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] 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
• [New] 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
• [New] 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
• [New] 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
• [New] 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
• [New] 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
• [New] Robotics and AI will play an important role in supporting people and expanding the concept of mobility beyond transportation. Rutland Herald
• [New] Snap confirmed Specs will use Qualcomm Snapdragon XR chips for 2026 consumer models. Glass Almanac
• [New] 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
• [New] 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
• [New] For the consumer electronics sector, the advent of stable solid-state batteries for smartphones will eventually allow for drastically thinner handsets like the Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold, lighter laptops, and mixed-reality headsets that can operate for days rather than hours. The Daily Note
• [New] South Korea's consumer confidence reading will be closely watched for signs of strain on households. financialpost
• [New] U.S. consumer sentiment fell more than expected in April, signaling rising concern about finances that could slow spending, including big purchases like homes. Florida Realtors
• [New] By locking in the NFL as a cornerstone partner, ESPN has the potential to dominate the next era of sports streaming and transform what has historically been a cable-centric business into a powerful direct-to-consumer engine. Simply Wall St
• [New] Successful restaurants in 2026 will continue to adapt to external factors and innovate to meet changing consumer preferences. Fast Casual
• [New] Deloitte's Q1 2026 forecast assumes the average U.S. tariff rate rises from 9% to 12%, which is expected to show up in consumer prices and further erode purchasing power. Kavout
• [New] The European Commission developed the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed, which functions as a monitoring and reporting tool for food safety risks and consumer protection within the EU and the European Economic Area. PubMed Central (PMC)
• [New] By 2030, electric vehicles are no longer forecast to be an emerging alternative powertrain, but rather the default direction of the global automotive industry, reshaping manufacturing, energy systems, and consumer expectations. heycar
• [New] Generation Z already wields an estimated $9.8 trillion in global spending power and is projected to drive nearly 20% of global consumer spending by 2030. Yahoo Finance
• [New] Accurate labelling is critical for consumer trust and food transparency and warns it will continue enforcement as demand for Product of Canada and Made in Canada foods rises. JD Supra
• [New] Consumer confidence plunged to a record low in April as fears mounted over rising energy prices and the broader impact of the Iran war. CNBC
• [New] Consumer electronics prices will increase 18% in the short run from tariffs, with a long-run stabilization around 5%. ViralZip Blog

Last updated: 23 April 2026