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Market intelligence is evolving faster than ever. Advances in AI, machine learning and real-time data are changing not only how insights are collected, but how businesses make decisions and anticipate what's next. In this special episode, host Andrew Davidson brings together two perspectives on that evolution. First, he speaks with Pete Haigh, Chairman of Mintel, about how the industry has transformed over the past three decades, from printed reports and early digitization to today's era of decision intelligence. Pete shares his perspective on how AI is accelerating the shift from reporting what's happening to helping businesses predict what comes next. Andrew is then joined by Greg Munves, CEO of OpenBrand, to discuss the growing importance of real-time intelligence, AI-powered data infrastructure and deep domain expertise. Following the acquisition of Comperemedia by OpenBrand in August 2026, Greg explains why Comperemedia was a natural fit for OpenBrand and how technology is helping brands gain faster, deeper visibility into competitive activity and market dynamics. Together, the conversations explore: How market intelligence has evolved over the past 30 yearsWhy AI is transforming the way insights are generated and deliveredThe growing demand for real-time, predictive intelligenceThe role of deep industry expertise in an increasingly automated worldWhat the future of market intelligence could look like for brands, marketers and business leaders This episode also marks Andrew Davidson's final appearance as a host of Mintel Little Conversation, after seven years behind the microphone. We thank Andrew for the insight, curiosity and expertise he has brought to the show and wish him every success in his next chapter. Continue the conversation What did you think of the discussion? Join the conversation on Mintel's LinkedIn and share your perspective on how AI, expertise and real-time intelligence are reshaping the future of insights. And while this may be Andrew Davidson's final episode on Mintel Little Conversation, the next chapter of his podcasting journey begins! Be sure to subscribe to Andrew's new podcast, Behind the Playbook: How Financial Brands Win, where he'll sit down with senior executives, marketers and industry leaders to explore the strategies, decisions and innovations shaping the future of financial services. Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube so you don't miss the first season's lineup of guests. Mintel Little Conversation continues with a new three-part Wellness Made series exploring how changing consumer expectations are shaping wellness product innovation, brand strategy and the retail experience. Subscribe now so you don’t miss the full story unfold across three distinct conversations with industry leaders from Medik8, Boots, and Mintel. Host: Andrew Davidson, Principal Strategist, Comperemedia Guests: Pete Haigh, Chairman, Mintel Greg Munves, CEO, OpenBrand

Artificial intelligence can help businesses work faster, understand more and make better decisions, but only when it is applied to the right problems. So, rather than asking, “What should our AI strategy be?”, should businesses start by asking what they are actually trying to achieve? Host Andrew McDougall is joined by Steve King, Co-founder and CEO of Dragonfly AI, to explore why successful AI adoption begins with business strategy, not technology. Drawing on Steve’s experience building Black Swan Data and Dragonfly AI, they discuss the different forms of artificial intelligence, why adoption remains harder than invention and how predictive technology can help brands understand what consumers will notice. The conversation also considers where human judgement must remain in control, how businesses can use AI without diminishing creativity and why its long-term value should be measured through better products and decisions, not simply short-term cost savings. Listen to find out: Why businesses should define the problem before choosing the AIWhat makes predictive AI different from generative AIHow Dragonfly AI helps brands understand visual attentionWhy adoption (not technology) is often the greatest barrierWhere human judgement and creativity remain essentialWhat established CPG companies and startups can learn from one another What did you think of the conversation? Join us on Mintel’s LinkedIn to continue the discussion about where AI adds real value and where human judgement and creativity remain essential. Learn more about how Black Swan Data, now part of Mintel, uses AI-powered social prediction to identify emerging consumer needs, and how Mintel and Dragonfly AI are helping brands make smarter packaging decisions by understanding what consumers notice. Visit Mintel.com to become a member of our free Spotlight community, and follow Mintel Little Conversation wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss an episode. Host: Andrew McDougall, Principal Strategist, Mintel Guest: Steve King, Co-founder and CEO, Dragonfly AI

