About the foresight formula at Mars Wrigley
Mars Wrigley’s Global Foresight Lead, Joanna Lepore, reveals how foresight-driven strategies help predict consumer trends and navigate market uncertainties.
Industry insightsConsumer goods
Consumer goods industry trends 2026+
122 trends across convenience products, shopping goods, luxury goods, and service-based products, rated by time to impact and potential impact. Consumer goods teams track them in ITONICS and connect each one to the projects it affects.
Consumer goods faced a fundamental market restructuring in 2025 as the post-pandemic playbook stopped working. Brand loyalty collapsed: studies show that 63% of consumers now switch brands based on price alone, up from 42% in 2019.
Meanwhile, Gen Z and Millennial consumers which built now 55% of purchasing power, demanded transparency and sustainability that supply chains weren't designed to deliver. Over 40% abandoned purchases after discovering poor labor practices or environmental impact.
Yet 2025 also revealed which strategies would define the next decade. Direct-to-consumer brands that survived early shakeouts achieved unit economics traditional retail couldn't match. AI-powered personalization moved beyond recommendation engines, whereas resale and rental scaled dramatically.
The transformation was driven by generational values meeting economic pressure: younger consumers want sustainable products but won't pay premiums, forcing companies to make sustainability profitable rather than aspirational.
The consumer goods companies that will succeed in 2026 treated the past year as a possibility for reset to rebuild around direct relationships, embedding AI into product development, and accepting that ownership models are fragmenting faster than traditional categories can adapt.
This consumer goods trend report examines the key factors shaping the industry.
Interact with the ITONICS consumer goods trend radar
New and declining trends for 2026
The trends tracked in this year's report reflect how 2025's market fragmentation favored aggregation models over micro-segmentation. As consumer behavior revealed preferences for simplicity over complexity, micro-membership models created fatigue as consumers managed dozens of individual services - the pendulum swung back toward consolidation.
In its place, subscription bundling 3.0 emerged as platforms aggregated multiple services into unified offerings that reduced decision fatigue and provided better value. This addresses consumer goods' 2025 reality: attention is scarce, loyalty is fragile, and convenience trumps customization when choosing between similar offerings.
Reflecting the maturation and strategic elevation, next-generation sustainable packaging (edible, dissolvable, compostable) expanded from niche to mainstream as regulations banned single-use plastics in major markets. Scaling profitable circular commerce evolved from experimental resale programs to core business models generating meaningful revenue. Regenerative luxury materials and sourcing moved beyond marketing claims to verified supply chains that premium consumers demand. AI-orchestrated zero-overhead service ecosystems advanced from concept to deployment as autonomous systems managed customer service, inventory, and fulfillment with minimal human intervention.
These changes reflect a consumer goods sector where aggregation beats fragmentation, where sustainability must be profitable rather than aspirational, and where automation enables service levels that labor-intensive models can't match.
Convenience product trends
The convenience goods segment is changing quickly with new technologies and consumer expectations. People want faster access to products through smart shelves, fast delivery, and cashless shopping. Healthier product options and eco-friendly packaging are becoming more common as buyers focus on wellness and sustainability. Brands are also using automation and personalization to improve how consumers interact with products.
Economic and political factors, such as changes in trade policies and labor laws, are affecting how businesses operate. Companies need to manage costs while following new regulations and environmental standards. More eco-friendly options like biodegradable packaging and local sourcing are in demand. Overall, the focus is on speed, health, and adapting to new rules to stay competitive.
We highlight the three most critical convenience product trend developments in the following. Download here the complete list of all 122 trends, affecting the consumer goods industry 2026+.
Shopping trends
The shopping goods segment is shifting towards smarter, more sustainable products as consumers prioritize ethical sourcing, affordability, and environmental impact. Advances in AI, IoT, and 3D printing are enabling personalized and functional goods, while circular economy practices like recycling and refurbishment are gaining traction. Governments are enforcing stricter environmental standards and incentivizing local manufacturing, impacting how goods are produced and distributed.
Economic pressures are driving demand for frugal innovation and subscription models, while social trends like inclusive design and cultural appreciation are shaping product offerings. Ecological concerns are pushing brands to adopt water-efficient manufacturing and integrate recycled materials. These developments indicate a clear move towards durable, customizable, and eco-friendly shopping goods that meet changing consumer and regulatory expectations.
We highlight the three most critical shopping product trend developments in the following. Download here the complete list of all 122 trends, affecting the consumer goods industry 2026+.
Luxury goods trends
The luxury goods segment is changing fast, shaped by new technology, shifting values, and stricter regulations. Brands are using AI, blockchain, and virtual reality to offer unique, tailored experiences. Sustainability is now essential, with companies adopting eco-friendly practices and focusing on recycled materials, carbon neutrality, and ethical sourcing.
Younger buyers are driving demand for meaningful experiences and more inclusive luxury, while resale platforms and digital services are reshaping how people access high-end goods. Growth in emerging markets and political changes, like trade rules and taxes, are pushing brands to adapt their operations. Luxury is evolving to be more innovative, sustainable, and accessible.
We highlight the three most critical luxury product trend developments in the following. Download here the complete list of all 122 trends, affecting the consumer goods industry 2026+.
Service-based products trends
The service-based goods segment is changing fast as people look for more personal, flexible, and eco-friendly options. Businesses are using tools like AI and smart devices to create tailored services, while subscription models are offering more variety to fit different lifestyles. At the same time, there’s growing pressure to be transparent, reduce waste, and show a real commitment to ethical practices.
New rules and consumer expectations are pushing companies to rethink how they operate. Carbon reporting, local sourcing, and fair pricing are becoming essential. The future of this segment is all about creating meaningful, interactive experiences that align with what people care about—convenience, values, and sustainability.
We highlight the three most critical service-based product trend developments in the following. Download here the complete list of all 122 trends, affecting the consumer goods industry 2026+.
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