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. Select examples of trend projects I’ve led follow.
A Trend Framework to Plan Marketing for a Multi-Category Food Manufacturer
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).
Deep Dive on American Households and Food Needs for an International Sauce Brand
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 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.
Data-Driven Perspective and Ideas for Making the Store Perimeter More Convenient at a National Grocery Chain
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.
Exploration of Four Innovation Platforms for a Multinational Breakfast Brand
Developed and led a multi-year Trend Immersion Program, demonstrating the opportunities in portability, flavor novelty, food as fuel (satiation) and grain variety, areas the organization pursued with innovation for the next several years.
A Broad Energy Landscape Revealing Growth Spaces & “Ways In” for a Candy Manufacturer
Led a cross‑functional team to map and dimensionalize the full landscape of “energy” across the marketplace — from physical boost to mental focus, satiation, and even intimacy. We analyzed how dozens of categories communicate these dimensions through claims, ingredients, and on‑pack imagery to reveal the true magnitude and diversity of the need. The work gave the client a clear view of where each energy dimension is playing today and how consumers interpret them. As a result, the brand gained strategic direction for innovation spaces, RTB ingredient choices, and the language that resonates with different energy‑seeking consumers.
Driving a Snack Innovation Strategy for a Processor of Snack and Baking Nuts
Built and presented a trends deck for the major private label and branded nut processor, highlighting five emerging consumer needs shaping the future of the category. The work explored opportunities tied to protein‑forward eating, “real food” simplicity, sustainability efforts, taste exploration, and the evolving role of snacking. The work inspired long-range format and packaging innovation.
A 1.5-Day Trend Tour & Workshop in Austin, TX for a Major Mass Merchandiser Chain
Planned a unique one-day Trend Tour through Austin, TX for each of four groups of senior leaders for a major retailer. Each group’s journey took them on an exploration of topic of importance to the retailer (e.g., Freshness, Functional Foods, Experience, Sustainability). I led one of those tour groups and ran a half-day workshop for all participants the following day, giving the marketing leaders opportunities to reflect on what they saw and activities to inspire assortment, private label product development, and merchandising ideas for key store sections (Fresh, Snacks, Beverages, etc.)