest host, Lynn Dornblaser, is joined by consumer experts Jenny Zegler and Georgia Stafford for a discussion about how brands are innovating new product development in light of climate change and sustainability concerns. What are FMCG and CPG brands doing in the sustainability space? Why aren't brands effectively communicating their sustainable credentials? Listen now to find out what's resonating (and what's not) from new innovations, ingredients and product claims in response to consumers' growing sustainability concerns.

This episode explores key themes in Mintel 2023 Global Outlook on Sustainability: A Consumer Study report. Browse the brochure to learn how our research can help you understand consumers’ shifting values and attitudes toward sustainability and its impact on your business. Check out all our consumer sustainability research at the Mintel Store.

Head over to Mintel’s LinkedIn and share your thoughts and questions stemming from today's episode, or visit mintel.com to become a member of our free Spotlight community.

Host:

Lynn Dornblaser, Director, Innovation and Insight, Mintel Consulting.

Guests:

Jenny Zegler, Director, Mintel Food & Drink and Mintel Global Consumer.

Georgia Stafford, Beauty and Personal Care Analyst, Mintel Reports UK.

Global outlook on sustainability: What brands need to know about consumer behaviour

Mon, 26 Jun 2023 21:53:00 +0100

Host Andrew Davidson is joined by sustainability expert Richard Cope in a discussion about how water shortages became the fastest-growing environmental concern among consumers over the past year. How should brands be thinking about the issue of water shortages? What do brands need to know about the impact of climate change and other government initiatives going forward? Listen to find out more about why consumer attitudes toward sustainability are changing and how brands should respond to these new demands.

This episode is an overview of the Mintel 2023 Global Outlook on Sustainability: A Consumer Study report. Browse the brochure to learn how our research can help you understand consumers’ shifting values and attitudes toward sustainability and its impact on your business.

Head over to Mintel’s LinkedIn and share your thoughts and questions stemming from today's episode, or visit mintel.com to become a member of our free Spotlight community.

Host:

Andrew Davidson, SVP, Chief Insights Officer, Mintel Comperemedia.

Guest:

Richard Cope, Senior Trends Consultant, Mintel Consulting.

What do Asian consumers want from healthy food and drink products?

Sat, 17 Jun 2023 01:40:00 +0100

Host Elysha Young—joined by consumer and industry experts Shelley Mcmillan from Mintel Consulting and Sabeera Ali from Food Industry Asia—discusses how food and drink products play an important role in the health and wellness of consumers across Asia Pacific. Listen to learn how food and drink brands can better communicate health claims, why consumers are snacking differently, and how consumer preferences for healthy food and drink consumption have changed in recent years.

Head over to Mintel’s LinkedIn to share your thoughts on today's episode and visit mintel.com to become a member of our free Spotlight community. Learn more about how Mintel Consulting takes the guesswork out of a brand's process, solves business challenges and helps them move forward, faster and with confidence. Browse all our APAC consumer research and buy a report today in the Mintel Store.

Host:

Elysha Young, Associate Director, Mintel Trends, APAC.

Guests:

Sabeera Ali, Senior Manager, Public Affairs, Food Industry Asia.

Shelley Mcmillan, Head of Mintel Consulting, South APAC.

Affordable living: Changes in consumer habits during times of uncertainty

Mon, 29 May 2023 18:00:00 +0100

Host Andrew McDougall is joined by experts Nick Carroll and Samantha Dover in a discussion about affordability living as dupes and discounters become increasingly popular. Listen to find out more about this phenomenon and how affordable luxury can be a space for brands to grow as consumers seek indulgence in challenging times - as indicated by the lipstick effect.

Head over to Mintel’s LinkedIn to let us know what you think, or visit mintel.com to become a member of our free Spotlight community.

Learn more about Mintel's Economic Outlook Reports, browse all our consumer research and buy a report today by visiting the Mintel Store.

Host:

Andrew McDougall, Director, Mintel Beauty & Personal Care

Guests:

Nick Carroll, Category Director, Retail, Mintel Reports

Samantha Dover, Category Director, Beauty and Personal Care, Mintel Reports UK

Value perception - How brands can effectively communicate value to consumers

Mon, 15 May 2023 21:24:00 +0100

Host Samantha Dover, joined by Rebecca Vella, Director of Food & Drink Insights at Mintel, and Andrea Payne, Head of Marketing at Kraft Heinz, debate what creates brand value for consumers and how perceptions of value are changing. Listen to find out more about how brands and marketers should communicate value to consumers, the role transparency plays in overall brand strategy, and what opportunities exist for future consideration, including premiumisation.

Head over to Mintel’s LinkedIn to let us know what you think, or visit mintel.com to become a member of our free Spotlight community.

Visit us to get a free copy of Mintel 2023 Global Consumer Trends, browse all our consumer research and buy a report today.

This episode is re-aired and was originally published in May 2022.

Host:

Samantha Dover, Category Director, Beauty and Personal Care.

Guests:

Rebecca Vella, Director of Insights, Mintel Food & Drink, APAC.

Andrea Payne, Head of Marketing, Beverages, The Kraft Heinz Company.

Brand Britain: Why a country's brand image matters

Tue, 02 May 2023 20:44:00 +0100

As King Charles III's Coronation draws near, host Andrew Davidson is joined by experts in all things Britain, Jack Duckett and Francesca Smith, to discuss how British culture has influenced marketing and why this matters to brands. From British Airways to Twinings, listen as our experts discuss how classic British brands are marketing themselves to consumers during a period of change, what consumer experts around the world think of brand Britain and what marketers need to plan for next.

Head over to Mintel’s LinkedIn to let us know what you think, or visit mintel.com to become a member of our free Spotlight community.

Visit the Mintel Store to explore our latest Lifestyle Reports (including British Lifestyles), browse all our UK research and buy a report today.

Host:

Andrew Davidson, SVP/Chief Insights Officer, Mintel Comperemedia.

Guests:

Francesca Smith, Senior Research Analyst - Consumer Lifestyles, Mintel Reports UK.

Jack Duckett, Senior Consultant, Mintel.

Marketing to Gen Z: What do Gen Z consumers want from brands?

Mon, 17 Apr 2023 23:00:00 +0100

Host Andrew McDougall is joined by experts Jonny Forsyth and Georgia Stafford in episode 115 to discuss Gen Z and what brands should know about this generation of consumers. Listen as they discuss what's special about Gen Z and what brands should do to market themselves to this tech-savvy and socio-politically engaged demographic.

Head over to Mintel’s LinkedIn to let us know what you think, or visit mintel.com to become a member of our free Spotlight community.

Visit the Mintel store to explore our latest Marketing to Gen Z research, browse all our research on Gen Z here and buy a report today.

Read our latest blog on Gen Z to find out more.

Host:

Andrew McDougall, Director, Mintel Beauty & Personal Care.

Guests:

Georgia Stafford, Beauty and Personal Care Analyst, Mintel Reports UK.

Jonny Forsyth, Director, Mintel Food & Drink.

Why a TikTok ban in the US matters for brands

Tue, 04 Apr 2023 01:56:00 +0100

Will TikTok be banned? Host Andrew Davidson is joined by experts Nicole Bond and Marisa Frys in Episode 114 to discuss the US Congressional hearing with TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew and the wider implications for businesses, advertisers and consumers. Do you want to know more about TikTok? Read this blog about key brand opportunities on TikTok, and catch up on what marketers need to know in podcast episodes 103 and 104.

Visit the Mintel store to explore our latest US social commerce research, browse all our eCommerce research here and buy a report today.

Host:

Andrew Davidson, SVP/Chief Insights Officer, Mintel Comperemedia.

Guests:

Marisa Frys, Digital Marketing Analyst, Mintel Comperemedia.

Nicole Bond, Associate Director of Marketing Strategy, Mintel Comperemedia.

The shifting state of the Chinese Consumer

Tue, 21 Mar 2023 18:54:00 +0100

With China’s COVID-zero policy coming to an end, the world-wide cost of living crisis continuing, and a declining population rate, all eyes are on the Chinese consumer. The country is experiencing better-than-expected economic growth. So what are the priorities of Chinese consumers? How have their behaviors changed? What trends will we see in the region when it comes to travel, the cost of living, and an aging but digitally savvy population? And, what can the rest of the world learn from this dynamic and fast-changing market? Join host Elysha Young and experts Victoria Li and Shannon Liu for Episode 113, where they discuss consumer sentiments in China.

Head over to Mintel’s LinkedIn to let us know what you think, or visit mintel.com to become a member of our Spotlight community.

Host:

Elysha Young, Associate Director, Trends, APAC

Guests:

Victoria Li - Senior Trends Analyst, China

Shannon Liu - Senior Research Analyst, Travel and Leisure, China

ChatGPT: What should brands do with AI technology now

Tue, 07 Mar 2023 01:51:00 +0100

Andrew Davidson is joined by experts Brian Benway and Jan Urbanek in Episode 112 to discuss how brands can use AI technology and the wider implications for businesses. How and when will AI technology become mainstream? How do you become a winner in a disruptive environment? Listen as our experts discuss the opportunities and risks of AI in part two of the ChatGPT series.

Head over to Mintel’s LinkedIn to let us know what you think, or visit mintel.com to become a member of our free Spotlight community.

Visit the Mintel Store to explore all our technology research and buy a report today.

Host:

Andrew Davidson, SVP/Chief Insights Officer, Mintel Comperemedia

Guests:

Brian Benway, Analyst, Gaming and Entertainment, Mintel Reports US

Jan Urbanek, Senior Analyst, Consumer Technology, Mintel Reports Germany

ChatGPT: How new AI trends affect consumer behaviour

Tue, 07 Mar 2023 01:40:00 +0100

Kicking off season five with a two-part series, Andrew Davidson is joined by experts Brian Benway and Jan Urbanek in Episode 111 to discuss the technological breakthroughs in artificial intelligence (AI) and natural language processing (NLP): what are consumers asking their AI chatbots? Will we lose our jobs to robots? Listen as our experts cover all you need to know about the talk of the town - ChatGPT.

Head over to Mintel’s LinkedIn to let us know what you think, or visit mintel.com to become a member of our free Spotlight community.

Visit the Mintel Store to explore all our technology research and buy a report today.

Host:

Andrew Davidson, SVP/Chief Insights Officer, Mintel Comperemedia

Guests:

Brian Benway, Analyst, Gaming and Entertainment, Mintel Reports US

Jan Urbanek, Senior Analyst, Consumer Technology, Mintel Reports Germany

Episode 110: How can brands engage the growing number of 'hyper fatigued' consumers?

Tue, 20 Dec 2022 01:06:00 +0100

Host Andrew Davidson is joined by technology, travel and consumer trend experts for a discussion about the 2023 Mintel Global Consumer Trend 'Hyper Fatigue'. The trend predicts that instead of trying to keep up with technology, consumers will be tempted to give up entirely and return to the ease of tactile pleasures. As the pandemic, economic uncertainty and geopolitical tensions impact consumers differently, what role should brands play to support and engage? How concerned should marketers be with influences like social media and choice paralysis? And how can brands capitalise on the way consumers are feeling? Listen now to learn how brands can help consumers and themselves!

For even more insight on changing consumer behaviour, market expertise and strategic recommendations to drive better business decisions faster - now and in the future - download the FREE 2023 Global Consumer Trends report (https://mintel.com/global-consumer-trends).

Interested to know what else Mintel predicts for consumers in 2023? Get access to all of our free research by subscribing and becoming a member of the Mintel Spotlight community (https://mintel.com/mintel-newsletter).

Visit the Mintel Store to explore all our wellbeing-centered research and buy a report today (https://store.mintel.com/industries/health-and-wellbeing).

Host:

Andrew Davidson, SVP/Chief Insights Officer, Mintel Comperemedia.

Guests:

Thomas Slide, Media and Technology Category Director, Mintel Reports UK.

Narmada Sarvanantha, Mintel Trends Analyst, UK and Ireland.

Michael Gallinari, Senior Travel and Leisure Analyst, Mintel Reports US.

Episode 109: Evolution of the Gaming Industry

Wed, 07 Dec 2022 01:47:00 +0100

Host Samantha Dover is joined by gaming industry experts Brian Benway and Zach Emmanuel as they discuss the future of the gaming industry, including social media participation, game streaming, and the development of VR and AR technology. What are the opportunities for in-game advertising and sponsorship? What can brands do to address diversity in gaming and how can they provide a safe space for gamers? Listen now to find out more about games, gamers and the gaming industry.

For all the research and insights on the gaming industry, browse our technology reports. Get access to all of our free research by subscribing and becoming a member of the Mintel Spotlight community. (https://mintel.com/mintel-newsletter).

Host:

Samantha Dover, Category Director, Mintel Beauty & Personal Care.

Guests:

Brian Benway, Analyst, US Gaming Report.

Zach Emmanuel, Technology Analyst, Mintel Reports UK.

