Tag

Consumer Trends

All articles tagged with #consumer trends

business2 days ago

Sprinkles Cupcakes: Rise of a Beverly Hills Boom, Now an Abrupt Shutdown

Sprinkles Cupcakes grew from Candace Nelson’s home bakery to a nationwide brand with signature 24‑hour cupcake ATMs and dozens of shops, but after Nelson’s 2012 exit and a private-equity takeover, the company abruptly closed all company‑owned locations by Dec. 31, 2025, leaving employees jobless and highlighting the risks of brick‑and‑mortar bakeries amid rising costs and shifting consumer tastes, despite diversification efforts like DTC sales and a new franchise program.

business4 months ago

Kraft Heinz to Split Amidst Changing Tastes and Strategic Shake-Up

Kraft Heinz is splitting into two companies after a decade of underperformance and a $57 billion loss in market value, marking a significant setback for Warren Buffett's investment. The breakup aims to focus on different product categories but raises questions about the effectiveness of splitting in a declining consumer demand environment for processed foods.

business4 months ago

Millennials' Favorite Companies: Growth or Decline?

Once-trendy millennial brands like Midea and Glossier are facing challenges as their appeal wanes and they struggle to stay relevant, with many shifting from trendy, purpose-driven marketing to more mainstream, product-focused strategies amid retail declines and changing consumer preferences. The era of the 'cool' millennial brand is fading, replaced by more traditional retail models and a focus on product quality over branding gimmicks.

business5 months ago

Pepsi Launches Prebiotic Cola to Capitalize on Health Trends

PepsiCo is launching a healthier version of its classic cola, called Pepsi Prebiotic Cola, to attract health-conscious consumers and younger drinkers shifting towards gut-friendly and sparkling water options. The new soda, which contains prebiotic fibers and no artificial sweeteners, aims to revive interest in the traditional cola flavor and compete with brands like Poppi and Olipop. It will initially be sold online in November before expanding to retailers in 2026, as Pepsi seeks to adapt to changing consumer preferences and boost sales.

health-and-science6 months ago

Common Mistakes That Sabotage Vegan Diets and How to Fix Them

Despite the popularity of plant-based foods and the growth of meat substitutes, recent sales in UK supermarkets have declined for three consecutive years, possibly due to consumer preferences shifting towards less processed, more authentic foods, and taste and texture issues with current meat alternatives. The future of vegan food may depend on developing better, more palatable products and understanding evolving consumer demands.

business7 months ago

Cannabis and Wellness Trends Challenge Traditional Liquor Sales, Says Brown-Forman CEO

The CEO of Brown-Forman, parent company of Jack Daniel's, states that increasing marijuana use is exerting pressure on the alcohol industry, contributing to recent profit declines, as more consumers substitute cannabis for alcohol. This trend is supported by various studies indicating a shift in consumer preferences, with marijuana viewed as less harmful and increasingly used as a substitute for alcohol, especially among younger adults. International trends show similar patterns, and industry experts predict continued challenges for alcohol sales amid expanding cannabis legalization.

business7 months ago

Campbell's profits rise as at-home dining trend continues

Campbell's beat Q3 sales and profit estimates driven by increased demand for canned foods and soups as consumers prefer eating at home amid economic uncertainty and inflation, though some segments like snacks lag behind. The company maintains its full-year sales forecast but expects some impact from tariffs and cost inflation, and is exploring pricing and sourcing strategies.

business1 year ago

McDonald's Revamps Menu with $1 Deals and $5 Meal Offers

McDonald's is launching a new "McValue" menu to address consumer concerns over high fast-food prices, which have led many to cook at home instead. The menu, effective January 2025, includes deals like the $5 Meal Deal and "Buy One, Add One for $1," aiming to boost sales amid declining revenue and a recent E.coli outbreak. McDonald's acknowledges the need for affordability, especially for lower-income consumers, as it faces criticism for price increases.

business1 year ago

"Save Money This Summer with Homemade Cold Brew Coffee"

As coffee prices hit record highs, more consumers are opting to brew iced coffee at home to save money. While 35% of coffee orders at cafes are now cold, these drinks are typically more expensive. Retailers and brands like Nescafé and Keurig are introducing new products to cater to this trend, offering cheaper at-home options. Meanwhile, cafes like Starbucks and smaller operators are trying to maintain customer traffic despite rising costs and changing consumer habits.

business1 year ago

Major Banks Close 539 Branches in Six Months

In the first half of 2024, U.S. banks closed 539 branches, with Bank of America, U.S. Bank, Wells Fargo, Chase, and TD Bank among the major contributors. This trend reflects a shift towards online banking, with 78% of Americans preferring digital services. The closures, driven by cost-saving measures and changing consumer preferences, are expected to continue, potentially surpassing 1,000 by year-end. California, New York, and Pennsylvania were the most affected states.

food-trends1 year ago

"Swicy: The Spicy-Sweet Food Trend Taking Over"

The "swicy" trend, a combination of sweet and spicy flavors, is rapidly gaining popularity in the U.S. food and beverage market, driven primarily by younger consumers like Millennials, Gen Z, and Gen Alpha. This trend is evident across various products, from snacks and drinks to frozen foods and pizzas, with major brands like Coca-Cola, Starbucks, and Pepsico introducing spiced-up offerings. The rise in demand for bold flavors is also influenced by increased globalization and cultural diversity, making spicy foods a lasting trend rather than a passing fad.

business1 year ago

Cracker Barrel Revamps Menu and Look to Regain Relevancy

Cracker Barrel is struggling to maintain relevancy and is testing various strategies to attract customers, including early bird dinner specials from 4 to 6 p.m. Despite efforts to modernize its menu and restaurant decor, the chain faces challenges in appealing to both its traditional older clientele and younger consumers. The company has seen a decline in revenue and stock value, and it hopes that offering deals will help boost sales amidst a competitive dining market.