Trends/Foresight Experience
I am highly adept at using syndicated data platforms (Mintel, Datassential, Innova, Trend Hunter, Trend Hub, etc.) to track, interpret, and translate food‑industry trends into strategic opportunities. I bring narratives to life with clear flow and creativity for audience engagement and inspiration for action. Examples of trends projects I’ve planned and run follow. Each is under a header describing the company or brand for which the work was completed.
National Brand of Bread & Sweet Goods
In 2009, identified four key consumer trends, creating a perspective on each dimension. Then, led a team of Consumer Insight colleagues in the presentation of these to kick-off the Annual Operating Plan (AOP) process. Anchored the trends (Need for Authenticity, Stop-and-Go Lives, Experience Seeking and Wellness) to a compass (North, South, East and West) to tell a story of the organization setting a course for the future with some tailwinds (great people, great brands, strong pipeline) but some rough waters ahead (economy, competition, media fragmentation).
International Sauce Brand
In 2011, using the portfolio of Mintel tools (Consumer “Oxygen” Reports, GNPD and Inspire), developed and presented a point-of-view addressing the changes in household composition (e.g., non-traditional families), the value offerings in demand (affordable indulgences, right size and concentrated formulae) and how and consumers are staying connected (sharing opinions and talents online beyond immediate circle). Opening slide for each section showcased the topic’s past, present and future. The work was presented to the manufacturer client and their agency partners.
National Grocery Chain
In 2011, to inspire product and service ideas for a grocery chain’s store perimeter, studied marketplace and new product evolutions, for synthesis. Then, developed nine ideation platforms, including: “Dinner in 1, 2, 3,” “Preparations that make the meal,” “Freshly made,” and “Authentic Ethnic.” Final report featured, for each platform, the target market, the inspiration, the details and possible activation/execution ideas.
Processor of Snack and Baking Nuts (j
Multinational Breakfast Brand
Developed and led a multi-year Trend Immersion Program, demonstrating the opportunities in portability, flavor novelty and grain variety, areas the organization pursued with innovation for the next several years.