Episode 108: Beauty and Personal Care Consumer Trends for 2023 and beyond

Wed, 23 Nov 2022 03:02:00 +0100

Looking ahead to 2023, host Andrew McDougall and beauty industry experts Sarah Jindal and Vivienne Rudd share a preview of the three trends Mintel predicts will impact consumer demand for beauty in the coming year, including brand and product examples and recommendations for marketing strategy and product innovation development over the next five years. The specific and bold trends explore how ongoing uncertainty and new challenges are causing evolutions to foundational consumer behaviours centred around sustainability, value, wellbeing and experiences. Listen now to learn more about the 'Beauty Rx', 'Evolved Self-Care' and 'New Rules Of Engagement' trends!

For all the research and insights on what beauty and personal care consumers want and why—now, next and in the future—download the FREE 2023 Mintel Global Beauty and Personal Care Trends—a summary of three trends (mintel.com/beauty-trends).

For insight into changing consumer behaviour, global market expertise, and strategic brand recommendations, download the FREE 2023 Mintel Global Food and Drink Trends—a summary of four of the trends (mintel.com/global-food-and-drink-trends).

Interested to know what else Mintel predicts for consumers in 2023? Get access to all of our free research by subscribing and becoming a member of the Mintel Spotlight community (mintel.com/mintel-newsletter).

Host:

Andrew McDougall, Director, Mintel Beauty & Personal Care.

Guests:

Sarah Jindal, Senior Director, Beauty, Personal Care and Household Research, Americas.

Vivienne Rudd, Director of Global Innovation and Insight, Beauty and Personal Care

Episode 107: Food and drink consumer trends for 2023 and beyond

Tue, 08 Nov 2022 21:07:00 +0100

Host Andrew McDougall is joined by the brilliant minds behind Mintel's new 2023 Global Food and Drink Trends to discuss their predictions for the future of consumer behaviour and what that means for food and drink brands around the world. Centred around global crises, climate change, mental performance, the overwhelmed consumer and space, this year's trends make recommendations for brands to reassure consumers who continue to be challenged to adapt to a precarious world. Find out why and how brands should support value-conscious consumers, provide efficient product formats and encourage consumers to take pleasure in food and drink in 2023 and beyond.

For in-depth insight into, and analysis of, all eight of the 2023 Global Food and Drink Trends, clients should log in now. Everyone else, please get in touch (mintel.com/mintel-food-drink/request-more-information).

Interested to know what else Mintel predicts for consumers and brands in 2023? Get access to all of our free research by subscribing and becoming a member of the Mintel Spotlight community (mintel.com/mintel-newsletter).

Host:

Andrew McDougall, Director, Mintel Beauty & Personal Care.

Guests:

Jenny Zegler, Director, Mintel Food & Drink and Mintel Global Consumer.

David Faulkner, Director, Mintel Food & Drink.

Alex Beckett, Director, Mintel Food & Drink.

Ayisha Koyenikan, Associate Director, Mintel Food & Drink.

Episode 106: LIVE from Money 2020: Interview with Navy Federal CMO Pam Piligian

Wed, 26 Oct 2022 19:15:00 +0100

In this special episode, host Andrew Davidson sits down with Pam Piligian, CMO, Navy Federal Credit Union, live at the Money 20/20 conference - the largest global fintech event enabling payments and financial services innovation for connected commerce. Hear Pam's opinion on the evolution of the role of the CMO, how she is navigating the marketing landscape in volatile times and how Navy Federal is addressing the macro environment where US consumers are still spending but the drumbeat of rising rates, inflation and recession is getting louder. Listen now to find out how personalisation at scale and 'listening loudly' are driving results.

Sign up to access Mintel's free research and subscribe to become a member of the Mintel Spotlight community (https://mintel.com/mintel-newsletter).

Join the conversation on LinkedIn (https://linkedin.com/company/mintel) and Instagram (https://instagram.com/mintelnews/) to tell us what you think and share your ideas for an episode topic!

Host:

Andrew Davidson, SVP/Chief Insights Officer, Mintel Comperemedia.

Guests:

Pam Piligian, CMO, SVP, Navy Federal Credit Union.

Episode 105: How brands should respond to the rising cost of living

Mon, 24 Oct 2022 22:21:00 +0100

Host Sam Dover gathers a group of consumer lifestyle, personal finance and economic experts to answer questions about the rising cost of living in the UK. What does the data show about consumer optimism for the future and how their priorities are changing, specifically around entertainment, beauty, sustainability, wellness and ethics? How strong is brand loyalty in such a volatile environment where consumers find themselves trading down for better value? What is the experts' best advice for small players navigating this crisis? Listen now to find out!

For additional research, insights and recommendations on how brands should navigate the cost of living crisis, check out our on-demand 2022 British Lifestyles webinar (https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/8947013513475903245?source=Event+page+website).

Sign up to access Mintel's free research and subscribe to become a member of the Mintel Spotlight community (https://mintel.com/mintel-newsletter).

Join the conversation on LinkedIn (https://linkedin.com/company/mintel) and Instagram (https://instagram.com/mintelnews/) to tell us what you think and share your ideas for an episode topic!

Host:

Samantha Dover, Category Director, Mintel Beauty & Personal Care.

Guests:

Toby Clark, Director of EMEA Research, Mintel.

Richard Shepherd, Category Director, B2B, Social and Economic Research, Mintel Reports UK.

Francesca Smith, Consumer Lifestyles Analyst, Mintel Reports UK.

Episode 104: TikTok and brands: What marketers need to know (part two)

Thu, 06 Oct 2022 15:17:00 +0100

The conversation continues! Host Andrew Davidson and digital and media experts Fiona O’Donnell, Marissa Frys and Rebecca McGrath delve deeper into TikTok in part two of this special two-part episode. In this episode, our experts cover security concerns, and what the future holds for the app. How has TikTok evolved, and what does that mean for brands? Listen now!

Host:

Andrew Davidson, SVP/Chief Insights Officer, Mintel Comperemedia.

Guests:

Fiona O’Donnell, Senior Director, Leisure and Entertainment, Mintel Reports US.

Rebecca McGrath, Associate Director, Media and Technology, Mintel Reports UK.

Marisa Fryes, Digital Marketing Analyst, Mintel Comperemedia.

Episode 103: TikTok and brands: What marketers need to know (part one)

Thu, 06 Oct 2022 14:48:00 +0100

Host Andrew Davidson is joined by digital and media experts Fiona O’Donnell, Marissa Frys and Rebecca McGrath in a special two-part episode. In part one, they discuss the role of TikTok in today’s culture, and what the app’s explosive growth means for brands. What’s fueling the rise? Our experts dive into all of these questions and more, including how brands can get the most from TikTok, what brands are doing well, and misconceptions about the platform. Listen now to find out what brands need to know now, and how they can plan for what's coming next.

Host:

Andrew Davidson, SVP/Chief Insights Officer, Mintel Comperemedia.

Guests:

Fiona O’Donnell, Senior Director, Leisure and Entertainment, Mintel Reports US.

Rebecca McGrath, Associate Director, Media and Technology, Mintel Reports UK.

Marisa Fryes, Digital Marketing Analyst, Mintel Comperemedia.

Episode 102: Mental health: What consumers want and how brands navigate the landscape

Wed, 21 Sep 2022 00:03:00 +0100

[This episode originally aired April 2021]. Mental health awareness, impact, and support have become key concerns in recent years and have been accelerated by the pandemic. Host Edward Bergen sits down with consumer and industry experts in the health and wellness, food and drink, and beauty and personal care spaces to discuss the dynamic consumer landscape of mental health awareness. With the majority of global consumers acknowledging that they experience stress, anxiety, and burnout in their daily lives, there are unique opportunities for CPG and DTC brands to create accessible and approachable products and solutions. What roles should brands play in supporting consumers' mental health journeys? Listen now to find out! For complete consumer insight and brands recommendations related to the stress and wellbeing market is the US (https://store.mintel.com/us/health-and-wellbeing/us-managing-stress-and-mental-wellbeing-market-report/), UK (https://store.mintel.com/report/uk-managing-stress-and-wellbeing-market-report), and globally, visit the Mintel Store (https://store.mintel.com/). Sign up to access Mintel's FREE research and become a member of the Mintel Spotlight community (https://mintel.com/mintel-newsletter). Join the conversation on LinkedIn (https://linkedin.com/company/mintel) and Instagram (https://instagram.com/mintelnews/) to tell us what you think and share your ideas for an episode topic!

Hosts:

Andrew Davidson, SVP/Chief Insights Officer, Mintel Comperemedia.

Edward Bergen, Consultant.

Guests:

Andrea Wroble, Senior Health and Wellness Research Analyst, Mintel Reports US.

Alex Becket, Director, Food and Drink Andrew McDougall, Director, Mintel Beauty & Personal Care.

Episode 101: Debunking Gen Z: The truths, trends and behaviours brands should pay attention to

Tue, 06 Sep 2022 20:27:00 +0100

Host Andrew Davidson assembles a number of consumer lifestyle and marketing experts from across the globe for a discussion about Generation Z—consumers aged 12-25 in 2022. Due to their ages and related lifestyle changes, most Gen Z consumers are in a state of transition—whether entering university, starting their first job or buying their first home. Regardless, it's a time of tremendous volatility across many markets and will be for at least the near future. Despite their limited spending power at the moment, now is the time for brands to understand, and engage with, this critical demographic in order to be successful in the future. But where to start as it's easy to get lost in the myths, stereotypes and exaggerations surrounding Gen Z? Our experts separate fact from fiction, identify what brands need to pay attention to, act on and invest in and confirm what they can ignore. There's a lot of noise about Gen Z; get the full picture and listen now!

For complete insight and recommendations on marketing to Gen Z in the US (https://store.mintel.com/us/us-marketing-to-gen-z-market-report/), UK (https://store.mintel.com/report/uk-lifestyles-of-generation-z-market-report), Brazil (https://store.mintel.com/report/marketing-to-young-adults-the-older-gen-z-brazil-2022) and globally, visit the Mintel Store (store.mintel.com/).

Sign up to access Mintel's FREE research and become a member of the Mintel Spotlight community (https://mintel.com/mintel-newsletter).

Join the conversation on LinkedIn (https://linkedin.com/company/mintel) and Instagram (https://instagram.com/mintelnews/) to tell us what you think and share your ideas for an episode topic!

Host:

Andrew Davidson, SVP/Chief Insights Officer, Mintel Comperemedia.

Guests:

Andy Colman, Associate Research Analyst, Mintel Comperemedia.

Marisa Frys, Associate Research Analyst, Mintel Comperemedia.

Ana Paula Gilsogamo, Senior Analyst, Mintel Reports Brazil.

Diana Kelter, Associate Director, Mintel Trends.

Jonny Forsyth, Director, Mintel Food & Drink

Episode 100: Celebrating 100 episodes of Mintel Little Conversation

Fri, 26 Aug 2022 22:53:00 +0100

To celebrate Mintel Little Conversation's 100 episode, hosts Andrew McDougall and Sam Dover have a discussion about value and how other behaviour drivers like experiences, surroundings and technology impact consumer preferences and purchases related to value, convenience, cost and quality. Later on in the conversation, Andrew and Sam take a look back at past episodes and share their favourite guests and topics, including the episodes that are newly relevant today - from the impact of fake news on consumer behaviour and the business of insights to the value of sustainability for brands and the role diversity and inclusivity play in consumer engagement. Join us for a little conversation with two of your favourite Mintel experts and listen now - or watch this episode on YouTube at

https://youtu.be/4kbi7sjl6T0!

Thank you - to our amazing listeners - for 100 fascinating episodes! We truly appreciate your time and are honoured to take up space in your podcast rotation. Let's keep the conversation going! Visit us on LinkedIn (https://linkedin.com/company/mintel) and Instagram (https://instagram.com/mintelnews/) to share your ideas!

Understand and compare consumers' behaviours, preferences and purchases across 36 markets with Mintel Global Consumer. Learn more at https://mintel.com/global-consumer.

Sign up to access Mintel's FREE research and insights and become a member of the Mintel Spotlight community at https://mintel.com/mintel-newsletter.

Revisit your favourite Little Conversation episodes from seasons 1-4 - or discover a new favourite at https://mintel.com/little-conversation.

Host:

Andrew McDougall, Director, Mintel Beauty & Personal Care.

Guest:

Samantha Dover, Category Director, Mintel Beauty & Personal Care.

Episode 99: Why sustainability should be at the top of every brand's agenda

Wed, 10 Aug 2022 22:10:00 +0100

Host Samantha Dover is joined by packaging expert, David Luttenberger, and author of the Sustainability Barometer, Richard Cope, to discuss the role of sustainability in business. Brands are slowly transitioning from vague sustainability targets to environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) frameworks and, eventually, to commitments to meeting the 17 United Nations Sustainability Goals. The experts discuss the different sustainability frameworks businesses can utilise, why an investment in sustainability offers brands an insurance policy on future viability and how brands should effectively communicate sustainability missions to consumers. Listen to find out why now, arguably more than ever, is the best time to invest in sustainability products, policies, campaigns and services. The Mintel Consulting 2022 Sustainability Barometer is available now for free download (https://mintel.com/consumer-sustainability-barometer). Learn more about how and why consumers' sustainability attitudes are shifting in E95 of Mintel Little Conversation (https://mintel.com/blog/podcast/podcast-consumers-sustainability-attitudes-are-shifting-heres-how-brands-should-react). Mintel clients can log in now to access Mintel's sustainable market intelligence (https://clients.mintel.com/?filters.strategic-topic=98&last_filter=strategic-topic). Non-clients should visit the Mintel Store (https://store.mintel.com/) to learn more and buy a report today.

