Mintel Little Conversation

Market intelligence is evolving faster than ever. Advances in AI, machine learning and real-time data are changing not only how insights are collected, but how businesses make decisions and anticipate what's next.In this special episode, host Andrew Davidson brings together two perspectives on that evolution. First, he speaks with Pete Haigh, Chairman of Mintel, about how the industry has transformed over the past three decades, from printed reports and early digitization to today's era of decision intelligence. Pete shares his perspective on how AI is accelerating the shift from reporting what's happening to helping businesses predict what comes next. Andrew is then joined by Greg Munves, CEO of OpenBrand, to discuss the growing importance of real-time intelligence, AI-powered data infrastructure and deep domain expertise. Following the acquisition of Comperemedia by OpenBrand in August 2026, Greg explains why Comperemedia was a natural fit for OpenBrand and how technology is helping brands gain faster, deeper visibility into competitive activity and market dynamics. Together, the conversations explore:How market intelligence has evolved over the past 30 yearsWhy AI is transforming the way insights are generated and deliveredThe growing demand for real-time, predictive intelligenceThe role of deep industry expertise in an increasingly automated worldWhat the future of market intelligence could look like for brands, marketers and business leaders This episode also marks Andrew Davidson's final appearance as a host of Mintel Little Conversation, after seven years behind the microphone. We thank Andrew for the insight, curiosity and expertise he has brought to the show and wish him every success in his next chapter.Continue the conversationWhat did you think of the discussion? Join the conversation on Mintel's LinkedIn and share your perspective on how AI, expertise and real-time intelligence are reshaping the future of insights.And while this may be Andrew Davidson's final episode on Mintel Little Conversation, the next chapter of his podcasting journey begins! Be sure to subscribe to Andrew's new podcast, Behind the Playbook: How Financial Brands Win, where he'll sit down with senior executives, marketers and industry leaders to explore the strategies, decisions and innovations shaping the future of financial services. Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube so you don't miss the first season's lineup of guests. Mintel Little Conversation continues with a new three-part Wellness Made series exploring how changing consumer expectations are shaping wellness product innovation, brand strategy and the retail experience. Subscribe now so you don’t miss the full story unfold across three distinct conversations with industry leaders from Medik8, Boots, and Mintel.Host: Andrew Davidson, Principal Strategist, ComperemediaGuests: Pete Haigh, Chairman, Mintel Greg Munves, CEO, OpenBrand

Artificial intelligence can help businesses work faster, understand more and make better decisions, but only when it is applied to the right problems. So, rather than asking, “What should our AI strategy be?”, should businesses start by asking what they are actually trying to achieve?Host Andrew McDougall is joined by Steve King, Co-founder and CEO of Dragonfly AI, to explore why successful AI adoption begins with business strategy, not technology. Drawing on Steve’s experience building Black Swan Data and Dragonfly AI, they discuss the different forms of artificial intelligence, why adoption remains harder than invention and how predictive technology can help brands understand what consumers will notice.The conversation also considers where human judgement must remain in control, how businesses can use AI without diminishing creativity and why its long-term value should be measured through better products and decisions, not simply short-term cost savings.Listen to find out:Why businesses should define the problem before choosing the AIWhat makes predictive AI different from generative AIHow Dragonfly AI helps brands understand visual attentionWhy adoption (not technology) is often the greatest barrierWhere human judgement and creativity remain essentialWhat established CPG companies and startups can learn from one anotherWhat did you think of the conversation? Join us on Mintel’s LinkedIn to continue the discussion about where AI adds real value and where human judgement and creativity remain essential.Learn more about how Black Swan Data, now part of Mintel, uses AI-powered social prediction to identify emerging consumer needs, and how Mintel and Dragonfly AI are helping brands make smarter packaging decisions by understanding what consumers notice.Visit Mintel.com to become a member of our free Spotlight community, and follow Mintel Little Conversation wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss an episode.Host:Andrew McDougall, Principal Strategist, MintelGuest:Steve King, Co-founder and CEO, Dragonfly AI

