CONSUMER BEHAVIOUR

Holistic wellbeing and authenticity among the big consumer drivers

By our African Marketing Confederation News Team | 2025

‘Top Global Consumer Trends’ report for 2026 identifies four trends that highlight crucial shifts in consumer behaviour.

Data analytics company Euromonitor International has revealed its top Global Consumer Trends for 2026, with the annual report identifying four global trends that highlight crucial shifts in consumer behaviour. 

Image by Freepik

In a reality shaped by cost of living, authenticity and wellbeing expectations, these trends are at the core of consumer behaviour worldwide. 

 

“The future of consumer behaviour is characterised by a desire for comfort, self-expression and cutting-edge wellness solutions, driven by the need for authenticity and simplicity in an increasingly complex world,” comments Alison Angus, Head of Innovation at Euromonitor. 

 

“The future of consumer behaviour is characterised by a desire for comfort, self-expression and cutting-edge wellness solutions, driven by the need for authenticity and simplicity in an increasingly complex world.” 

 

Euromonitor’s top Global Consumer Trends in 2026 are: 

 

  • Comfort Zone: Consumers are seeking comfort and simplicity amid global volatility, with 58% experiencing moderate to extreme stress daily. They are looking for products that provide emotional reassurance, like natural and wholesome ingredients. Businesses need to develop products and services that offer comfort, boost confidence, simplify life or promote balance to help consumers find serenity in uncertainty. 

 

  • Fiercely Unfiltered: Consumers are embracing bold self-expression and radical honesty. Half of all consumers seek products and services that reflect their unique identity, while 65% feel society accepts who they truly are. Companies need to focus on hyper-segmentation for targeted strategies to resonate with specific customer profiles or buyer personas. 

 

  • Rewired Wellness: Demand for high-tech, medically validated wellness solutions is growing with consumers willing to pay for premium products with scientific formulations. A total of 49% of consumers would be willing to pay 10% or more for premium beauty products with a scientific formulation. Brands can leverage data-driven storytelling to demonstrate health benefits and educate consumers on product value. 

 

  • Next Asian Wave: East Asian brands, particularly Chinese companies, are gaining global influence by combining affordability, innovation and digital-first experiences. China’s projected export value is expected to reach US$4-trillion by 2026. Businesses should optimise mobile-first digital experiences and design frictionless shopping journeys that blend content and commerce to remain competitive. 

 

For more information, see Euromonitor’s Top Global Consumer Trends 2026 report. 

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Jason Lottering
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    Dr Kin Kariisa

    Group CEO - Next Media

    Dr. Kin Kariisa is an extraordinary force at the helm of Next Media Services, a conglomerate encompassing NBS TV, Nile Post, Sanyuka TV, Next Radio, Salam TV, Next Communication, Next Productions, and an array of other influential enterprises. His dynamic role as Chief Executive Officer exemplifies his unwavering commitment to shaping media, business, and community landscapes.
    With an esteemed academic journey, Dr. Kariisa’s accolades include an Honorary PhD in exemplary community service from the United Graduate College inTexas, an MBA from United States International University in Nairobi, Kenya, a Master’s degree in Computer Engineering from Huazong University in China, and a Bachelor’s degree in Statistics from Makerere University.
    Dr. Kariisa pursued PhD research in Computer Security and Identity Management at Security of Systems Group, Radboud University in Nijmegen, Netherlands. As a dynamic educator, he has shared his expertise as a lecturer of e-Government and Information Security at both Makerere University and Radboud University.

    Dr Kin did his PhD research in Computer Security and Identity Management at Security of Systems Group, Radbond University in Nigmegen, Netherlands. He previously served as a lecturer of e-Government and Information Security at Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda and Radbond University in Netherlands.

    Dr Kin did his postgraduate courses in Strategic Business Management, Strategic Leadership Communication and Strategies for Leading Successful Change Initiatives at Harvard University, Boston USA.

    • Other current and previous roles played by Dr Kin Kariisa:
    • Lecturer of e-Government and Information Security to graduate students at Makerere University, Kampala and Radbond University in the Netherlands
    • Director of Eco Bank Uganda Limited, one of the largest banks in Africa
    • Chairman of the National Association of Broadcasters, an umbrella industry association for all Television, Radio and online broadcasters in Uganda.
    • Chairman of Board of Directors of Nile Hotel International, that owns the leading hotel in Uganda, Kampala Serena Hotel.
    • Chairman of Board of Directors of Soliton Telmec Uganda, the leading telecom company in Optic fibre business managing over 80% of optic fibre in Uganda.