Host: Samantha Dover, Category Director, Mintel Beauty & Personal Care.

Guests: David Luttenberger, Global Packaging Director, Mintel Richard Cope, Senior Trends Consultant, Mintel Consulting.

Episode 98: Understanding the 'crypto winter' and how brands can plan for what's next

Tue, 19 Jul 2022 22:50:00 +0100

Host Andrew Davidson welcomes Emma Todd, CEO of MMH Technology Group, and Biota Macdonald, Director of Marketing Strategy at Mintel Comperemedia, to discuss the state of crypto currency. Bitcoin is down, the 'crypto winter' is here. The experts dive into what that means for consumers and brands and debate the industry's future in a volatile environment. Who are the current winners and losers? What's behind the latest news events and what are the implications? Listen now to find out what brands need to know now and how they can plan for what's coming next.

Check out parts one and two of this trilogy:

Ep. 90, "Let's talk about the metaverse" (https://mintel.com/blog/technology-market-news/podcast-lets-talk-about-the-metaverse);

Ep. 96, "NFTs: Understanding the hype and seeing the value for brands" (https://mintel.com/blog/podcast/podcast-nfts-understanding-the-hype-and-seeing-the-value-for-brands).

Are you 'crypto curious'? Check out Biota Macdonald's blog series that tackles crypto from every angle—from consumer interest and behaviour to competitive marketing strategy (https://welcome.comperemedia.com/blog/consumer-financial-services/crypto-curious-5-misconceptions-about-crypto/).

Sign up now and become a member of the Mintel community—strategy, insights and intelligence from Mintel industry experts delivered to your inbox (https://mintel.com/mintel-newsletter).

Host: Andrew Davidson, SVP/Chief Insights Officer, Mintel Comperemedia.

Guests: Emma Todd, CEO, MMH Technology Group.

Biota MacDonald, Director, Marketing Strategy, Mintel Comperemedia.

Episode 97: What does a winning influencer marketing strategy look like?

Wed, 06 Jul 2022 12:34:00 +0100

Host Samantha Dover and her guest Rebecca McGrath explore the big themes in influencer marketing. Despite predictions to the contrary, macro- and micro-influencer marketing exploded during the pandemic and quickly became an even more competitive space for both the influencers impacting consumer purchasing behaviours and decisions and the brands with which they work. What are the factors brands need to consider when developing an influencer strategy? How heavily should authenticity and transparency be weighed? What are the benefits and drawbacks of forging long-term, collaborative influencer partnerships? And how is consumer understanding of the role influencers play in their lives evolving? Listen now to find out!

Learn more about influencer marketing and buy a report today in the Mintel store: store.mintel.com/report/uk-social-media-influencers-market-report

Sign up now and become a member of the Mintel community—strategy, insights and intelligence from Mintel industry experts delivered to your inbox: https://www.mintel.com/mintel-newsletter

Host: Samantha Dover, Category Director, Mintel Beauty & Personal Care.

Guests: Rebecca McGrath, Associate Director, Media and Technology, Mintel Reports UK.

Episode 96: NFTs: Understanding the hype and seeing the value for brands

Wed, 22 Jun 2022 23:00:00 +0100

Host Andrew McDougall and his guests track the trajectory of non-fungible tokens, or NFTs—the latest blockchain technology to capture attention—from both the consumer and brand perspective. While much of the noise right now is centred around celebrities and influencers launching their own projects, the technology could hold great value in how they encourage loyalty, display fandom, build community, and the overall potential for authentication. This episode explores NFT scams, regulation and sustainability implications, how the concept of ownership is being redefined, as well as how and why brands are entering the space. Listen now!

Check out Mintel Little Conversation ep. 90, "Let's talk about the metaverse": mintel.com/blog/technology-market-news/podcast-lets-talk-about-the-metaverse

Learn more about consumers' digital trends and buy a report today in the Mintel store: store.mintel.com/us/financial-services/fintech/us-digital-trends-spotlight-on-the-metaverse/

Sign up now and become a member of the Mintel community—strategy, insights and intelligence from Mintel industry experts delivered to your inbox: https://www.mintel.com/mintel-newsletter

Host: Andrew McDougall, Director, Mintel Beauty & Personal Care.

Guests: Brittany Steiger, Senior Analyst, Retail & eCommerce, Mintel Reports US.

Sydney Riebe, Associate Analyst, Food, Drink & Foodservice, Mintel Reports US.

Episode 95: Consumers' sustainability attitudes are shifting; here's how brands should react

Thu, 09 Jun 2022 15:49:00 +0100

Host Andrew Davidson welcomes guests Richard Cope, Lisa Dubina and Scott Stewart for a discussion about consumer attitudes towards sustainability, how they are changing and what brands should do to adapt. Climate change and water and food shortages are rising to the top of global consumers' priority lists as events like the Ukraine conflict and extreme weather play a greater role in their daily lives. Learn about the behavioural differences across markets, why brands need to be more aware of changing preferences, the role of authenticity and education in messaging, and the brands, products and services that stand out - for better or worse. Listen now!

This episode is a preview of the upcoming 2022 Sustainability Barometer. Download the free 2021 Sustainability Barometer (mintel.com/consumer-sustainability-barometer) and keep an eye on Mintel's social channels in the coming weeks for access to the new research.

Mintel clients can log in now to access the US (reports.mintel.com/display/1101749/) and Canada (reports.mintel.com/display/1100449/) Sustainable Consumer reports.

Non-clients should visit the Mintel Store (store.mintel.com/) to learn more and buy a report today.

Host: Andrew Davidson, SVP/Chief Insights Officer, Mintel Comperemedia.

Guests: Richard Cope, Senior Trends Consultant, EMEA, author of the Mintel Sustainability Barometer.

Lisa Dubina, Associate Director, Culture and Identity, Mintel Reports US.

Scott Stewart, Associate Director, Lifestyles and Retail, Mintel Reports Canada.

Episode 94: How brands can bring pleasure to consumers in tough times

Wed, 25 May 2022 19:17:00 +0100

Host Andrew McDougall and his guests explore themes of pleasure and escapism and the nuanced role brands play in boosting consumer happiness in 2022. The 24-hour news cycle, climate catastrophe and cost of living crisis (among others) make it more important than ever for consumers to find moments of joy, but how do brands strike a balance between instant gratification, anticipation and mental containment? In the food and drink space, the experts dissect the relationship between enjoyment and satisfaction, covering everything from validating hedonistic, guilty pleasures to an alternative theory about permissible indulgence. In the beauty industry, what does the future hold for multisensory products that trigger stimulating effects on the brain? Listen now to hear about the key motivations behind the desire for enjoyment and what brands can do in response to engage consumers.

Learn more about Mintel's 2022 Global Consumer Trend 'Enjoyment Everywhere' by downloading the free thought piece today! https://www.mintel.com/global-consumer-trends.

Learn more about Mintel Trends at mintel.com/mintel-trends.

Get the latest insights, thinking and perspectives on consumers at mintel.com/blog.

Host: Andrew McDougall, Director, Mintel Beauty & Personal Care.

Guests: Simon Moriarty, Director, Mintel Trends, EMEA.

Alex Beckett, Director, Mintel Food & Drink.

Ayisha Koyenikan, Associate Director, Mintel Food & Drink.

Episode 93: Challenges brands face in an evolving value-centric market

Tue, 10 May 2022 22:35:00 +0100

Host Samantha Dover leads a discussion about the multifaceted definition of value. Joined by Rebecca Vella, Director of Food & Drink Insights at Mintel, and Andrea Payne, Head of Marketing at Kraft Heinz, the trio debates what creates brand value for consumers and how perceptions have changed since the COVID-19 pandemic. Brands and marketers should consider how, when, and where they communicate value to consumers, the role transparency plays in overall brand strategy, and what opportunities exist for future consideration, including premiumisation. Join the conversation and listen now!

Mintel clients can log in now to read all about Mintel Trend Driver 'Value'.

For those who are interested in learning more but aren't a Mintel client, check out Mintel's 2030 Global Consumer Trends - the 7 core drivers of consumer behaviour that will shape global markets.

Host: Samantha Dover, Category Director, Mintel Beauty & Personal Care.

Guests: Rebecca Vella, Director of Insights, Mintel Food & Drink, APAC.

Andrea Payne, Head of Marketing, Beverages, The Kraft Heinz Company.

Episode 92: Exploring the DTC model and what drives consumer engagement

Wed, 27 Apr 2022 20:58:00 +0100

In today's episode, host Samantha Dover is joined by UK and US retail experts to discuss the direct-to-consumer (DTC) model by defining what it is and making sense of what all the hype is about. They address the key benefits for brands, how to scale, who the best-in-class disruptors are, and what future opportunities exist in the marketplace. But before brands jump in, consider some of the red flags, including the purchase drivers that encourage consumers to buy direct and consumers' barriers to entry. Mintel's retail experts discuss these topics and more - listen now!

Discover our latest retail and DTC consumer and market research and purchase a report today in the Mintel Store at store.mintel.com/industries/retail.

Get the latest insights, thinking and perspectives on consumers at mintel.com/blog and subscribe to our newsletter at Mintel.com/mintel-newsletter.

Host: Samantha Dover, Category Director, Mintel Beauty & Personal Care.

Guests :Nick Carroll, Retail Category Director, Mintel Reports UK.

Katie Hansen, Retail and Ecommerce Analyst, Mintel Reports US.

Episode 91: Why brands are using astrology in their marketing strategy

Tue, 12 Apr 2022 17:30:00 +0100

In today's episode, host Elysha Yong welcomes consumer lifestyle and marketing strategy experts to discuss astrology. It's has been around since the 3rd millennium BC as a way to explain human behaviour (or so some believe). Today, it's experiencing a resurgence—driven by social media—that began with Millennials and has now exploded with Gen Z. The experts explain why the sudden interest from a consumer perspective, discussing themes like spirituality, the collective, self-expression, decision paralysis and regaining control. Curious to understand how and why brands are getting involved, who's doing it well and where the opportunity exists? Listen now to find out what marketers should know before weaving the zodiac into their next brand campaign.

Download Mintel's 2022 Global Consumer Trends for free at mintel.com/global-consumer-trends or watch the video at youtube.com/watch?v=jIePecKGhvw.

Learn more about Mintel Trends at mintel.com/mintel-trends.

Get the latest insights, thinking and perspectives on consumers at mintel.com/blog.

Host: Elysha Young, Trends Manager, APAC.

Guests: Huiqi Ong, Consumer Lifestyle Analyst, Mintel Reports.

Diana Kelter, Associate Director, Mintel Trends, North America.

Nicole Bond, Associate Director, Marketing Strategy, Mintel Comperemedia.

Episode 90: Let's talk about the metaverse

Wed, 30 Mar 2022 17:14:00 +0100

In today's episode, host Andrew Davidson is joined by category and consumer trend experts to discuss the metaverse—the concept of a virtual, 3-D, interactive world that has so many of us intrigued. They filter through the hype, break down what it means for consumers, and discuss how brands should think about the metaverse in the medium and long term, including recommendations for how to incorporate the trend into brand innovation and marketing strategy. From its origin and barriers to entry to the value it offers consumers and brands to watch, let's talk about the metaverse. Listen now!

For more industry-specific explorations of the metaverse, visit the Mintel Blog (mintel.com/blog) and head to the Mintel Store (store.mintel.com/industries/technology-telecoms) to buy a report.

Find out how shifts in consumer behaviour will impact markets and brands now, in the next few years and into the future by downloading the Mintel 2022 Global Consumer Trends (mintel.com/global-consumer-trends) for free.

Host: Andrew Davidson, SVP/Chief Insights Officer, Mintel Comperemedia.

Guests: Joey Khong, Analyst, Mintel Trends, Southeast Asia.

Thomas Slide, Director, Mintel Reports UK.

Fiona O'Donnell, Senior Director, Mintel Reports US.

Episode 89: The what and why behind a consumer trend

Mon, 14 Mar 2022 19:59:00 +0100

In today's episode, host Elysha Young shines a spotlight on the science and art of consumer trend forecasting. She is joined by global consumer trend experts to discuss how trends are defined, how companies like Mintel identify new trends and the value of understanding consumer trends. There are a few ways to define a trend - changing collective attitudes, the fluid, forward movement of a landscape, any significant shift in behaviour - but no matter how you describe it, the experts are clear on three things: fads and trends are not the same; the evolution and trajectory of a trend are dependent on demographics; and knowing about consumer trends is critically important for calculating potential competitive, disruptive implications. Find out why by listening now.

Learn more about Mintel Trends at mintel.com/mintel-trends.

Download Mintel's 2022 Global Consumer Trends for free at mintel.com/global-consumer-trends.