In this episode, Andrew McDougall sits down with Tati Lindenberg, who at the time was Chief Brand Officer for Unilever's Dirt Is Good brand. Since this conversation was first aired, Tati has been promoted to Chief Marketing Officer for Unilever Home Care, further underscoring the strategic leadership and brand-building expertise she shares throughout this discussion. Together with Mintel Consultant, David Jago, Tati explores what it takes to build brands that endure—from balancing global brand consistency with local consumer needs to navigating changing expectations around purpose, sustainability and growth. The conversation also examines the future of fabric care, the role of innovation in driving relevance and why storytelling remains one of the most powerful tools in a marketer's arsenal. Whether you're listening for the first time or revisiting this conversation, Tati's perspectives offer valuable guidance for CPG decision-makers seeking to build brands that drive growth, relevance and long-term consumer trust. Join the conversation on Mintel's LinkedIn and share your perspective. Host Andrew McDougall, Principal Strategist, Mintel Guests Tati Lindenberg, Chief Marketing Officer, Unilever Home Care (Chief Brand Officer, Dirt Is Good, Unilever at the time of recording) David Jago, Principal Consultant, Mintel

Marketers have more consumer data than ever before but are they losing sight of the people behind it? In this episode, Andrew Davidson speaks with Paul Jankowski, Founder and CEO of New Heartland Group, about why brands have become over-reliant on data and under-invested in understanding consumers' lived experiences. They explore the New Heartland—a cultural segment representing 60% of Americans and $7–8 trillion in buying power—and discuss why values like family, community and faith often shape purchasing decisions more than traditional demographics. The conversation also examines how brands can move beyond targeting to build genuine cultural relevance in an increasingly AI-driven world. What did you think of the conversation? Join us on Mintel's LinkedIn to continue the discussion about understanding what data misses, and visit Mintel.com to become a member of our free Spotlight community. To gain a clearer view of how trust, community, relationships, and lived experience shape brand perception, shopper behavior, and customer loyalty among this consumer group, download the free The Visibility Gap™ report from Mintel today. Don't forget to follow Mintel Little Conversation wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss an episode. Host: Andrew Davidson, Principal Strategist, Comperemedia Guest: Paul Jankowski, CEO and Founder of New Heartland Group

In this episode, Mintel explores the 2026 Global Beauty and Personal Care Predictions, unpacking how the industry is evolving beyond traditional definitions of beauty into a space where health, emotion, and authenticity take center stage. We dive into three key trends shaping the future: Metabolic Beauty: where beauty meets health at a cellular level, and products evolve into personalized, preventative tools powered by biomarker testing and bio-intelligent technology.Sensorial Synergy: where beauty shifts from results-driven to experience-led, using sensory innovation to influence mood, emotional wellbeing, and daily rituals.Beyond the Algorithm: The Human Touch Revolution: where consumers move away from hyper-polished perfection and toward beauty that feels real, expressive, and authentically human. Together, these trends highlight a fundamental change: beauty is no longer just about appearance; it's becoming a tool for wellness, emotional connection, and self-expression. From diagnostic skincare to immersive sensory experiences and a renewed focus on human creativity, brands will need to rethink how they deliver value and connect with consumers. Download the 2026 Global Beauty and Personal Care Predictions and get in touch with Mintel Consulting to apply these predictive insights to your specific growth goals. Head over to Mintel’s LinkedIn to let us know what you think of the future of beauty, and visit mintel.com to become a member of our free Spotlight community. Host: Andrew McDougall, Director of Insights, Beauty & Personal Care. Guests: Clare Hennigan, Principal Analyst, Beauty & Personal Care, Mintel. Rosalia Di Gesu, Associate Principal Analyst, Beauty & Personal Care, Mintel.

