Amid supply chain challenges and increasing inflationary pressures, online retail product discovery and purchasing platform RangeMe has analysed the data from more than 15,000 retail buyers and around 200,000 suppliers to help reveal the latest trends in the market.
Health and healthier food categories sit beside convenience foods on the most searched lists in the second quarter, along with pet food, CBD, and seasonal sun protection and cooling.
In its latest Retail Roundup report, RangeMe noted that buyers are taking the latest trends seriously and are planning ahead, having learned from supply chain issues and inflation costs.
Searches on the platform in the second quarter imply that consumer health trends are being heard by retailers.
‘Mushroom’ was one of the top searches in the period, given its use in increasing amounts of plant-based products and its many health benefits. RangeMe noted that results showed everything from multivitamins and powders to energy drinks and coffee containing mushrooms.
Across the US and Europe, other healthier food alternatives made the list, including retail buyer searches for salad dressing, pickles, okra, and dried chickpeas.
Continuing the health trend, searches for ‘Organic Skincare’ rose along with an increase in ‘CBD’ related products in the US. The return of summer saw the usual searches for sun protection, with RangeMe noting there are more than 1,130 brands selling over 2,000 sunscreen products on its platform.
Meanwhile, the increase in pet ownership over the course of the pandemic has led to growing demand for pet food and products, which is why ‘Cat Food’ has made it on the top searches list. The lack of ingredients, packaging materials, and supply chain transportation issues all led to a cat food shortage that impacted cat owners and the retailers they buy from in the quarter. Wet cat food, especially, was difficult to find due to an aluminium shortage.
On top of this, pet owners are passing on their own trends to their animals as this trend stretches into health and wellness, supplements, premium food and sustainability. For example, in the UK ‘Dog Cookies’ made the most searched list as pet owners looked to treat their four-legged friends and retailers stocked their shelves with such products.
“We’re not going to sugar coat it, 2022 has been another whirlwind of a year for the consumer packaged goods industry. Ongoing supply chain issues and rising inflation costs have kept suppliers and retail buyers on their toes,” said Nicky Jackson, CEO of RangeMe.
“This is why it’s more important than ever to stay on top of emerging trends happening within the industry, to better equip your business for success through current circumstances, and we’re happy we can provide insights to help.”