Get the latest insights, thinking and perspectives on consumers at mintel.com/blog.

Host: Elysha Young, Trends Manager, APAC.

Guests: Dana Macke, Director of Mintel Trends, Americas.

Simon Moriarty, Director of Mintel Trends, EMEA.

Matthew Crabbe, Director of Mintel Trends, APAC.

Episode 88: The impact of inflation on the cost of living and consumer behaviour

Tue, 01 Mar 2022 01:11:00 +0100

In today's episode, host Andrew Davidson and Toby Clark, Director of EMEA Research at Mintel, discuss the impact of inflation on consumers in Europe and North America, specifically the cost of living, how it will shape consumer behaviour in the coming months, and the overall impact on brands. Hear from Mintel category and consumer experts on how inflation is affecting the retail, beauty and personal care, travel, food and drink, and financial services industries worldwide; the parallels that can be drawn between today and the Global Financial Crisis (2008) with regard to wages and economic growth; and the differences between consumer groups. Brand loyalty, savvy shopping behaviours, perceptions of value and transparency, and conscious consumerism are all being tested. What brands are agile enough to make it through? Listen now to find out.

To learn more about Mintel research on the impact of inflation including strategies for brands to help consumers deal with inflation (mintel.com/blog/consumer-market-news/5-key-strategies-for-brands-to-help-consumers-deal-with-inflation) and the cost of living crisis (mintel.com/blog/consumer-market-news/cost-of-living-crisis-3-strategies-for-brands-to-help-consumers-deal-with-the-squeeze-on-incomes), check out the Mintel Blog.

Mintel research on UK (store.mintel.com/report/b2b-economic-outlook-uk-winter-2021) and US (store.mintel.com/report/consumers-and-the-economic-outlook-us-winter-2022) consumers and the economic outlooks are available for purchase in the Mintel Store.

Host: Andrew Davidson, SVP/Chief Insights Officer, Mintel Comperemedia.

Guests: Toby Clark, Director of EMEA Research, Mintel.

Diana Smith, Associate Director, Retail and eCommerce, Mintel Reports US.

Roshida Khanom, Category Director, Mintel Beauty and Personal Care.

Marloes de Vries, Associate Director, Travel, Mintel Reports UK.

Kiti Soininen, Category Director, Food and Drink, Mintel Reports UK.

Episode 87: Marketing outlook, omnichannel trends and spend predictions for 2022

Wed, 16 Feb 2022 00:03:00 +0100

In today's episode—the official start to Season 4 of Mintel Little Conversation—host Andrew Davidson, Bruce Biegel, Senior Managing Partner at Winterberry Group, and Lierin Ehmke, Insights Manager, Mintel Comperemedia Omni, discuss the marketing and advertising outlook for 2022. In addition to tackling where the industry is headed, what marketers need to pay attention to and what the overall brand implications are, the trio also debates channel spend and the shifting consumer relationship with various marketing channels in the year ahead. Does your TikTok strategy need a second look? How about video? Are you sleeping on out-of-home? Listen now for the full 2022 forecast.

Learn more about Bruce Biegel and Winterberry Group at winterberrygroup.com. Download Comperemedia's 2022 Omnichannel Marketing Trends for free at welcome.comperemedia.com/omnichannel-marketing-trends/. Get the latest insights, thinking and perspectives on consumers at mintel.com/blog and competitive marketing intelligence at welcome.comperemedia.com/blog/.

Host: Andrew Davidson, SVP/Chief Insights Officer, Mintel Comperemedia.

Guests: Bruce Biegel, Senior Managing Partner, Winterberry Group.

Lierin Ehmke, Insights Manager, Mintel Comperemedia Omni.

Episode 86: Pre-season Special: How sustainability is disrupting financial services

Tue, 08 Feb 2022 18:09:00 +0100

In today's pre-season special, host Andrew Davidson and Aspiration CEO Andrei Cherny discuss the societal shift that's occurring as consumers shop more consciously and things like the environment and ethics play an increasingly important role in consumer behaviour. Cherny has worked for decades to make the financial system more sustainable and fair; with Aspiration, he offers an 'eco-friendly alternative to the big banks' telling consumers to 'leave your bank, save the planet'. Hear Andrei's take on why consumers are caring more, why brands struggle with consumer trust, the sustainability-as-a-service model, and what he says to those who question the impact of planting trees as a credit card reward. In the second half of the episode, Andrew speaks with Richard Cope, Senior Trends Consultant at Mintel and author of the Mintel Sustainability Barometer, to get his expert opinion on sustainability-as-a-service. Why is eco-banking sexy? What's different now compared to companies that have attempted this in the past? What role does marketing play—specifically, the celebrity influencer? And are consumers ready to buy in? Listen now to find out.

Learn more about Aspiration at aspiration.com. Download the free Mintel Sustainability Barometer at mintel.com/consumer-sustainability-barometer. Learn more about the financial services industry and buy a report today at store.mintel.com/industries/financial-services. Get the latest insights, thinking and perspectives on what consumers want and why at mintel.com/blog.

Host: Andrew Davidson, SVP/Chief Insights Officer, Mintel Comperemedia.

Guests: Andrei Cherny, Aspiration CEO.

Richard Cope, Senior Trends Consultant, Mintel.

Episode 85: Season finale: A festive look back and look ahead

Wed, 15 Dec 2021 22:26:00 +0100

As 2021 comes to a close, so too does season 3 of Mintel Little Conversation. In today's season finale episode, the Little Conversation hosts chat about the most fascinating topics from the year and share their picks for what's set to make an impact in 2022. From 'buy now pay later' and climate change to diversity, inclusion and non-fungible tokens (NFTs), hear what these consumer, brand and marketing experts have to say about the year that was, how consumer behaviour will shift in the months ahead and what brands and marketers should be doing to prepare. And for a bit of fun to end the season, join the hosts for a quiz at the end of the episode to test your knowledge of global consumer behaviour. Listen now!

Host: Andrew McDougall, Associate Director, Global Beauty and Personal Care.

Guests: Elysha Young, Trends Manager, APAC.

Samantha Dover, Global Beauty Analyst, Mintel Beauty & Personal Care.

Andrew Davidson, SVP/Chief Insights Officer, Mintel Comperemedia.

Episode 84: What is the value of sustainability from a brand perspective?

Wed, 01 Dec 2021 02:36:00 +0100

In today's episode, host Sam Dover welcomes Jo-Anne Chidley, Founder of sustainable beauty brand Beauty Kitchen, and Richard Cope, Senior Trends Consultant at Mintel and author of the 2021 Mintel Sustainability Barometer, to discuss how recent shifts in consumers' sustainability beliefs, behaviours and purchases are impacting brands. Following COP26 - the United Nations climate change conference that came to a close in mid-November - is consumer awareness and education on the rise? What are the implications for brands both inside and outside the sustainability space? Will consumers and brands ever be totally aligned on sustainability? The experts tackle these questions and more, make the case for sustainability as an innovation driver, and offer advice for brands questioning the value of sustainability. Listen now to learn more and check out episode 74 for a discussion about making better sustainability-driven business decisions.

Host: Samantha Dover, Global Beauty Analyst, Mintel Beauty & Personal Care

Guests: Jo-Anne Chidley, Founder of Beauty Kitchen.

Richard Cope, Senior Trends Consultant, Mintel Consulting.

Episode 83: What marketers need to know when considering a social commerce strategy

Mon, 15 Nov 2021 20:00:00 +0100

In today's episode, host Elysha Young is joined by retail and marketing experts from the US, Europe and China to discuss the rise of social commerce - what it is, the role of influencers and micro-influencers, how it's disrupting traditional e-commerce, and how technology gives certain markets the advantage. There are critical factors driving consumer engagement and proven tactics delivering success for major social commerce players. But how will those change as brands become less social and social media brands become more commerce-centred? Looking ahead, will social platforms help new businesses and startups grow in the social commerce market and, potentially, democratise the industry? The experts offer their advice for brands considering leveraging a social commerce strategy. Listen now!

Host: Elysha Young, Trends Manager, APAC.

Guests: Lierin Ehmke, Insights Manager, Mintel Comperemedia Omni.

Nick Carroll, Associate Director, European Retail Research.

Samuel Yi, Category Director, Retail, Tech and Media, Mintel Reports China.

Episode 82: What 2021 trends tell us about the future of marketing

Mon, 01 Nov 2021 18:34:00 +0100

In this episode of Mintel Little Conversation, host Andrew Davidson is joined by thought leaders across the telecom and media, insurance and omnichannel marketing industries to discuss Mintel Comperemedia's 2021 trend predictions - what the experts got right or wrong and key lessons for marketers as we emerge from the pandemic. Some industries weathered the storm of 2020 by rising to the occasion, but 2021 meant bracing for resets as consumers settled into their 'next normal'. Others had to double-down on innovation to find success - from multi-dimensional engagement to unexpected collaborations and blurred product offers. In 2021, we saw increased marketing spend in certain channels, a shift in messaging tone to be more 'helpful' and campaigns that focused on credibility, localism, brand awareness and a consumer-first perspective. What were the pressing issues and hot topics for marketers in 2021? How did brands step up and step ahead of the competition? What do marketers need to know with regard to offline experiences, blurring marketing and entertainment, and empowerment when planning their 2022 strategies? Listen now to find out!

Host: Andrew Davidson, SVP/Chief Insights Officer, Mintel Comperemedia.

Guests: Emily Groch, Director of Insights, Telecom, Mintel Comperemedia.

Lierin Ehmke, Omni Insights Manager, Mintel Comperemedia.

Nicole Bond, Senior Research Analyst, Mintel Comperemedia.

Episode 81: What to expect from the 2021 holiday shopping season

Tue, 19 Oct 2021 21:29:00 +0100

In this episode of Mintel Little Conversation, host Andrew Davidson is joined by retail experts Diana Smith and Nick Carroll to discuss the 2021 holiday shopping season. From politics, the economy and inflation to supply chain issues and the Delta variant, they analyse the industry, consumer and market changes that have altered or evolved retail shopping over the last year and the impact on brands and retailers over the coming months. Are supply chain issues and product shortages real threats to consumers' holiday shopping plans and retailers' brand images or is it a tactic to encourage early, full-price shopping? What strategies can retailers employ to combat staffing shortages? The experts share their predictions for 2021 and debate whether or not we'll see a continuation of the trend in record-breaking e-commerce growth or the recovery of brick-and-mortar sales; if consumers will continue to gravitate towards independent and local retailers or if same-day delivery, price matching and flexible return policies will win out. Curious to know if gift cards or experiences will be this year's top gift? Listen now to find out!

Host: Andrew Davidson, SVP/Chief Insights Officer, Mintel Comperemedia.

Guests: Diana Smith, Associate Director, Retail and eCommerce, Mintel Reports US.

Nick Carroll, Associate Director, European Retail Research.

Episode 80: How brand loyalty is changing

Wed, 06 Oct 2021 20:50:00 +0100

In this episode of Little Conversation, host Samantha Dover is joined by experts in consumer trends and purchase behaviour for a discussion about brand loyalty and to answer the questions: how has brand loyalty changed, what behaviour shifts are driving those changes, and what opportunities are there for brands to create loyalty in the future? The COVID-19 pandemic saw consumers prioritising needs over wants and redefining what value means to them, whether that's value through price, quality, convenience, or needs met. The last 18 months also saw an increase in consumer desire for experiences and looking to brands to fill that void. Today, the demand for value and experience are merging, offering brands unique opportunities to reward consumers and drive loyalty - but how? Listen now to find out.

Host: Samantha Dover, Senior Beauty and Personal Care Analyst, Mintel Reports UK.

Guests: Diana Kelter, Senior Trends Analyst, Americas.

Jane Hurh, Associate Director, Mintel Purchase Intelligence.

Episode 79: Taking a stand vs. virtue signaling: How to make the right decision for your brand

Tue, 21 Sep 2021 17:15:00 +0100

In this episode of Little Conversation, host Edward Bergen is joined by experts in food and drink, beauty and personal care, and DE&I for an honest discussion about whether or not brands should take a stand concerning ethical, environmental, political and/or social justice issues. The data makes for a compelling case: nearly two-thirds of consumers say they prefer to be associated with brands that align with their values. But how consumers behave tells a different story, one where convenience, price and the product delivering on its promise are most important. So, when - and how - will a brand find success moving beyond the role of providing goods for money and taking a stand for a worthy cause? Are certain industries and audiences more receptive to brand ethics and social responsibility? How thin is the line between brand ethos and marketing campaign? And when do virtue signalling and cancel culture bring it all crashing down? Listen now to find out.

Host: Edward Bergen, Consultant, Mintel.

Guests: Sarah Jindal, Associate Director, Mintel Beauty and Personal Care.

Jonny Forsyth, Associate Director, Mintel Food and Drink.

Adiat Baker, Global Diversity Manager, Mintel.

