Mintel Launches Consumer Forecasting Tool

Consumer information publisher Mintel has launched a new set of insights called 'Mintel Futures', which draw on a set of six key trends to identify the largest areas of business opportunity.

The trends will examine topics such as how consumers are experiencing automatic service in the form of storefront retail technologies, including self-checkout terminals. It will also offer insight into the teenage market ('Generation Next'), who say that saving money/paying off debt and healthy lifestyle are important priorities.

Other trends highlighted by the Mintel Futures initiative are the elderly consumer demographic it calls 'Old Gold'; Asian cultural influence, or 'East Meets West'; the way technology is changing the way we live, or 'Access Anything Anywhere; and 'Brand Intervention', defined as how the state will force corporations to become more responsible for consumers.

Richard Cope (pictured), Director of Insight and Trends, comments: 'We have devised the Mintel Futures initiative to be a wake-up call for clients - something to stimulate team discussion, suggest new projects and strategic approaches and pose questions for their business. It works because its longer term outlook avoids the limitations of a year ahead approach and is more actionable for our clients who are in the planning stages of activity set to impact in the same timeframes we are looking towards.'

Web site: www.mintel.com .