Notes: What does it really take to turn information into insight — and insight into impact? Host Andrew Davidson is joined by David Faulkner, Senior Director at Mintel, as he reflects on a remarkable career championing the art of insight across some of the world’s leading food and beverage brands. Together they explore why bold thinking matters, how to move beyond data to meaning, and what the rise of AI means for the future of insight and creativity. Get in touch with Mintel Consulting to apply predictive insights to your specific growth goals. Head over to Mintel’s LinkedIn to let us know what you think of this discussion about bold thinking and the future of insights, and visit mintel.com to become a member of our free Spotlight community. Host: Andrew Davidson, SVP/Chief Insights Officer, Comperemedia. Guests: David Faulkner, Senior Director, Food and Drink Insights. Additional links: Video: “FAGE: Wherever You Want It” by FAGE Source: YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lNLhysjTVgE Video: “Meet Lazlo: The Most Boring Pet in the World” by Catherine McEver Source: YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7ai7MQgmSw Video: “The Remote Work Revolution | The Prof G Show” by The Prof G Pod – Scott Galloway Source: YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hkWFeSmfAnA

Mintel experts speak with Tati Lindenberg, Chief Brand Officer of Unilever's Dirt is Good brand, about leadership, consumer trends & purpose-driven branding in FMCG. Tati shares insights on adapting to local markets while maintaining a global brand identity and the future of fabric care in a technology-driven world. Listen to the conversation to find out more about consumer trends in fabric care, sustainability efforts, and the significance of storytelling in advertising.  Head over to Mintel’s LinkedIn to let us know what you think of this thought-provoking conversation about leadership in FMCG. Download Mintel's FREE 2025 Global Consumer Trends and get in touch with our consultants to learn more about how the trends apply to your brand.  Coming this October: Mintel’s 2026 Global Consumer Predictions—insights to shape the year ahead; visit mintel.com to become a member of our free Spotlight community to get our latest updates. Host: Andrew McDougall, Director, Mintel Beauty and Personal Care. Guests:  Tati Lindenberg, Chief Brand Officer, Dirt is Good, Unilever. David Jago, Principal Consultant, Mintel Consulting.

Mintel Little Conversation's new mini-series explores the impact of tariffs worldwide. In this series’ third episode, our experts explore consumer sentiment surrounding US brands, and how they may need to rethink their marketing strategies. Are brands going to cut back on marketing spend? Listen to find out more! Get in touch with our Consultants to learn about how shifting global trends apply to your brand. Head over to Mintel’s LinkedIn and let us know how tariffs are impacting your purchasing decisions. Don't forget to visit mintel.com to become a member of our free Spotlight community. Host: Lynn Dornblaser, Client Advisor, Mintel. Guests:  Nicole Bond, Director of Marketing Strategy, Comperemedia. Paris Hogan, Principal Consultant.

Mintel Little Conversation's new mini-series explores the impact of tariffs worldwide. In the second episode of this series, our experts explore consumer sentiment surrounding US brands in Canada and the EU, discussing how localism is influencing consumer behavior, the complexities of brand perception, and strategies for US brands to navigate the landscape. Get in touch with our Consultants to learn about how shifting global trends apply to your brand. Head over to Mintel’s LinkedIn and let us know how tariffs are impacting your purchasing decisions. Don't forget to visit mintel.com to become a member of our free Spotlight community. Host: Lynn Dornblaser, Client Advisor, Mintel. Guests:  Nick Carroll, Director of Retail Insight, Mintel Scott Stewart, Associate Director for Lifestyles and Retail, Mintel.

Mintel Little Conversation's new mini-series explore the impact of tariffs worldwide. The first episode explores the impact of tariffs on consumer sentiment and behavior in both the U.S. and European markets. Mintel consumer experts highlight the differences in consumer attitudes towards tariffs, the economic indicators affecting spending, and the strategies brands can adopt to navigate these challenges.  Get in touch with our Consultants to learn about how shifting global trends apply to your brand. Head over to Mintel’s LinkedIn and let us know how tariffs are impacting your purchasing decisions. Don't forget to visit mintel.com to become a member of our free Spotlight community. Host: Lynn Dornblaser, Client Advisor, Mintel. Guests:  Andrew Davidson, SVP/Chief Insights Officer, Comperemedia. Rich Shepherd, Category Director - Financial Services and Social Research, Mintel.