Episode 78: What brands need to know about convenience and consumer expectations

Mon, 06 Sep 2021 18:10:00 +0100

In this episode of Little Conversation, host Matthew Crabbe discusses the vast and nuanced concept of convenience with experts in consumer behaviour and trend analysis. As the pandemic has significantly shifted how and why consumers make decisions, they consider how consumer expectations around convenience have changed, what consumers now expect from brands in delivering convenience, and what the next convenience benefits will be that consumers will demand from brands. Is convenience more about saving time or making 'difficult things' less difficult? Are innovation, information, technology, and experiences facilitating or hindering convenience, and how do demographics come into play? They also look ahead and debate whether or not consumers will slow it all down and revert to pre-pandemic behaviours, sharing their predictions for the future of convenience that supports routine, reward, value, curation, and subscription. Listen now!

Host: Matthew Crabbe, Director of Mintel Trends, APAC.

Guests: Diana Kelter, Senior Trends Analyst, Americas.

Elysha Young, Manager, Mintel Trends, APAC.

Liisa Kontas, Trends Analyst, EMEA.

Episode 77: Interview with Bilt Founder and CEO Ankur Jain

Tue, 24 Aug 2021 01:49:00 +0100

In this episode of Mintel Little Conversation, host Andrew Davidson sits down with entrepreneur and investor Ankur Jain to discuss his latest project—an innovative, new loyalty program and co-branded credit card called Bilt Rewards, aimed at renters. Through parent company Kairos HQ, one of Ankur's goals is to use technology to make everyday expenses more affordable, specifically for Millennial and Gen Z consumers. From Bilt's value proposition, features, and marketing strategy to the accelerated launch in summer 2021, Ankur shares why and how they are disrupting the apartment rental market and taking on traditional credit card rewards, as well as his insights on what brands and marketers should consider when targeting younger consumers. Following Ankur's interview, Andrew speaks with Mark Miller, Director of Financial Services Insights at Mintel Comperemedia, to get his take and discuss broader implications for the credit card industry. Listen now!

Host: Andrew Davidson, SVP/Chief Insights Officer, Mintel Comperemedia.

Guests: Ankur Jain, Founder and CEO of Bilt, co-founder and co-CEO of Kairos HQ.

Mark Miller, Director of Insights, Financial Services, Mintel Comperemedia.

Episode 76: What 2021 trend predictions can tell us about the future of consumer behaviour

Mon, 16 Aug 2021 17:08:00 +0100

In this episode of Mintel Little Conversation, host Andrew Davidson is joined by some of Mintel's best and brightest—three of the authors of Mintel's 2021 Trends spanning the global consumer, food and drink, and beauty and personal care categories. In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Mintel analysts sat down to predict future consumer behaviour and its impact on business strategy. Hear their take on the value of trend forecasting and of revisiting trends to see how the pandemic added strength to or challenged certain predictions, and accelerated, paused or even erased already-evolving consumer behaviours. What roles did routine, ritual, wellbeing, value and experience play in 2021 and how have trend trajectories been altered as a result? Curious to know what they're predicting for 2022 and beyond? Listen now to find out!

Host: Andrew Davidson, SVP/Chief Insights Officer, Mintel Comperemedia.

Guests: Sarah Jindal, Associate Director, Mintel Beauty & Personal Care. Jenny Zegler, Associate Director, Mintel Food & Drink.

Simon Moriarty, Director of Mintel Trends, EMEA.

Episode 75: What's behind successful challenger brand strategies?

Tue, 03 Aug 2021 00:17:00 +0100

In this episode of Mintel Little Conversation, host Andrew McDougall dives into the world of challenger brands—what drives them, what makes them successful, why we need them, and what more established brands can learn from them. They provide disruption beyond new product innovation and use storytelling to create communities around an untapped consumer need, from ingredients and packaging to brand ethos. Prioritising psychographics over demographics, agility and speed in decision making, and disrupting cultural norms by normalising new behaviours, learn about the strategies that drive success for indie brands.

Host: Andrew McDougall, Associate Director, Global Beauty and Personal Care.

Guests: Lauren Goodsitt, Senior Global Beauty Analyst.

Simon Moriarty, Director, Mintel Trends, EMEA.

Episode 74: How to make better sustainability-driven business decisions

Mon, 19 Jul 2021 20:11:00 +0100

Following the recent release of the Mintel Sustainability Barometer 2021, host Samantha Dover sits down with consumer lifestyle experts, trend spotters, and futurists to discuss the current state of global consumers' sustainability behaviours, preferences, and purchases. The question of whether or not the average consumer really cares about sustainability is an important one, but equally important is how much do consumers actually know about sustainability, and issues like climate change, single-use plastic, and solar energy, as that directly impacts how brands should develop new products, messaging strategies, and future planning. The consumer experts and brands strategists take us through the nuances of the data, including the impact of the 'sustainability gap', and offer advice and recommendations for brands and marketers that want to make better sustainability-driven decisions.

Download the free Mintel Sustainability Barometer 2021 at mintel.com/consumer-sustainability-barometer.

Host: Samantha Dover, Senior Beauty and Personal Care Analyst, Mintel Reports UK.

Guests: Richard Cope, Senior Trends Consultant, Mintel Consulting.

Elysha Young, Manager, Mintel Trends, APAC.

Lisa Dubina, Senior Analyst, Culture and Identity, Mintel Reports US.

Episode 73: Patents: A crystal ball for brands and marketers

Tue, 06 Jul 2021 20:17:00 +0100

There are roughly 44 million active patents globally. While well-known to those in the legal field, patents can serve as a massive library of scientific information and product innovation for brands and marketers. But what exactly is a patent and why/how should marketers pay more attention to them? In today's episode, host Edward Bergen welcomes two patent experts to discuss the insights brands can discover from patent filings to inform product innovation, competitive market analysis, and marketing strategy, and the impact patents have on the future of a range of industries including food, drink, beauty, financial services, and insurance.

Host: Edward Bergen, Consultant, Mintel.

Guests: Nigel Swycher, CEO and co-founder of Cipher, and Host of Cipher Vision podcast.

Neha Srivastava, Patent Analyst, Food, Drink, Beauty and Personal Care, Mintel.

To know more about Cipher, please visit https://cipher.ai/

To listen to Cipher Vision podcast, visit https://cipher.ai/podcast-cipher-vision/

Episode 72: What marketers need to know about Prime Day 2021

Mon, 21 Jun 2021 20:28:00 +0100

As consumers globally slowly emerge from the pandemic, will they be eager to spend on discounted electronics, appliances, and streaming subscriptions or has the luster of Amazon Prime Day’s 48-hour sale (June 21-22) faded due to a damaged company image and increased competition? Mintel retail, consumer, and competitive marketing experts discuss the significance of Prime Day, its impact on the evolution of the ecommerce sector and retail competition overall, as well as what the future holds for Amazon. Listen now to find out what brands and advertisers should take away from Prime Day 2021.

Host: Andrew Davidson, SVP/Chief Insights Officer, Mintel Comperemedia.

Guests: Diana Smith, Associate Director, Retail and eCommerce, Mintel Reports US.

Nick Carroll, Associate Director, Retail Research, Mintel Reports UK.

Lierin Ehmke, Omnichannel Content Manager, Mintel Comperemedia.

Episode 71: Managing expectations: Consumers, brands, and data privacy

Thu, 10 Jun 2021 22:16:00 +0100

Data privacy is appearing in the headlines more and more as ransomware attacks have exposed how vulnerable governments, institutions, and companies can be to security breaches. Mintel experts from around the globe sit down to discuss the state of data privacy, specifically consumers' privacy expectations, their expectations of brands, and the risk/reward for sharing their data. What steps are consumers taking to safeguard their online behaviour and how will that impact brands? What can marketers learn from the brands that are expertly navigating the present landscape? Listen now to find out how data privacy is playing out in different categories and what challenges lie ahead.

Host: Matthew Crabbe, Director of Mintel Trends, APAC.

Guests: Rebecca McGrath, Senior Media Analyst, Mintel Reports UK.

Alex Milinazzo, Trends Analyst, Americas.

Pongsanguan Jiradechakul, Lifestyles Analyst, Mintel Reports Thailand.

Episode 70: The future of cities

Mon, 31 May 2021 22:57:00 +0100

The pandemic has altered a lot about how people live, but also where they live. Lockdowns, restrictions, and indefinite work-from-home policies are forcing consumers to change their behaviours which is accelerating timelines and expanding the realm of possibility of where home is. When it comes to cities and how they are used, the consumer mindset is changing. In this week's episode, futurists and consumer trend strategists discuss whether or not the concept - and fundamental appeal - of a city centre is now obsolete, how cities must evolve to meet new demands from consumers, communities, and economies, and the opportunities this creates for brands to assume bigger roles in consumers' lives. If the concept of home is expanding to include work, then will cities revert back to being hubs for entertainment, learning, and play? Listen now to find out.

Host: Elysha Young, Trends Manager, APAC.

Guests: Richard Cope, Senior Trends Consultant, EMEA.

Diana Kelter, Senior Trends Analyst, Americas.

Matthew Crabbe, Director of Mintel Trends, APAC.

Episode 69: Vices: Moderation, mental health, community, and culture

Thu, 13 May 2021 20:24:00 +0100

Last autumn, we gathered a few of our consumer experts for a discussion on vices. At the time of the original air date, we were in the thick of the COVID-19 pandemic and many of us were months into indulging our vices in order to make it through. Today, we're revisiting that conversation. With some economies opening up and regaining a bit of normalcy, meanwhile, others are experiencing devastating third waves and stalled vaccination programs, how consumers are managing their mental health, finding catharsis, and redefining their sense of community and culture is important now more than ever. And vices have an important role to play - from indulgent food and drink to enticing gaming and gambling. The question is, how do marketers identify their brand's role in all of this? Listen now to find out.

Host: Edward Bergen, Consultant, EMEA.

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.

Episode 68: Changes in the social media landscape and the impact on marketing strategy

Mon, 26 Apr 2021 21:49:00 +0100

When is the last time you evaluated your social media strategy? With the recent developments, new features, and entirely new platforms, host Andrew Davidson sits down with Mintel social media experts to discuss the trends driving the ever-evolving social media landscape, how brands are responding to changing consumer behaviours, and what marketers must do to stay competitive in the next 12 months. Post-COVID-19 consumer behaviours, expectations of accountability and transparency, and earned/organic content all have a critical role to play in a good social media strategy. Listen now to find out what the experts recommend.

Host: Andrew Davidson, SVP/Chief Insights Officer, Mintel Comperemedia.

Guests : John Poelking, Senior Gaming Analyst, Mintel Reports US.

Rebecca McGrath, Senior Media Analyst, Mintel Reports UK.

Laura Ziemer, AVP, Marketing Intelligence Advisory.

Episode 67: Mental health: What consumers want and how brands navigate the landscape

Mon, 12 Apr 2021 23:34:00 +0100

Mental health awareness, impact, and support have become key concerns in recent years and have been accelerated by the pandemic. In this episode, host Edward Bergen sits down with consumer and industry experts in the health and wellness, food and drink, and beauty and personal care spaces to discuss the dynamic landscape of mental health awareness and action from the consumer perspective. With the majority of consumers acknowledging that they experience stress, anxiety, and burnout in their daily lives, there are unique opportunities for CPG and DTC brands to create accessible and approachable products and solutions. What roles should brands play in supporting consumers' mental health journeys? Listen now to find out!

Host: Edward Bergen, Consultant.

Guests: Andrea Wroble, Senior Health and Wellness Research Analyst, Mintel Reports US,

Alex Becket, Associate Director, Food and Drink,

Andrew McDougall, Associate Director, Beauty.

Episode 66: 2021 Consumer Trends: What's driving consumer behaviour

Tue, 30 Mar 2021 01:49:00 +0100

On this episode, host Andrew McDougall chats with category and consumer experts about the trends shaping, shifting, and accelerating markets this year. They cover trends in food, drink, foodservice, beauty, personal care, and household care, as well as the overarching themes that are driving global consumer behaviour, like experiences, rights, wellbeing and technology. They share some of the behind-the-scenes of the trend forecasting process and the profound impact the pandemic has had - and continues to have. This one is a must-listen for marketers as they develop post-COVID-19 strategies for the short, medium, and long term.

Host: Andrew McDougall, Associate Director, Global Beauty and Personal Care.

Guests: Simon Moriarty, Director of Mintel Trends, EMEA,

Alex Beckett, Associate Director, Food and Drink,

Richard Hopping, Global Household Analyst.

Episode 65: Experiences and the future of e-commerce

Tue, 16 Mar 2021 01:26:00 +0100

This week on Little Conversation, host Samantha Dover sits down with retail experts covering Europe and North America to discuss the future of e-commerce. The industry has grown steadily in recent years but consumer interest and adoption skyrocketed during the pandemic. So, what's next for the oversaturated market? Our experts discuss the challenges for new entrants to the direct-to-consumer (DTC) landscape, the existing consumer behaviours that social commerce builds on to offer seamless shopping, and the blurring line between e-commerce and experiences. Privacy, technology, and local and conscious shopping - how important are they for brands competing in the space and how can marketers focus their strategy? Listen to find out!

Host: Samantha Dover, Senior Beauty and Personal Care Analyst, Mintel Reports UK.

