Circana Unpacked

How can companies achieve real measurement, meaningful household growth, and true accountability in a fragmented, fast-moving marketplace? That’s one of the biggest questions and pressing challenges facing brands and retailers today. In this episode, Cara Pratt, President, Global Retail and Media, at Circana, is joined by DeeDee McCoy, Director of Omnichannel Marketing at Chomps, and David Parisi,...

Dynamics are always shifting in the CPG world, and in today’s market, avenues for growth range from health and wellness to AI-driven personalization to a renewed focus on fundamentals. Wei Lin Wong, Circana’s president of CPG, joins the podcast to share the latest ripple effects of GLP-1 medications and explore other opportunities for businesses still navigating stiff headwinds.

Even as uncertainty continues in the overall marketplace, foodservice operators have reasons for optimism and opportunities for growth. David Portalatin, SVP and industry advisor, food and foodservice at Circana, joins the podcast and unpacks what’s happening – and could happen – in the away-from-home arena.

Television is entering one of its most consequential moments, as marketers face more choices, faster innovation, and higher expectations for accountability. This episode brings together Dave Slowik of Circana and Chris Grillo of Tubi for a focused conversation about how TV is evolving into a more accountable, commerce-connected growth engine and what planners should prioritize during this Upfront...

Sally Lyons Wyatt, Circana’s Global EVP & Chief Advisor, Consumer Goods & Foodservice Insights, joins the podcast to explore the fascinating dynamics of today’s unprecedented multigenerational marketplace. Building on CEO Stuart Aitken’s recent emphasis on the importance of life stages in the modern market, Sally dives into key trends and actionable insights for brands looking to connect w...

Circana’s President and CEO, Stuart Aitken, joins the podcast and unpacks: The ways in which AI is becoming embedded in everyday decisions, transforming how consumers live and how businesses operate. How consumers are showing remarkable resilience and intentionality in today’s dynamic marketplace. What businesses need to know about navigating an unprecedented six-generation landscape. Stay tuned f...

There are more stories to share from Circana’s New Product Pacesetters , our annual roundup of the top-selling CPG new products. In this special episode, Joan Driggs and Lisa Maas dive into the role social media and influencers have in new CPG product launches. From grandma bands and pickleball tournaments, to merch and in-store engagement, learn what successful connection looks like. Highlights:...

For the past six years, Circana has collaborated with NYU's Stern Center for Sustainable Business to produce a report on sustainability in the consumer packaged goods (CPG) marketplace. While sustainability-marked products in the U.S. continue to gain share, their research shows that shares of sustainability-marked products are much larger in the UK and Germany. This episode dives into the compari...

There are more than 150,000 convenience stores across the U.S., and while multiple chains make up the majority, these typically small-format stores can vary widely from urban to suburban to rural. To some consumers, it might be the store where they purchase auto fuel. For others, it serves as their local grocer or a place to grab morning coffee. Circana’s Anthony Dostal, director of retail insight...

Household spending has shifted due to high inflation and economic uncertainty. Consumers are prioritizing essential items like groceries while often forgoing discretionary purchases, including games, apparel, and prestige beauty. Circana’s Sally Lyons Wyatt, global EVP and chief advisor for consumer goods and foodservice insights, and Adam Mellott, vice president of consumer and shopper insights,...

While they differ in size of revenue, U.S. CPG Growth Leaders all found innovative ways to connect with fragmented consumer communities using a range of growth levers. Sally Lyons Wyatt and Cara Loeys dive into the strategies that leading CPG companies deployed to achieve healthy growth in 2024, including the Five Cs of Success: community connections, comprehensive value, catering to multi-pronged...

Globally, licensing is a $365 billion business. The U.S. comprises about 60% of the market. Kristen McLean, senior executive director, The Circana Entertainment Knowledge Group, takes listeners into the world of licensing. Hear insight into the elements of successful licensing deals and what to consider when partnering with another brand. Highlights: There are four main types of licensing: charact...

As a share of the total CPG/FMCG market, private brands vary across major global regions. In the EU, private labels account for nearly 39% of total market value and 47% of unit sales, while in the U.S., they represent 22% of dollar sales and 24% of unit sales. Sally Lyons Wyatt and Ananda Roy talk about retailer investments for private brands, including being category-focused, consumer-obsessed, i...

