Global Scans · Consumer · Weekly Summary

WHAT'S NEXT?: Technology will become the new sales assistant, always on, always friendly, always delivering. Consumers will co-create and create products to their exact needs. Brands will have to focus on seizing mobile moments on apps that already have consumer's attention. Instantly explore below how lifestyles, buying behaviors and attitudes are changing and where you fall short in the battle to win consumers hearts and minds.

• [New] The potential value unlocked by AI in helping design out waste in a circular economy for food is estimated at USD 127 billion a year by 2030, and for consumer electronics, it's USD 90 billion a year by 2030. Mixflow.AI
• [New] Samsung plans consumer AR glasses in 2026, tethered to phones with an eye-level camera. Glass Almanac
• [New] Snap will start selling consumer AR Specs in 2026, challenging phone-first AR. Glass Almanac
• [New] Nestle says it will ensure targeted innovations continue to resonate as consumer habits evolve. CNS Media
• [New] Periods of economic restriction and uncertainty have long reset consumer priorities, preferences, and practices in the food and beverage industry, and 2026 will be no exception. Food Technology Magazine
• [New] Consumer deal-seeking behaviour and preference for private label likely will intensify alongside geopolitical tensions and the conflicts in Iran and the Middle East. FoodNavigator-USA.com
• [New] If the 2026 grilling season sees even a moderate uptick in consumer confidence, beef prices could break through the $10.00 per pound barrier at retail. Valley City Times-Record
• [New] In 2026, sourcing from sustainability-focused reliable clothing manufacturers secures compliance, cuts risks, and unlocks consumer loyalty. Sino Finetex Textile Technology Co., Ltd
• [New] Readiness to respond varies widely, with only half of consumer brands reporting strong confidence in their ability to respond effectively to supply chain disruptions in 2026. The Supply Chain Xchange
• [New] Only half of consumer brands report strong confidence in their ability to respond effectively to supply chain disruptions in 2026. The Supply Chain Xchange
• [New] Consumer lenders like Capital One Financial Corp. and Synchrony Financial are facing a double whammy of rising delinquency risks and political pressure to cap credit card interest rates. Valley City Times-Record
• [New] The ACCC's 2026-2027 Priorities reflect a continued focus on digital markets, consumer protection and supply chain conduct. National Law Review
• [New] The ACCC will continue to focus on competition and consumer issues in aviation, advocating for better outcomes and fair treatment. National Law Review
• [New] The ACCC's priorities for 2026-2027 include unfair contract terms in consumer and small business contracts, particularly in relation to harmful cancellation practices. National Law Review
• [New] The ACCC will continue to prioritise enforcement of consumer and fair trading issues, as Australia's transition to net zero and consumer sentiments continue to lead to an increasing prevalence of environmental and sustainability claims. National Law Review
• [New] Promoting competition and enforcing the Consumer Data Right are central to the ACCC's digital agenda in 2026-2027, to provide consumers and small businesses greater control over their data. National Law Review
• [New] Asia Pacific is projected to grow at the fastest CAGR during the foreseeable period due to rising consumer adoption of smart home devices, increasing disposable incomes, and the expansion of connected lifestyles in urban areas. Precedence Research
• Hybrid semi-solid versions could appear in the premium residential niche around 2029-2030, but their advantage over optimised LFP (such as Leapton with integrated heating + safety) will be marginal for stationary storage, where energy density is not critical, unlike in mobility. Wattuneed
• By 2028, the oldest members of Gen Z will be in their early 30s, entering peak consumer spending years, buying homes, starting families, and making major purchasing decisions. ChatMaxima Blog - Navigating Conversations: Insights fr
• OpenAI is developing consumer devices alongside models - a move that could fold large-language / vision tools into AR interfaces. Glass Almanac
• US consumer spending on video games is expected to rise 3% to $62.8 billion in 2026. GamesIndustry.biz
• The FTC is expected to become more active in examining sustainability-related representations, potentially triggering parallel consumer class actions. Morrison Foerster

Last updated: 19 March 2026