Guests :Alexis DeSalva Kahler, Senior Research Analyst, Retail and eCommerce, Mintel Reports US;

Alex Milinazzo, Trends Analyst, North America;

Nick Carroll, Associate Director, European Retail Research.

Episode 64: International Women's Day: The role brands can play in making an impact

Tue, 02 Mar 2021 11:26:00 +0100

In honour of International Women’s Day (8 March), host Alexis DeSalva Kahler leads a discussion about how the women's rights movement has influenced female purchase power, what female consumer buying behaviour looks like today, the role brands play in supporting, encouraging, and empowering female consumers through language and imagery, and the impact of social media. What brands top the list for impact and engagement? And how important are female founded businesses in all of this? Listen now for compelling insights and brand recommendations centred around the vitally important female consumer.

Host: Alexis DeSalva Kahler, Senior Research Analyst, Retail and eCommerce, Mintel Reports US.

Guests: Diana Kelter, Senior Trends Analyst, Americas;

Lauren Goodsitt, Senior Global Beauty Analyst.

Episode 63: Chinese New Year: Innovative brand campaigns and shifting consumer behaviour

Mon, 08 Feb 2021 20:36:00 +0100

In the official first episode of season three, host Matthew Crabbe welcomes analysts from across Asia-Pacific to discuss what's trending in the run-up to Chinese New Year - from innovative products and services to new marketing campaigns. While the essence of New Year celebrations and traditions will endure, there will be changes - big and small, temporary and long-lasting - that impact consumer behaviour. Looking across the beauty, foodservice, fashion, retail, entertainment, travel, gifting, and social media categories, they spotlight the success or failure of special/limited edition products, influencer campaigns, and cross-category partnerships. What's different this year? How are brands adapting? And what role does mental wellness play? Join Matthew to find out.

Host: Matthew Crabbe, Director of Mintel Trends, APAC.

Guests: Laurie Du, Senior Analyst, Mintel Beauty & Personal Care;

Victoria Li, Senior Analyst, Mintel Trends, APAC;

Huiqi Ong, Consumer Lifestyles Analyst, Mintel Reports Asia.

Episode 62: Super Bowl Episode: An advertising event unlike any other

Tue, 02 Feb 2021 18:19:00 +0100

With Super Bowl LV less than a week away, Mintel experts anticipate the cultural impact of the most-watched US TV broadcast event in the context of a divided nation, an economic crisis, and a global pandemic. They explore the challenges facing advertisers as they struggle to find the right tone and grab attention. With some big names and veteran Super Bowl brands dropping out of the ad lineup, what is the right move for smaller brands and those still participating? What lessons should brands and marketers take away from the event and what impact will it have on the industry going forward? Join the analysts as they discuss these topics and more, including second-screen viewing and Zoom tailgates.

Host: Andrew Davidson, SVP/Chief Insights Officer, Mintel Comperemedia.

Guests: Colin O'Brien, Consumer Insights Analyst, Sports, Mintel Reports US, Sara Nettesheim, Consumer Insights Analyst, Social Media, Mintel Reports US, Nick Batt, Senior Research Analyst, Mintel Comperemedia.

Episode 61: Special Episode: The rise of vegan food and drink

Mon, 25 Jan 2021 21:10:00 +0100

Ahead of the start of season three, we have a special episode today with a discussion on the popularity of Veganuary - the annual challenge of following a vegan lifestyle for the month - and the future of plant-based foods. With January already a time when many consumers make new year's resolutions often for better health and wellness, Mintel global food and drink experts and Veganuary CEO, Ria Rehberg, chat about some of the reasons why the vegan trend is gaining momentum (and mainstreaming in some markets) around the world, as well as what food, drink, and foodservice brands need to consider when developing innovative strategies to support vegan and plant-based products and campaigns.

Host: Edward Bergen, (Mintel Global Food and Drink Analyst).

Guests: Dasha Shor (Mintel Global Food Analyst),

Ria Rehberg (Veganuary CEO).

Episode 60: 2021 outlook: What brands need to know about consumer spending

Tue, 15 Dec 2020 00:21:00 +0100

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).

Episode 59: 2020 holiday shopping season: Make or break for retailers

Tue, 20 Oct 2020 01:29:00 +0100

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).

Episode 58: Vices: Moderation, mental health, community, and culture

Mon, 12 Oct 2020 20:42:00 +0100

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).

Episode 57: The future of healthy ageing

Mon, 05 Oct 2020 23:31:00 +0100

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).

Episode 56: How COVID-19 has impacted Beauty Trend predictions

Mon, 21 Sep 2020 17:41:00 +0100

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).

Episode 55: The future of film: Outlook for movie theatres and streaming platforms

Tue, 15 Sep 2020 17:37:00 +0100

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).

Episode 54: What’s next for travel loyalty programs?

Mon, 07 Sep 2020 18:02:00 +0100

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).

Episode 53: The impact of COVID-19 on fragrance

Mon, 31 Aug 2020 17:01:00 +0100

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).

Episode 52: The future of food and drink innovation

Mon, 24 Aug 2020 17:11:00 +0100

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)

Episode 51: The rise and fall in the beauty device market

Mon, 17 Aug 2020 17:14:00 +0100

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).

Episode 50: COVID-19's impact on global consumer trends: How do brands move forward?

Mon, 10 Aug 2020 18:23:00 +0100

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).

Episode 49: The future of beauty: Top ingredients in North Asia beauty products

Mon, 03 Aug 2020 17:48:00 +0100

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).

Episode 48: Buy now, pay later: The right product at the right time

Mon, 27 Jul 2020 16:35:00 +0100

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).

Episode 47: The evolution of livestreaming: From mainstream to brand opportunity

Mon, 20 Jul 2020 21:52:00 +0100

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).

Episode 46: Science v nature: A future-forward look at the age-old debate

Mon, 13 Jul 2020 17:09:00 +0100

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).

Episode 45: Beauty behaviours during lockdown

Mon, 06 Jul 2020 17:39:00 +0100

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)

Episode 44: What does the future hold for food and drink startups?

Mon, 29 Jun 2020 23:21:00 +0100

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)

Episode 43: 2030 Global Household Care Trends: Changes over the next 10 years

Mon, 22 Jun 2020 18:38:00 +0100

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)

Episode 42: The Black Lives Matter movement: Why consumers want brands to speak out

Wed, 17 Jun 2020 17:49:00 +0100

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)

Episode 41: What is the future of work?

Mon, 08 Jun 2020 18:26:00 +0100

You can’t talk about the future without considering the past. On this week’s episode, Mintel experts discuss the evolution of work and share predictions for what's coming next. How have issues like technology, automation, workers' rights, diversity, the gig economy, and later retirement ages changed everything about the way we work? Are brands keeping up with the pace of change in order to meet evolving consumer needs as work and leisure time continue to blur? As more entrepreneurs enter the economy, what does that mean for the power struggle between employers and employees? Listen now to hear what our experts have to say.

Host: Andrew Davidson (SVP/Chief Insights Officer)

Guests: Lily Harder (Vice President, Comperemedia Research),

Behice Ilhan (Senior Trend Strategist and Brand Futurist),

Richard Cope (Senior Trends Consultant)

Episode 40: Social isolation trends: DIY beauty and fashion

Mon, 01 Jun 2020 19:09:00 +0100

In this episode, Mintel experts from the retail, beauty, personal care, and lifestyle sectors discuss some of the trends taking shape while consumers follow stay-at-home mandates. More time at home often means more time for the things consumers have been putting off, whether that's learning a new skill or developing a more personalised skincare regime. What at-home activities are keeping consumers sane during the COVID-19 crisis? How are they prioritising their wellbeing? What trends will linger on post-pandemic? Listen now to find out what trends are shaping consumer behaviour today and what that means for brands moving forward.

Host: Dana Macke (Associate Director, Mintel Reports US, Lifestyles and Leisure)

Guests: Alexis DeSalva (Senior Research Analyst, Retail and ecommerce, Mintel Reports US),

Lauren Goodsitt (Senior Global Beauty Analyst)

Episode 39: Frictionless retail: How brands are removing barriers on the path to purchase

Tue, 26 May 2020 19:55:00 +0100

In this episode, our retail experts in the US and UK discuss the trend of frictionless retail, the idea of seamless, barrier-free shopping, in both the pre- and post-COVID-19 landscape. Some retailers have gone so far as to develop technology to help consumers completely avoid certain nuisances, for example during the checkout process, in order to create a more enjoyable shopping experience. But is that one step too far, removing too much of the path to purchase that consumers don't get the same purchase satisfaction? As the global COVID-19 pandemic is currently creating an entirely new meaning of frictionless retail, what can retailers and consumers expect next? Listen now!

Host: Andrew Davidson (SVP/Chief Insights Officer)

Guests: Alexis DeSalva (Senior Research Analyst, Retail and ecommerce, Mintel Reports US),

Nick Carroll (Associate Director, Retail, Mintel Reports UK),

Diana Smith (Associate Director, Retail and Apparel, Mintel Reports US)

Episode 38: Innovation battle: Our favourite food and drink products launched in 2019

Mon, 18 May 2020 20:16:00 +0100

Back by popular demand, the second annual Innovation Battle. Mintel food and drink analysts from around the world make their case as to why their favourite new food and drink product (launched in 2019) should win 'most innovative'. What do the innovation experts (with over 60 years of combined experience) think about nighttime ice cream, lower sugar yoghurt, and caffeinated sparkling water? Will products like sorbet packaged in hollowed-out fruit and a vegetable-based rice alternative find broad commercial appeal? Listen to find out.

Host: Edward Bergen (Global Food and Drink Analyst)

Guests: Lynn Dornblaser (Director of Innovation and Insight),

David Jago (Director of Innovation and Insight)

Episode 37: Department stores: Do they have a place in the future of retail?

Mon, 11 May 2020 22:53:00 +0100

With news of large department store brand, Neiman Marcus, filing for bankruptcy, our expert retail analysts from across the globe discuss how department stores have been affected by online shopping and how COVID-19 has exasperated stores’ troubles. Do you remember the last time you went into a department store? Would you join a zoom call to have a virtual consultation with someone at the store? Listen now to hear what our experts think the future for department stores looks like.

Host: Samantha Dover (Senior Beauty and Personal Care Analyst, Mintel Reports UK)

Guests: Alexis DeSalva (Senior Research Analyst, Retail and ecommerce, Mintel Reports US),

Matthew Crabbe (Director of Mintel Trends, APAC)

Chana Baram (Senior Retail Analyst, Mintel Reports UK)

Episode 36: Podcasts: why we listen and how the channel is evolving for marketers

Mon, 04 May 2020 17:34:00 +0100

This is a podcast episode about podcasts. Our experts in consumer behaviour, multichannel marketing, and social media discuss why podcasts are so popular, shifts in short- and long-term engagement, and how the channel is evolving - from both the consumer and brand perspective. Podcasts have historically been a popular tool for personal development and entertainment, boasting loyal, captive audiences. But is the COVID-19 pandemic changing how - and if - we enjoy them? As a perfect channel for mass and mid-funnel marketing strategies, the experts also share best practices for brands and what the future holds for marketers with regard to the blurring lines between podcast and influencer marketing and what happens if networks go private.

Host: Andrew Davidson (SVP/Chief Insights Officer)

Guests: Laura Ziemer (Director of Insights, Digital Media, Comperemedia), Jeannette Ornelas (Senior Digital Marketing Analyst, Comperemedia),

Simon Moriarty (Director of Mintel Trends, EMEA)

Episode 35: Exploring food and drink during COVID-19: Reinvigorating, retooling, and reintroducing

Mon, 27 Apr 2020 17:29:00 +0100

The focus of today's episode is the global food and drink industry - one hit particularly hard by COVID-19. Our experts focus their discussion on three ways food and drink companies and brands are adapting. With certain health conditions making some more susceptible than others to the coronavirus, consumers are looking for ways to boost immunity, presenting opportunities for brands to reinvigorate product innovation strategies. Meanwhile, some brands are shutting down production in order to retool their manufacturing processes to create much-needed masks, hand sanitisers, and medical devices. Finally, the once-neglected centre aisles of the grocery store are now very attractive to consumers, reintroducing them to products with a long shelf life and the ingredients used in home cooking.

Host: Edward Bergen (Global Food and Drink Analyst)

Guests: Marcia Mogelonsky (Director of Insight, Mintel Food and Drink, Americas),

Jodie Minotto (Research Manager, Mintel Food and Drink, Asia Pacific),

Rick Miller (Associate Director, Specialised Nutrition)

Episode 34: Safety v privacy: COVID-19 contact tracing

Tue, 21 Apr 2020 00:34:00 +0100

Following the news that Google and Apple are teaming up to develop a COVID-19 contact tracing app, Mintel experts in technology and consumer trends discuss what contact tracing is and what it means for consumers. With data privacy and security breaches top of mind for many, will consumers see value in participating or will they opt out? How will marketing, incentives, education, trust, and social pressure play a role? Listen now to find out what our experts predict for the here and now of contact tracing.