In this episode, Andrew McDougall sits down with Tati Lindenberg, who at the time was Chief Brand Officer for Unilever's Dirt Is Good brand. Since this conversation was first aired, Tati has been promoted to Chief Marketing Officer for Unilever Home Care, further underscoring the strategic leadership and brand-building expertise she shares throughout this discussion.Together with Mintel Consultant, David Jago, Tati explores what it takes to build brands that endure—from balancing global brand consistency with local consumer needs to navigating changing expectations around purpose, sustainability and growth. The conversation also examines the future of fabric care, the role of innovation in driving relevance and why storytelling remains one of the most powerful tools in a marketer's arsenal.Whether you're listening for the first time or revisiting this conversation, Tati's perspectives offer valuable guidance for CPG decision-makers seeking to build brands that drive growth, relevance and long-term consumer trust.Join the conversation on Mintel's LinkedIn and share your perspective.HostAndrew McDougall, Principal Strategist, MintelGuestsTati Lindenberg, Chief Marketing Officer, Unilever Home Care (Chief Brand Officer, Dirt Is Good, Unilever at the time of recording)David Jago, Principal Consultant, Mintel

Marketers have more consumer data than ever before but are they losing sight of the people behind it? In this episode, Andrew Davidson speaks with Paul Jankowski, Founder and CEO of New Heartland Group, about why brands have become over-reliant on data and under-invested in understanding consumers' lived experiences. They explore the New Heartland—a cultural segment representing 60% of Americans and $7–8 trillion in buying power—and discuss why values like family, community and faith often shape purchasing decisions more than traditional demographics. The conversation also examines how brands can move beyond targeting to build genuine cultural relevance in an increasingly AI-driven world.What did you think of the conversation? Join us on Mintel's LinkedIn to continue the discussion about understanding what data misses, and visit Mintel.com to become a member of our free Spotlight community.To gain a clearer view of how trust, community, relationships, and lived experience shape brand perception, shopper behavior, and customer loyalty among this consumer group, download the free The Visibility Gap™ report from Mintel today.Don't forget to follow Mintel Little Conversation wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss an episode.Host:Andrew Davidson, Principal Strategist, ComperemediaGuest:Paul Jankowski, CEO and Founder of New Heartland Group

In this episode, Mintel explores the 2026 Global Beauty and Personal Care Predictions, unpacking how the industry is evolving beyond traditional definitions of beauty into a space where health, emotion, and authenticity take center stage. We dive into three key trends shaping the future:Metabolic Beauty: where beauty meets health at a cellular level, and products evolve into personalized, preventative tools powered by biomarker testing and bio-intelligent technology.Sensorial Synergy: where beauty shifts from results-driven to experience-led, using sensory innovation to influence mood, emotional wellbeing, and daily rituals.Beyond the Algorithm: The Human Touch Revolution: where consumers move away from hyper-polished perfection and toward beauty that feels real, expressive, and authentically human.Together, these trends highlight a fundamental change: beauty is no longer just about appearance; it's becoming a tool for wellness, emotional connection, and self-expression. From diagnostic skincare to immersive sensory experiences and a renewed focus on human creativity, brands will need to rethink how they deliver value and connect with consumers.Download the 2026 Global Beauty and Personal Care Predictions and get in touch with Mintel Consulting to apply these predictive insights to your specific growth goals.Head over to Mintel’s LinkedIn to let us know what you think of the future of beauty, and visit mintel.com to become a member of our free Spotlight community.Host: Andrew McDougall, Director of Insights, Beauty & Personal Care.Guests: Clare Hennigan, Principal Analyst, Beauty & Personal Care, Mintel.Rosalia Di Gesu, Associate Principal Analyst, Beauty & Personal Care, Mintel.