Insight of the Day: Unilever’s bold $105M bet on fragrance

Findings:1. Unilever’s Investment: The company is investing $105 million to establish an in-house fragrance division, leveraging AI and a global team of perfumers to design unique scents.2. Fragrance as a Growth Driver: Fragrances are emerging as a pivotal category in the luxury and beauty sectors, outperforming other beauty products in revenue growth.3. Competitor Activity: Luxury…

Insight of the Day: In focus: Adult soft drinks

Findings • Adult soft drinks are experiencing significant growth due to rising demand for premium, sophisticated alternatives to alcoholic beverages. • Consumers are looking for bold, authentic flavors and health-oriented options that match the quality and complexity of alcoholic drinks. • The demand is especially strong during festive occasions, with larger formats preferred for family gatherings and smaller,…

Insight of the Day: What really makes a drink premium in Germany’s On Premise?

Findings • Premium drinks in Germany’s On Premise market are defined by flavor, quality, and authenticity, with additional factors like price, presentation, and unique ingredients reinforcing their appeal. • German consumers associate premium drinks with sophistication and are willing to pay more for drinks offering high-quality ingredients, expert preparation, or unique elements.Key Takeaway • Premiumisation…

Insight of the Day: Unilever to ditch €1bn of food brands, premiumise and quadruple innovation

Findings • Unilever is streamlining its portfolio, divesting €1 billion worth of non-core food brands, focusing on its power brands, and emphasizing premiumisation and innovation. • The company plans to quadruple investment in innovation to align with shifting consumer expectations.Key Takeaway • Fewer, stronger brands combined with premium offerings and bold innovation are at the…

Insight of the Day: How specialty coffee is transforming Southeast Asian café culture

Findings:1. Rapid Growth in Specialty Coffee: • Southeast Asia’s coffee market is evolving due to urbanization, changing consumer preferences, and a thriving café culture. • Countries like Indonesia are key players, with a rising number of specialty coffee shops and chains.2. Local Roasting and Sourcing: • Specialty coffee businesses are increasingly roasting coffee locally, raising quality…

Insight of the Day: Sweet indulgence: 7 hot chocolate trends

Findings:1. Luxury and Gourmet Appeal: • Consumers seek premium hot chocolates with single-origin chocolate, high-quality ingredients, and elaborate garnishes like edible glitter and candied fruits.2. Flavor Innovations: • Spicy and seasonal flavors (e.g., chili, pumpkin spice) and creative combinations like mocha, lavender, or matcha are trending.3. Plant-Based Options: • Growing demand for milk alternatives like oat…

Insight of the Day: Spirits to outpace beer and wine

Findings: The global spirits sector is projected to grow faster in both volume and value than other beverage categories, driven largely by premiumization and changing consumer preferences, particularly among Gen Z. The sector is expected to see a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.6% in volume and 9.4% in value from 2023 to 2028,…

Insight of the Day: How premium can bulk wine go?

Findings: Bulk wine, historically seen as cheap or entry-level, is shifting toward a more premium positioning as sustainability, efficiency, and quality improvements redefine its market perception. Factors such as eco-friendly transportation, bottling practices, and high-quality wine production are transforming bulk wine from an affordable option to one that appeals to mid-range and premium markets.Key Takeaway:…

Insight of the Day: New study shines light on future trends in spirits

Findings: • Premiumization, convenience, generational shifts (especially Gen Z), and AI are key drivers of innovation in the spirits industry. • Consumers are adopting a “drink less, but drink better” philosophy, seeking high-quality, unique, and premium spirits. • The spirits market is predicted to grow faster than beer, cider, wine, and soft drinks, with a…