Host: Dana Macke (Associate Director, Mintel Reports US, Lifestyles and Leisure)

Guests: Diana Kelter (Senior Trends Analyst, Americas),

Buddy Lo (Senior Analyst, Technology and Consumer Electronics, US),

Scott Stewart (Senior Analyst, Technology and Media, Canada)

Episode 33: Sensory triggers: The influence the senses have on perception and emotional response

Mon, 13 Apr 2020 18:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Mintel experts discuss the power the senses - specifically smell and taste - have on the human experience. As the world becomes more digital, how are food, drink, beauty, and personal care brands adapting their innovation and messaging strategies to engage the senses and elicit emotion? Certain scents or tastes can transport consumers to a different place or time and evoke a strong memory (you're thinking about one right now, aren't you?). This can be a powerful tool for brands to wield - when done correctly. Join us to find out more!

Host: Andrew McDougall (Associate Director, Global Beauty and Personal Care)

Guests: Ayisha Koyenikan (Global Food and Drink Analyst),

Margaux Caron (Global Beauty Analyst)

Episode 32: Confusing or convenient. The international food aisle of the grocery store

Mon, 06 Apr 2020 19:40:00 +0100

In today's episode, host Dana Macke and her guests - experts from the food and drink, lifestyle, grocery retail, and multicultural consumer sectors - take a stroll through the grocery store and discuss the reasoning behind the international food aisle. With increasing globalisation and the growing influence of diversity across consumer groups, is there a benefit to categorising all 'ethnic food' into one aisle of the grocery store? And what roles do food and drink manufacturers and brands play in educating consumers about international ingredients and recipes?

Host: Dana Macke (Associate Director, Mintel Reports US, Lifestyles and Leisure)

Guests: Jenny Zegler (Associate Director, Mintel Food & Drink),

Juan Ruiz (Director of Hispanic Insights),

Melanie Zanoza Bartelme (Global Food Analyst),

Carol Wong-Li (Associate Director, Mintel Reports Canada, Lifestyles and Leisure),

Joel Gregoire (Associate Director, Mintel Reports Canada, Food and Drink).

Episode 31: Consumers and COVID-19: What the world can learn from China

Mon, 30 Mar 2020 18:30:00 +0100

In today's episode, Mintel analysts discuss changes in consumer behaviour and market shifts in China, the US, and Europe resulting from the global spread of COVID-19, as well as lessons learned from Asia. With safety and wellness quickly rising to the top of consumers' priority lists, what does the future hold for sustainability, new product development, and distribution innovation? Will industries like retail, ecommerce, and digital marketing be forever changed? And how is all of this impacting local business communities? Join us as we discuss the legacy of COVID-19 on consumer markets.

Host: Andrew McDougall (Associate Director, Global Beauty and Personal Care)

Guests: Ruyi Xu (Head of Mintel Reports, North Asia)

Toby Clark (Director of EMEA Research)

Marissa Gilbert (Associate Director, US Reports, Health and Wellness)

Episode 30: Diet mythbusters: A critical look at the nutrition behind popular diets

Mon, 23 Mar 2020 18:15:00 +0100

In this episode, we discuss trending diets with specialised nutritionist Rick Miller to glean his insights on the science behind certain food fads, why they are so popular, and whether or not they are a smart nutritional decision for consumers to make. Wondering if keto, intermittent fasting, or gut health supplements are the way to go? Maybe matcha tea or the werewolf diet are better suited? Find out if you're on a path to nutritional health and balance or doomed to fall off the fad diet wagon.

Host: Edward Bergen (Global Food and Drink Analyst)

Guest: Rick Miller (Associate Director, Specialised Nutrition)

Episode 29: The business of insights. What does the future hold?

Mon, 16 Mar 2020 19:04:00 +0100

To kick-off season two, we're turning the spotlight on ourselves with a discussion about the business of insights. Joined by experts in data science, data analytics, research methodology, and consumer behaviour, host Andrew Davidson explores the evolution of consumer research (including the role that technology plays), and what the future holds. From the importance of cultivating a curiosity for human behaviour to data visualisation and storytelling, join us to learn about the state of the insights industry.

Host: Andrew Davidson (SVP/Chief Insights Officer)

Guests: Toby Clark (Director of Research, EMEA)

Mark Brechin (Global Director of Consumer Research and Data Analytics)

Ben Korallus (Head of Data Science and Analytics, Mintel Futures)

Sneak peek: What to expect during season two

Wed, 11 Mar 2020 21:04:00 +0100

The much-anticipated release of Mintel Little Conversation season two is just around the corner. Interested to discover what consumer quarks we'll investigate next? Anxious to hear our experts' opinions on the staying-power of current trends? Are you dying to know what brands, products, and services are winning, which are losing, and what innovations are set to revolutionise consumerism as we know it? Today, host Sam Dover gives you a sneak peek of some of the topics our experts are diving into this season. Stay tuned for the official launch of season two on 17 March!

Host: Samantha Dover, Senior Beauty and Personal Care Analyst, UK

Episode 28: Season one finale: What’s trending this holiday season?

Mon, 16 Dec 2019 19:00:00 +0100

In the final episode of Little Conversation season one, we are unwrapping some of the major trends this holiday season, including nostalgia and veganism. Whether it's through holiday cards, advent calendars, or aided by modern technology, nostalgia offers innovative ways to connect with consumers during the festive holiday season. Growing in popularity in recent years, 'Vegan Christmas' will see more vegan food on the table and vegan gifts under the tree than ever before. Finally, we end the year with a discussion about what's top of mind for our hosts in 2020. Happy holidays, from Mintel Little Conversation!

Host: Edward Bergen (Global Food and Drink Analyst)

Guest: Andrew McDougall (Associate Director, Beauty and Personal Care), Samantha Dover (Senior Retail Analyst, UK),

Dana Macke (Associate Director of Lifestyles and Leisure, US),

Andrew Davidson (SVP/Chief Insights Officer, Comperemedia)

Episode 27: Winning Black Friday: Retail predictions for Black Friday and Cyber Monday 2019

Mon, 09 Dec 2019 18:43:00 +0100

In this episode, three Mintel analysts review their predictions for Black Friday/Cyber Monday and discuss how the holiday shopping event has evolved over the years in the US and UK. Did the promotional period creep from days to weeks? Did some retailers reject hyper consumerism messaging in favour of promoting sustainability initiatives? What role did loyalty and repeat purchase programs play? Find out how their predictions fared and what brands won in the end.

Host: Dana Macke (Associate Director of Lifestyles and Leisure, US)

Guest: Alexis DeSalva (Senior Retail and eCommerce Analyst, US),

Nick Carroll (Associate Director of Retail, UK),

Lierin Ehmke (Senior Digital Marketing Analyst, US)

Episode 26: The future of beauty: 2030 Beauty and Personal Care Trends

Mon, 02 Dec 2019 18:08:00 +0100

Today, we're unpacking Mintel's newly released 2030 Global Beauty and Personal Care Trends. Whether you're a beauty junkie or curious about how the world will look in 10 years, this episode gives you serious food for thought. Navigating between science and nature, connection and disconnection, cultural shifts will require beauty and personal care brands, manufacturers and retailers to be more proactive than ever to stand out and remain relevant. And while developments in neuromarketing, biotechnology and artificial intelligence will change the way we shop, an intrinsic need for authenticity and transparency will determine success across categories.

Host: Andrew McDougall (Associate Director, Beauty and Personal Care)

Guest: Sarah Jindal (Senior Global Analyst, Mintel Beauty & Personal Care), Sharon Kwek (Associate Director, Beauty and Personal Care)

Episode 25: 2030 Global Consumer Trends: How consumer behaviour will change over the next 10 years

Mon, 25 Nov 2019 18:29:00 +0100

Introducing Mintel's 2030 Global Consumer Trends! Today, we're taking a closer look at the 7 Drivers and how they will impact consumer behaviour over the next 10 years: wellbeing, surroundings, technology, rights, identity, value, and experiences. It's not (ony) about predicting the future, but anticipating what will matter to consumers in the next one, five and 10 years, from their individual needs to their hopes, concerns, and expectations.

Host: Samantha Dover (Senior Research Analyst, UK)

Guest: Simon Moriarty (EMEA Director of Mintel Trends),

Gabrielle Lieberman (Director of Trends and Social Media Research, Americas), Matthew Crabbe (Regional Trends Director, Asia-Pacific)

Episode 24: Buy this, not that: Why purchase decision making is getting more complex

Mon, 18 Nov 2019 18:29:00 +0100

Today, we talk about purchase decision making or, more simply, the complicated process consumers go through before parting with their hard-earned cash. As companies go bust and in-store footfall declines, it may be tempting to declare the death of the high street/main street. The truth is, consumers are simply changing the way they approach shopping. Online and offline practices are more fluid than ever, while factors like social media, direct-to-consumer brands, and data-driven marketing contribute to further disruption. Join our analysts for an insight-packed conversation encompassing decision fatigue, the redefinition of value, and the impact of ethical practices and sustainability.

Host: Samantha Dover (Senior Retail Analyst, UK)

Guest: Carol Wong-Li (Associate Director of Lifestyles and Leisure, Canada), Diana Kelter (Senior Trend Analyst, US),

Jane Hurh (Senior Analyst, Mintel Purchase Intelligence)

Episode 23: The secret language of food

Mon, 11 Nov 2019 18:28:00 +0100

It may be hard to believe, but there was a time when avocados were called 'alligator pears'. It wasn't until 1915 that it was officially rebranded as avocado, which led to its commercial success. In today's episode, we're talking about the language of food and exploring how words can change the way products are perceived by consumers, even impacting sales and legislation. As an array of start-ups launch innovative food and drink products created with boundary-pushing scientific processes, they are coming up with an entirely new vocabulary. But how do brands entice consumers and ensure they understand what they are buying?

Host: Edward Bergen (Global Food and Drink Analyst)

Guest: Emma Allman (Junior Food Analyst),

Kate Vlietstra (Global Food and Drink Analyst)

Episode 22: Crystal-gazing: The future of money

Mon, 04 Nov 2019 22:01:00 +0100

With new financial innovations dropping all the time, it feels like the world of payments is in a perpetual state of evolution. Today, we stare into a crystal ball to predict the future of money. From cashless societies, to invisible payments and cryptocurrencies, we assess whether current financial trends are set to take off.

Host: Andrew Davidson (SVP/Chief Insights Officer, Comperemedia)

Guest: Mark Miller (Associate Director of Insights for Payments, Comperemedia),

Deborah Osguthorpe (Head of UK Financial Services Research),

Behice Ilhan (Senior Trend Strategist)

Episode 21: Streaming Wars: Understanding the video streaming landscape

Tue, 29 Oct 2019 09:36:00 +0100

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away, there was Netflix. Then came Hulu and Amazon Prime; now Disney+, Apple TV+ and HBO Max will soon join, making the streaming wars more brutal than ever. To guide you through this time of change, Mintel analysts discuss how the streaming landscape will evolve, from pricing and content strategies to winners and losers. Plus, how will consumers navigate this seemingly endless content offer?

Host: Dana Macke (Associate Director of US Lifestyles & Leisure Reports)

Guest: Buddy Lo (Sr. Technology and Consumer Electronics Analyst, US), Rebecca McGrath (Senior Media Analyst, UK),

John Poelking (Leisure and Media Reports Analyst, US),

BJ Pichman (Research Manager, Comperemedia Omni)

Episode 20: Real men use moisturiser: When will the male beauty industry get it right?

Mon, 21 Oct 2019 22:39:00 +0100

While male grooming is on the rise, most men's bathroom cabinets are still a barren wasteland, occupied by only generic moisturiser, sad deodorant and a razor. Is that because men are not being catered for or because they simply don't care? Either way, the potential of the male grooming category isn't fully being met. Brands have an opportunity to stand out by going beyond the stereotypes of 'masculine' packaging and messaging, and athlete endorsements. Meanwhile, inclusive and genderless messages around body positivity, self confidence and mental health could resonate more than promises of strength and sex appeal.

Host: Andrew McDougall (Associate Director, Beauty & Personal Care)

Guests: Alex Fisher (Global Skincare Analyst),

Margaux Caron (Global Beauty Analyst)

Episode 19: MIND your health: The many faces of mental wellbeing

Tue, 15 Oct 2019 09:35:00 +0100

Following World Mental Health Day (10 Oct.), we reflect on what mental wellness means to consumers. While eating right and exercising were once considered the recipe for a balanced lifestyle, there's been a shift towards more holistic approaches. As levels of anxiety and stress increase, people across the globe are opening up about their struggles, starting conversations around mental wellbeing. Brands are looking to connect with consumers on a deeper level through campaigns, services and products designed to help them get in touch with their emotions. But how can they ensure their commitment is perceived as authentic and credible?

