Content about Mintel

NEW YORK — Economic uncertainties may have prompted beauty mavens to develop a "skimp and splash attitude," whereby their consumer behaviors have changed for the long term.

American cuisine always has been influenced by the country’s diverse population. An expanding ethnic population and a proliferation of TV cooking shows have led to even greater interest in ethnic foods among American consumers.

Ethnic food sales are expected to increase 19% from 2010 to 2015, according to a recent report published by Mintel. The study revealed that 64% of U.S. households said that ethnic sauces, condiments and/or seasonings could be found in their kitchens.

CHICAGO — While many consumers tend to choose less expensive products when times are tough, lower-income Hispanics that predominantly speak Spanish tend to buy brand-name personal care products at a higher rate than their English-dominant counterparts, according to recent research by Mintel.

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Agriculture has launched a new product label to help consumers easily identify those products composed of — or partially composed of — renewable resources.

The voluntary product certification and labeling is for biobased products, which are those products composed wholly or significantly of such biological ingredients as renewable plant, marine or forestry materials. The label indicates that the product has been certified to meet USDA standards for a prescribed amount of biobased content.

CHICAGO — According to  consumer research firm Mintel, more beer drinkers are reaching for domestically made craft beers over imported brews.

While just 13% of beer drinkers said they prefer domestic craft or microbrew beers (compared with 43% for domestic and 22% for imported), 59% said they like to try them and 51% would try more craft or microbrew beers if they knew more about them.

CHICAGO Instant gratification translates well among customers that seek incentives for their participation in loyalty programs, according to new research.

Mintel found nearly half (47%) of consumers surveyed said that instant redemption opportunities motivated them to use a particular loyalty program more than others. Such incentives as cash-back opportunities would be a deciding factor, 36% of respondents said.

Latinas tend to over-index on beauty products as, in their opinion, beauty means power and upward mobility, Mintel’s senior analyst of multicultural reports, Leylha Ahuile, said during a recent webinar. This is one reason why these 23.6 million beauty mavens are a sweet spot for brands.

CHICAGO Many Hispanic women feel underrepresented in the beauty and personal care aisle and would like to see more products -- especially hair care products -- designed just for them, suggested recent research by Mintel.

"It can be a very daunting task for companies to hone in on the specific needs of their Hispanic customers," stated Leylha Ahuile, senior multicultural analyst at Mintel. "Latinas come in a variety of shades, so a wide range of products must be developed to cater to every pigment and hair type."