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] Growth and Monetization of Direct-to-Consumer (Streaming) Services: Disney anticipates continued revenue expansion from its streaming platforms, including Disney +, Hulu, and ESPN +. Trefis
• [New] OIL SHOCK COULD SPEED UK EV UPTAKE Rising oil prices following US and Israeli strikes on Iran and closure of the Strait of Hormuz are shifting the economic case toward EVs, accelerating a consumer tipping point already supported by better batteries. Apple Podcasts
• [New] As lower-cost, higher-performance LFP batteries gain traction across both mobility and stationary storage applications, tightening licensing control could hamper U.S. manufacturers' ability to pivot away from legacy chemistries and respond to evolving demand. Center for Strategic and International Studies
• [New] Gen X will be the consumer spending leader globally through 2033, surpassing $20 trillion in spending power. CNBC
• [New] Emerging markets in Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Africa are witnessing a surge in organic farming and high-value crop production driven by rising consumer demand and export opportunities. Verified Market Reports
• [New] The necessity of maintaining compliance with evolving global financial regulations and protecting consumer data against increasing cybersecurity threats adds a layer of complexity to system deployment. Precedence Research
• [New] Following the precedent set by the California Consumer Privacy Act and the California Privacy Rights Act, businesses can expect further updates in consumer protection obligations by 2026. Pomona Chamber of Commerce
• [New] Consumer confidence sank to a record low in April as fears mounted over the Iran war's impact on the broader economy. CNBC
• [New] AI-assisted purchasing will account for a significant share of consumer spending within three years. Barchart.com
• [New] Netflix will serve as a bellwether for consumer spending and pricing power in digital services. Schwab Network
• [New] Accelerated by incentives in the President's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act, consumer pressure, and first movers in the private sector, industrial decarbonization will be important for the shift to a net-zero economy by 2050. / USA Energy.gov
• [New] A more constructive approach to economic disruption would shift away from broad tariffs and protectionism, which tend to raise consumer prices and erode the competitiveness of US manufacturing by increasing input costs. HubbardOBrienEconomics.com Blog
• Plant-based proteins are projected to retain over 33.4% category share in 2026, supported by strong consumer interest in health, sustainability, and improved taste and texture innovations. Pall
• Consumer-level grocery price impacts should be expected to emerge and accumulate progressively over a period extending from late spring through at least late 2026 - and potentially into 2027. Center for Commercial Agriculture
• U.S. consumer sentiment declined more than expected in April, signaling growing unease among households about the economic outlook and raising concerns about the strength of consumer spending heading into the second quarter. Florida Realtors
• By the time consumer Specs launch in 2026, there should already be a library of proven AR experiences with demonstrated user engagement and revenue potential. Next Reality
• Globally, trade uncertainty and a prolonged Middle East conflict could weaken external demand, disrupt mineral exports, raise production costs and consumer prices, and slow growth. World Bank
• Crypto intent protocols 2026 will move from niche DeFi tooling into mainstream consumer application infrastructure - making blockchain interactions effectively invisible to end users for the first time at scale. Blocsys
• Robotics and AI will play an important role in supporting people and expanding the concept of mobility beyond transportation. Rutland Herald
• Snap confirmed Specs will use Qualcomm Snapdragon XR chips for 2026 consumer models. Glass Almanac
• On the economic data front, the US will release retail sales for March, expected to rise the most in one year at 1.3% and extend the period of consumer strength. Trading Economics
• Beyond the headline verticals, Qualcomm announced a multi-year strategic partnership with Snap Inc. to power future generations of Snap's Specs smart eyewear using Snapdragon technology - Snap's Specs Inc. subsidiary plans to launch advanced consumer eyewear later in 2026. investing.com

Last updated: 30 April 2026