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Consumer goods industry trends 2026+
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.
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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+.
Next-Generation Sustainable Packaging (Edible, Dissolvable, Compostable)
Summary: Packaging designed to dissolve in water or be eaten.
Current Situation: Early-stage products in niche markets, such as edible wrappers for snacks.
Expected Development: Expanded use in convenience items to minimize waste and increase sustainability.
Challenges: Ensuring consumer acceptance and regulatory approval.
Time to Impact: 6-8 years
Potential Impact: High
STEEP Segment: Environmental
This year’s trend development
Demand for Hyper-Convenience
Summary: Consumers increasingly demand faster, easier access to products through innovations like automation and fast delivery.
Current Situation: The "on-demand" culture has driven rapid growth in services like express delivery and 24/7 automated retail stores. Consumers expect seamless shopping experiences, with quick access to products across both physical and digital channels. This trend is particularly evident in urban areas where convenience is a high priority.
Expected Development: Over the next 2-4 years, advancements in robotics, AI, and integrated omnichannel retail will redefine convenience. Fully automated stores and ultra-fast delivery systems will become standard in metropolitan regions, further enhancing accessibility.
Challenges: Infrastructure needs, labor market changes, and high costs of adopting advanced technologies could slow widespread implementation.
Time to Impact: 2-4 years
Potential Impact: Very High
STEEP Segment: Social
This year’s trend development
Inflation-Driven Value Seekers
Summary: Rising living costs push consumers to prioritize affordability in convenience goods.
Current Situation: With inflation driving up prices, consumers are turning to private-label brands and budget-friendly products to manage their spending. Convenience goods that offer value without compromising quality are gaining popularity, particularly in essential categories like snacks, toiletries, and household items.
Expected Development: In the next 2-4 years, competition among brands to provide cost-effective solutions will increase. Subscription models and bulk-purchase discounts are likely to expand as companies seek to attract budget-conscious consumers while maintaining profitability.
Challenges: Balancing affordability with quality and sustainability, as well as navigating supply chain pressures and fluctuating raw material costs.
Time to Impact: 2-4 years
Potential Impact: High
STEEP Segment: Economic
This year’s trend development
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+.
Biometric Payment Ecosystems
Summary: Seamless payment systems using biometric authentication are revolutionizing retail transactions.
Current Situation: Biometric payment systems, leveraging fingerprints, facial recognition, or retinal scans, are gaining traction in shopping environments. Currently, these systems are being piloted in retail stores and online platforms to simplify transactions and enhance security. The adoption is mostly concentrated in tech-forward brands and high-end retailers, with limited penetration in smaller markets due to infrastructure challenges.
Expected Development: In 2-4 years, biometric payment systems will see widespread adoption across global retail chains and online marketplaces. Integration with loyalty programs and personalized shopping experiences will become standard, creating frictionless, secure, and user-friendly payment options. These systems will also reduce fraud significantly.
Challenges: Privacy concerns, data protection regulations, and potential cybersecurity risks are major barriers. Additionally, ensuring accessibility across all demographics and geographies could delay universal adoption.
Time to Impact: 2-4 years
Potential Impact: Very High
STEEP Segment: Technological
This year’s trend development
Scaling Profitable Circular Commerce
Summary: Circular business models, such as resale and upcycling, become economically viable.
Current Situation: Pre-owned and refurbished shopping goods markets are booming, driven by eco-conscious consumers and evolving business models in fashion and electronics.
Expected Development: Expansion into more product categories, supported by technologies like blockchain and AI to optimize value recovery and resale pricing.
Challenges: Ensuring profitability and convincing consumers of product quality.
Time to Impact: 2-4 years
Potential Impact: High
STEEP Segment: Economic
This year’s trend development
Experience over Ownership
Summary: A shift toward renting or sharing shopping goods over outright ownership is growing.
Current Situation: Younger consumers, especially Gen Z and Millennials, are opting for subscription-based and rental models for goods like furniture, fashion, and electronics. Companies such as Rent the Runway and Grover are leading this change, offering flexible, cost-effective alternatives to traditional ownership. Early adopters are concentrated in urban areas.
Expected Development: Over the next 4-6 years, this model will expand to include a broader range of shopping goods, supported by digital platforms and AI-based inventory management. Brands will invest in logistics and customer education to make rentals seamless. Collaborative consumption will reshape brand loyalty and supply chains, focusing on usage rather than ownership.
Challenges: Building robust logistics systems, managing inventory turnover, and addressing hygiene and quality concerns are critical for scaling rental and subscription models. Consumer mindsets in some regions may also resist the shift.