Host: Dana Macke (Associate Director of US Lifestyles & Leisure Reports)

Guest: Rick Miller (Associate Director of Specialist Nutrition, UK),

Carol Wong-Li (Associate Director of Lifestyles and Leisure, Canada), Marissa Gilbert (Associate Director of Health and Wellness, US)

Episode 18: Fashion Week review: The key fashion and beauty trends you need to know now

Mon, 07 Oct 2019 21:01:00 +0100

Our analysts have been following the New York, Milan, London and Paris fashion weeks through social media and by attending in person. From elevated neutrals and make-up colour-blocking to 3D nail art and dirty hair, they run through the key trends spotted on the runways. But what does it all mean for brands, buyers and retailers? They discuss how fashion can cater to modern-day, working women; why influencers still play a crucial role in trickling trends down to consumers; and how brands are trying new approaches to get consumers involved.

Host: Dana Macke (Associate Director of US Lifestyles & Leisure Reports)

Guest: Alexis DeSalva (Senior Retail Analyst, US)

Lauren Goodsitt (Global Beauty Analyst)

Episode 17: 'Click here': Engaging with consumers via digital advertising

Tue, 01 Oct 2019 00:57:00 +0100

Digital advertising is a complex industry to navigate. Today's multi-channel advertising saturation means you can't demand people's attention any more - you have to earn it. Cross-device behaviour means consumers are on their mobile while watching TV and shopping on their laptop, interacting with multiple ads on multiple devices at the same time. So how can digital marketers remain relevant and ensure consumers feel empowered, engaged and entertained?.

Host: Andrew Davidson (SVP/Chief Insights Officer, Comperemedia).

Guest: Laura Ziemer (Director of Insights, Digital Media, Comperemedia).

Buddy Lo (Sr. Technology and Consumer Electronics Analyst, US).

Rebecca McGrath (Senior Media Analyst, UK).

Episode 16: Digital detox: What's all the fuss about?

Tue, 24 Sep 2019 00:36:00 +0100

If 'comparison is the thief of joy', social media provides fertile ground for the crime. The addictive nature of social media platforms, combined with 24/7 access to people's (seemingly) perfect lives, creates a perfect storm of self-doubt, anxiety, FOMO and loneliness. From Instagram's trial of removing likes, to Pinterest suggesting wellbeing exercises, social media brands are starting to look after their community. At the same time, the concept of digital detox has emerged as a way for consumers to take a break from their smartphones. In this episode, we discuss if this presents a threat to social media and tech companies and why different generations may be more or less likely to digital detox.

Host: Dana Macke (Associate Director, US Lifestyles & Leisure Reports)

Guest: Diana Kelter (Senior Trend Analyst, Americas)

Sara Nettesheim (Social Media Analyst, US)

Helen Fricker (Trends Manager, EMEA)

Episode 15: Senior scenarios: What ageing might look like in 2030

Tue, 17 Sep 2019 12:36:00 +0100

Seniors want to be active, independent and live in their homes for as long as possible. However, household chores present a major challenge, especially to those living alone and without help. As the demographic imbalance of fewer younger people and the lack of elder care professionals creates a void, the emergence of home automation and household robots present an opportunity for brands. Here, Mintel experts discuss three fascinating scenarios about ageing in 2030 and how a tool like scenario planning can help marketers envision the future.

Host: Andrew Davidson (SVP/Chief Insights Officer)

Guest: Jamie Rosenberg (Senior Global Analyst)

Richard Hopping (Senior Brand and Household Analyst, UK)

Behice Ilhan (Senior Trend Strategist)

Episode 14: Generation sober: Why Gen Z is breaking up with alcohol

Tue, 10 Sep 2019 01:06:00 +0100

They hate hangovers; they'd rather hit the gym than go to the pub; they choose quality over quantity. Sometimes they drink alcohol; sometimes they don't. Ladies and gentlemen, meet 'the sober generation'. In 2019, being healthy is cool and underage drinking has hit its lowest point ever in the US. In this episode, Mintel experts discuss what's behind Gen Z's sober attitudes toward alcohol and identify unexplored ways for beverage brands and bars to convince young people to leave Netflix at home and go out for a drink.

Host: Edward Bergen (Global Food & Drink Analyst)

Guest: Jonny Forsyth (Associate Director, Mintel Food & Drink)

Caleb Bryant (Senior Beverage Analyst, US)

Laura Bru (Innovation and Insights Manager)

Episode 13: Battle of the foodies: What's the next untapped cuisine?

Mon, 02 Sep 2019 23:24:00 +0100

Disclaimer: This episode will make you hungry! Today on Little Conversation, Mintel food analysts from the US, UK and Brazil discuss cuisines that are currently unexplored in their regions and determine what's set to take off next! Will it be Korea's sweet and spicy, gut-friendly flavours? The diverse and nuanced flavour of the Caribbean islands? Or will regional Indian cuisine be crowned as the next big thing?

Host: Edward Bergen (Global Food & Drink Analyst)

Guest: Melanie Zanoza Bartelme (Global Food Analyst, US),

Ana Paula Gilsogamo (Food & Drink Analyst, Brazil),

Ayisha Koyenikan (Global Food & Drink Analyst, UK)

Episode 12: Predicting the future of (fake) news

Mon, 26 Aug 2019 23:28:00 +0100

TV may still be the main news provider for consumers across the world, but issues of trust and credibility are undermining the institutional role of traditional media outlets. As cynical and critical audiences increasingly question the medis, what does the future of news look like? Are subscription-based models the answer to fake news? Can readers' loyalty save struggling media outlets? And how can news platforms gain younger consumers?

Host: Dana Macke (Associate Director of US Lifestyles & Leisure Reports),

Guest: Rebecca McGrath (Senior Media Analyst, UK),

John Poelking (Leisure & Media Analyst, US),

Scott Stewart (Senior Technology and Media Analyst, Canada)

Episode 11: Veganism: the good, the bad and the ugly

Mon, 19 Aug 2019 22:45:00 +0100

Veganism has taken the world by storm. We've watched the trend explode in front of our eyes and don't expect it to end anytime soon. In this episode, Mintel experts discuss how veganism has changed the rules across food, beauty and fashion. They address the good, the bad and the questionable issues around this complex topic: Does vegan equal healthy? How do we deal with the environmental impact of animal-free products? Can vegan claims be trusted? Which brands are getting it right?

Host: Edward Bergen (Global Food & Drink Analyst)

Guest: Sarah Jindal (Senior Global Analyst, Mintel Beauty & Personal Care)

Samantha Dover (Senior Retail Analyst)

Episode 10: #FollowMe: The unstoppable rise of influencers

Mon, 12 Aug 2019 21:06:00 +0100

From the clothes we buy to the politicians we vote for, our opinions, decisions and tastes are constantly being influenced. With the help of social media, people have made a career from their ability to set trends and inspire action, a power that was once only reserved for celebrities and the elite. But who are these 'influencers' and do people still trust them?

Host: Edward Bergen (Global Food & Drink Analyst)

Guest: Simon Moriarty (EMEA Director of Mintel Trends), Jack Duckett (Associate Director, Consumer Lifestyles Research)

Production/ Sound Engineer: Alex Diaz - th3cult.co.uk

(Recorded in early 2019)

Episode 9: Defining 'clean': Why is clean living so popular?

Tue, 06 Aug 2019 00:55:00 +0100

In this episode, we look at the 'clean' movement in Beauty, Food & Drink and Household. Clean living is about what you put in and on your body. Interest in natural ingredients is based on the idea that for something to be healthy, it needs to be simple, unprocessed and as close to the real thing as possible. This is not a fad and clean formulations will continue to grow across categories. But given an absence of official regulations, how should brands talk to their customers about the clean movement?

Host: Andrew Davidson (SVP/Chief Insights Officer)

Guest: Jamie Rosenberg (Global Household & Personal Care Analyst), Alison Gaither (Beauty & Personal Care Analyst), Hannah Spencer (Foodservice Analyst)

Episode 8: Work-life balance: A pipe dream for Millennials?

Tue, 30 Jul 2019 02:13:00 +0100

While finding a healthy work-life balance often looks like an impossible feat, it seems to be even harder for Millennials. This is the 'work hard, play hard' generation that can do it all: get promoted, party, travel, meditate, socialise, work out, raise children - all while working afterhours and checking their email on evenings, weekends and holidays! And with social media adding an extra layer of pressure to look like they are 'living their best life', the question arises: at what cost?

Host: Dana Macke (Associate Director of US Lifestyles & Leisure Reports)

Guest: Carol Wong-Li (Associate Director of Canada Lifestyles & Leisure Reports)

Jack Duckett (Associate Director of UK Consumer Lifestyles Research)

Kristen Boesel (Senior US Lifestyles & Leisure Analyst)

Episode 7: Navigating Facebook advertising in 2019

Mon, 22 Jul 2019 22:00:00 +0100

It may be losing its grip on young people, but Facebook remains, by far, the most influencial social media platform on the planet. In 2018, US companies allocated around 22% of their advertising budgets on Facebook. Despite scandals, fines and controversies, the business is thriving. But how is the tech giant going to shape its future? In this episode, we discuss how the recent debate around discriminatory ads has shed new light on privacy issues, with the positive result of the advertising industry pushing for better regulation. So, how can advertisers strike a balance between privacy and personalisation?

Host: Andrew Davidson (SVP/Chief Insights Officer)

Guests: Laura Ziemer (Director of Insights, Digital Media)

Jeannette Ornelas (Senior Digital Marketing Analyst)

Rebecca McGrath (Senior Media Analyst)

Episode 6: No panic: What Brexit really means for consumer

Mon, 15 Jul 2019 20:00:00 +0100

In today's episode, we drop the B-word! What does Brexit really mean for consumers? How is today's culture of individualism affecting the way people think about the economy? And why on earth is consumer confidence peaking despite all the uncertainty?! From savvy shopping to the experience economy, we give a 360 degree look at what's going on in Britain's minds and wallets. Plus, some wise advice from our analysts on what brands should do to remain relevant as Brexit day looms.

Host: Samantha Dover (Senior Retail Analyst)

Guests: Richard Shepherd (Senior Financial Services Analyst),

Simon Moriarty (EMEA Director of Trends),

Jack Duckett (Associate Director, Consumer Lifestyles Research)

Episode 5: In time for Prime: Amazon Prime Day 2019

Wed, 10 Jul 2019 22:45:00 +0100

A bonus episode of Little Conversation just in time for the shopping event of the year: Amazon Prime Day! Spanning over two days (15-16 July), next week's Prime celebration seems to be bigger and better than ever. But will last year's success be replicated? How are other major retailers gearing up and should they even compete with Amazon? And what can we expect in the future? Join our expert analysts to understand what Prime Day is all about and how it fits into Amazon's long term strategy.

Host: Andrew Davidson (SVP/Chief Insights Officer)

Guest: Alexis DeSalva (Senior Retail Analyst),

Lierin Ehmke (Senior Digital Marketing Analyst)

Nick Carroll (Associate Director of Retail)

Episode 4: Diversity matters: A case for inclusivity in business

Mon, 08 Jul 2019 16:14:00 +0100

As inclusion consultant Vernā Myers famously said, "diversity is being invited to the party, inclusion is being asked to dance". In this episode, we explore diversity. Brands have a responsibility to change the moral agenda by embracing all differences, no matter age, gender, ethnicity, religion, or disability, from the people they hire to the products they develop.

Host: Andrew McDougall, Associate Director, Beauty & Personal Care

Guests: Roshida Khanom (Associate Director, Beauty & Personal Care), Toya Mitchell (Senior Multicultural Analyst), Richard Cope (Senior Trends Consultant)

Episode 3: Innovation battle: Our favourite food and drink products launched in 2018

Wed, 26 Jun 2019 16:23:00 +0100

What do two product innovation experts with 30 years of experience think about chickpea beer and probiotic ice cream? In this episode, we asked our global food and drink analysts to pick their favourite launches from 2018.

Host: Edward Bergen, Global Food & Drink Analyst

Guests: Lynn Dornblaser (Director of Innovation & Insight), David Jago (Director of Innovation & Insight)

Production/ Sound Engineer: Alex Diaz - th3cult.co.uk

Episode 2: Life doesn't stop at 60: How to target ageing consumers

Wed, 26 Jun 2019 16:22:00 +0100

Today, older consumers are more active, fun and open-minded than ever. Then why are they still being neglected by marketers? Issues of inclusivity, diversity and mental health are relevant throughout life stages, and brands need to embrace them if they want to engage this demographic in a positive way.

Host: Andrew McDougall, Associate Director, Beauty & Personal Care

Guests: Alex Fisher (Associate Director, Beauty & Personal Care), Jack Duckett (Associate Director, Consumer Lifestyles Research)

Production/ Sound Engineer: Alex Diaz - th3cult.co.uk

Episode 1: is food gendered? The slow death of gender-based marketing

Mon, 17 Jun 2019 15:48:00 +0100

In an era of gender-neutral language, politics and social interaction, is it time to reconsider gender-focused food and drink products? Whether it's age, race or gender, people are tired of being told they have to think or act a certain way because of who they are. From veganism to Diet Coke, we take a look at how the food and drink industry can and should position products beyond stereotypes.

Host: Andrew Davidson, SVP/Chief Insights Officer.

Guests: Marcia Mogelnosky (Director of Insight, Food & Drink).

Jonny Forsyth (Associate Director, Food & Drink).

Alex Millinazzo (Trends Analyst).