Food and drink experts at Mintel discuss key innovative products and trends observed at the Natural Products Expo West. They explore the rise of hydration-focused products, the impact of upcycled ingredients, and the evolving snacking landscape. Listen to find out more about innovative cooking solutions, emerging flavors, and the importance of community and provenance in food products. Download Mintel's FREE 2025 Global Food and Drink Trends and get in touch with our Consultants to learn about how the trends apply to your brand. Head over to Mintel’s LinkedIn and let us know which innovative products caught your attention at Natural Products Expo West. Don't forget to visit mintel.com to become a member of our free Spotlight community. Host: Lynn Dornblaser, Client Advisor, Mintel. Guests: Stephanie Mattucci, Director, Mintel Food and Drink.

Food and drink experts at Mintel explore key trends in 2025, focusing on the importance of nutrition, supply chain challenges, and the integration of technology in agriculture. Listen to find out how consumers are navigating contradictory desires for health and indulgence, the impact of global events on food sourcing, and the role of innovation in meeting evolving consumer expectations. Download Mintel's FREE 2025 Global Food and Drink Trends and get in touch with our Consultants to learn about how the trends apply to your brand. Head over to Mintel’s LinkedIn and let us know what trend you think will have the most impact in 2025. Don't forget to visit mintel.com to become a member of our free Spotlight community. Host: Lynn Dornblaser, Client Advisor, Mintel. Guests: David Jago, Principal Consultant, Mintel Consulting. Jenny Zegler, Director, Mintel Food & Drink.

Beauty and personal care experts at Mintel explore key beauty trends in 2025. Listen to find out more about the three themes that we think will be influential in 2025 and beyond: embracing ownership and individuality while prioritising functional efficacy, the merging of climate-adaptive beauty, localism and minimalism, and, finally, back-to-basics through comfort, nostalgia and slow living. Download Mintel's FREE 2025 Global Beauty and Personal Care Trends and get in touch with our consultants to learn more. Head over to Mintel’s LinkedIn to let us know what you think of today's episode, and visit mintel.com to become a member of our free Spotlight community. Host: Andrew McDougall, Director, Mintel Beauty and Personal Care. Guests: Alex Fisher, Associate Principal Consultant, Mintel Consulting. Clotilde Drape, Global Beauty Analyst, Mintel. Vivienne Rudd, Senior Consultant, Mintel Consulting.

Culture and brand experts at Mintel explore consumer sentiment during the US election season, focusing on the stress and anxiety consumers are currently experiencing. How are brands navigating political engagement? Listen now to find out more about the evolving relationship between consumers and brands in a politically charged environment. Disclaimer: This content does not endorse any political party, candidate, or stance in the 2024 US presidential election. Browse Mintel’s Cultural and Identity research and buy a report here, and get in touch with our consultants to learn more. Head over to Mintel’s LinkedIn to share your take on what brands should do to engage consumers, and visit mintel.com to become a member of our free Spotlight community. Host: Lynn Dornblaser, Client Advisor, Mintel. Guests: BJ Pichman, Principal Consultant, Mintel Consulting. Lisa Dubina, Associate Director for Culture and Identity, Mintel.

Join Mintel food and drink experts as they delve into the characteristics of the 55+ consumer group. They discuss the diverse needs of this demographic and the stereotypes that often misrepresent them, and look into the marketing challenges brands face when targeting this audience. Listen to understand the unique preferences of older consumers, including their desire for familiar, natural, and affordable products. Learn more about our Gen X and Seniors (65+) research and buy a report here. Head over to Mintel’s LinkedIn to share your take on 55+ consumers, and visit mintel.com to become a member of our free Spotlight community; Mintel clients can read our insight pieces on the Silver Economy here.  Host: Lynn Dornblaser, Client Advisor, Mintel. Guest: Jonny Forsyth, Senior Director, Mintel Food & Drink.