Time to Impact: 4-6 years
Potential Impact: High
STEEP Segment: Social
This year’s trend development
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+.
Circular Luxury Economy
Summary: Luxury brands are creating closed-loop systems to reuse, recycle, and upcycle materials, redefining sustainability in the industry.
Current Situation: Many luxury brands are exploring ways to reclaim and reuse materials, such as recycled gold for jewelry or regenerated leather for handbags. Some brands have launched buyback programs or collaborated with innovative startups to develop closed-loop production processes. These initiatives are still in their infancy, with scalability being a key challenge.
Expected Development: Over the next 4-6 years, fully circular ecosystems will emerge as a standard in luxury, with brands integrating material recovery systems into their value chains. Circular practices will expand into resale markets, with brands overseeing recycling and reconditioning to maintain exclusivity and product quality.
Challenges: High costs of implementing closed-loop systems, sourcing high-quality recycled materials, and maintaining the premium feel of luxury products could slow adoption.
Time to Impact: 4-6 years
Potential Impact: Very High
STEEP Segment: Ecological
This year’s trend development
Digital Couture Fashion
Summary: Virtual fashion collections allow luxury brands to engage with younger consumers and reduce waste.
Current Situation: Some luxury brands have launched virtual-only fashion items for avatars in games or metaverses, targeting tech-savvy, younger audiences. These digital collections are gaining attention for their creativity and minimal environmental impact. However, consumer adoption remains niche and confined to early adopters.
Expected Development: In the next 4-6 years, digital couture will become mainstream, with brands designing entirely virtual collections for use in AR/VR environments. These items may integrate NFTs to ensure ownership and exclusivity, creating a new revenue stream.
Challenges: Convincing traditional luxury consumers to embrace fully digital products and ensuring long-term demand for non-physical goods are key barriers.
Time to Impact: 4-6 years
Potential Impact: High
STEEP Segment: Technological
This year's trend development
Regenerative Luxury Materials & Sourcing
Summary: Marine waste and renewable ocean resources are turned into luxury goods.
Current Situation: Brands are exploring ocean-sourced materials like reclaimed fishing nets for fabrics and coral-safe ingredients.
Expected Trend Development: Advanced tech will enable scalable production of luxury goods from sustainable marine resources.
Challenges: Overharvesting and ensuring ethical practices in sourcing ocean materials are critical concerns.
Time to Impact: 4-6 years
Potential Impact: High
STEEP Segment: Ecological
This year's trend development
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+.
Zero-Overhead Service Platforms
Summary: Platforms that automate service management for freelancers and SMEs.
Current Situation: Emerging platforms focus on booking, billing, and client management for freelance salon artists, personal trainers, and travel agents.
Expected Development: AI and blockchain-driven zero-overhead platforms offering total automation for micro-businesses to eliminate all non-service tasks.
Challenges: Onboarding small operators and ensuring robust ecosystem design.
Time to Impact: 4-6 years
Potential Impact: Medium
STEEP Segment: Economic
This year’s trend development
Wellness as a Social Status
Summary: Consumers increasingly associate wellness services with success and self-investment.
Current Situation: Premium wellness services like exclusive gym memberships, mindfulness retreats, and luxury spa treatments are being marketed as aspirational experiences. These services are becoming a way for individuals to signal their commitment to self-care and achievement, especially among affluent consumers.
Expected Development: Over the next 4-6 years, wellness services will integrate personalized offerings such as DNA-based health plans or AI-driven mental wellness coaching. As wellness becomes a status symbol, service providers will expand into ultra-premium offerings and immersive wellness experiences designed to impress and inspire.
Challenges: Rising costs may limit accessibility, creating a divide between those who can afford premium wellness services and those who cannot. Over-commercialization could also dilute authenticity.
Time to Impact: 4-6 years
Potential Impact: Very High
STEEP Segment: Social
This year's trend development
Subscription Bundling 3.0
Summary: Combining diverse services into flexible, all-in-one subscriptions.
Current Situation: Early-stage bundles mix wellness (spa, fitness) and lifestyle services, offering limited options but attracting multi-service users through convenience.
Expected Development: Future bundles will leverage AI to dynamically tailor combinations based on customer behavior, integrating broader verticals like financial coaching or personalized healthcare.
Challenges: Complexity in pricing, ensuring quality across diverse services, and avoiding consumer overwhelm.
Time to Impact: 2-4 years
Potential Impact: High
STEEP Segment: Economic
This year's trend development
Align your innovation roadmap with consumer goods trends
