Culture Forward: Decoding Consumer Trends & Brand Impact

Where culture meets commerce: analyzing the brands shaping our lives.

MB
Editor
Michael Bennett
86 Total Articles
22 This Week
21.5 Avg per Week

About This Column

Michael Bennett’s ‘Culture Forward’ dives deep into the evolving intersection of consumer behavior, brand strategy, and cultural moments. Each week, Bennett unpacks the ‘why’ behind the latest trends in retail, fashion, beauty, and experiential marketing – going beyond surface-level reporting to illuminate the broader societal shifts driving consumer choices. The column examines how brands are responding to – and sometimes shaping – these changes, with a particular focus on Gen Z and Millennial audiences. ‘Culture Forward’ isn't just about what people are buying, but why – offering readers a unique perspective on the forces that are redefining modern culture and impacting brand success. Bennett’s analysis provides actionable insights for industry professionals seeking to understand and navigate the ever-changing consumer landscape.

Recent Articles

Culture Forward: Decoding Consumer Trends & Brand Impact 21 days ago

Beyond Pumpkin Spice: Grapes Offer a Fresh Flavor for Fall Entertaining

As autumn arrives, consumers are seeking new flavors beyond the usual suspects. California grapes are stepping into the spotlight, offering a versatile and healthy twist on seasonal entertaining.

Read full article
Beyond Pumpkin Spice: Grapes Offer a Fresh Flavor for Fall Entertaining
Culture Forward: Decoding Consumer Trends & Brand Impact 21 days ago

P.F. Chang's Fires Up a Brand Refresh – Can Connection Revive the Casual Dining Experience?

Facing fierce competition, P.F. Chang’s is betting on a renewed focus on connection and culinary tradition with its 'Light the Fire™' platform and holiday menu. But can experiential dining truly cut through the noise?

Read full article
P.F. Chang's Fires Up a Brand Refresh – Can Connection Revive the Casual Dining Experience?
Culture Forward: Decoding Consumer Trends & Brand Impact 21 days ago

Dove & Rockettes Spark Holiday Magic: Brand Synergy & Retail Strategy Shine

A sweet scent of success! Dove’s partnership with the Radio City Rockettes isn’t just about festive branding—it’s a savvy strategy hitting both emotional and retail sweet spots this holiday season.

Read full article
Dove & Rockettes Spark Holiday Magic: Brand Synergy & Retail Strategy Shine
Culture Forward: Decoding Consumer Trends & Brand Impact 22 days ago

Beyond the Harvest: How ERP is Rewriting the Rules of the Produce Supply Chain

From farm to fork, a new wave of ERP technology is promising greater transparency, efficiency, and resilience in the fresh produce industry. But can these systems truly level the playing field?

Read full article
Beyond the Harvest: How ERP is Rewriting the Rules of the Produce Supply Chain
Culture Forward: Decoding Consumer Trends & Brand Impact 22 days ago

Puratos Bets on U.S. Glaze Production, Addressing Supply Chain & Sustainability

New Pennsauken facility signals a shift towards domestic bakery ingredient production, driven by consumer demand for plant-based options & resilient supply chains. A move lauded by industry experts.

Read full article
Puratos Bets on U.S. Glaze Production, Addressing Supply Chain & Sustainability
Culture Forward: Decoding Consumer Trends & Brand Impact 22 days ago

Raw Garden Raises the Bar with 'Live Sauce' Joints & New 'Clean Cannabis' Standards

California's Raw Garden expands its premium cannabis line with infused pre-rolls, while simultaneously co-founding an organization to push beyond current regulations for purity, sustainability and transparency.

Read full article
Raw Garden Raises the Bar with 'Live Sauce' Joints & New 'Clean Cannabis' Standards
UCID: 4