Inspired by their recent Top Trends in Fresh  webinar , Jonna Parker, team lead, Circana’s Fresh Foods group, and Kelly Krumholz, perimeter client insights consultant, provide a “refresh” on trends and opportunities impacting fresh grocery departments. While opportunities for growth continue to take root (GLP-1s, we’re talking about you!), headwinds – including being out-marketed by center store –...

Dive into the cutting-edge innovations and trends from CES 2025 with Circana’s tech analysts Paul Gagnon, Ben Arnold, and Mike Crosby. This episode explores the transformative impact of artificial intelligence and more on consumer and B2B electronics, the evolution of smart home technology, and the future of wearable devices. Technology is reshaping not just consumer experiences, but also manufact...

The impact of GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide 1) usage for weight loss on the CPG food and beverage, nonfood, and other industries is just beginning. It’s going to influence product innovation, store assortments, consumer engagement, and more. Sally Lyons Wyatt discusses groundbreaking research on GLP-1 use for weight loss, including how users shift their purchase habits while using the medication an...

Carbonated soft drinks and bottled water are the universally preferred beverages across generations. From there, nuances emerge that shed light on the life stage priorities of different cohorts. Similarly, differences in product choices are seen by household income level and even ethnicity. Tatiana Lopez Aranzazu, consumer and shopper insights consultant at Circana, discusses differences across de...

While hydration is still key, consumers want more from their beverages. Sally Lyons Wyatt, Circana’s global executive vice president and chief advisor, consumer goods and foodservice insights, shares extensive beverage research on out-of-home and in-home trends across tap water, morning beverages, cocktails, and satiety beverages.  Highlights Consumers seek more personalization than ever, from fla...

Despite inflation, consumers are optimistic about their ability to spend a little more on gifts, foods, and beverages for upcoming holiday occasions. Sally Lyons Wyatt, Circana’s global executive vice president and chief advisor, consumer goods and foodservice insights, and Marshal Cohen, Circana’s chief retail officer, share their insights and observations for what’s in store (literally!) this ho...

For more than 30 years, Circana has conducted extensive audits of the food items found in America’s kitchens, from spice cabinets and pantries to refrigerators and freezers. Results from the 2024 audit reveal our kitchens have fewer items, pointing to our growing desire for convenience. Darren Seifer, industry advisor, consumer goods & foodservice insights at Circana, shares observations on ch...

The outlook for fall and winter holidays is bright, even for CPG items experiencing persistent inflation. Consumers are willing to spend a little more to make the holidays special, but it’s up to retailers to facilitate this. Circana’s Jonna Parker and 2010 Analytics’ Anne-Marie Roerink discuss supporting holiday traditions and encouraging the adoption of new seasonal flavors. Highlights When holi...

Cottage cheese. Grapes. Cucumbers. Each of these categories — among others — has seen tremendous sales lifts based on inspiration from social media influencers. Jonna Parker, team lead of Circana’s Fresh Foods Group, and Anne-Marie Roerink, president of 210 Analytics, talk about the opportunity to lean into social media. Explore how you can inspire and entertain young consumers who are still learn...

Retailers, brands, and services can support consumers around the world on their physical, mental, and social health journeys. Sally Lyons Wyatt, Circana’s global EVP and chief advisor, Consumer Goods & Foodservice Insights, shares well-being research highlights from industries as diverse as books, food, beauty, apparel, consumer tech, pet, toys, and more. Consumers’ pursuit of well-being is st...

U.S. consumers under the age of 35 will experience similar life stages as previous generations, but they will never mirror the grocery shopping patterns of older consumers. As the most ethnically diverse and tech-savvy population, they are inspired and moved by infotainment. They also have the unique ability to lean into their personal moods and appetites, answering in the moment, “what am I hungr...

When it comes to meals, U.S. consumers are having a 2020 moment, believes Darren Seifer, our industry advisor, Consumer Goods & Foodservice Insights. The percentage of meals sourced from retail for home consumption is nearly 87% in 2024, giving us a vibe of at-home behaviors during the pandemic. However, how we’re getting to those meals and what’s on the table is where shifts are occurring. Jo...