Mintel Little Conversation

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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).

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)

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)

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)

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)