What Influences Consumers to Purchase Generic Produce Instead of Brands?
18 Mar 2024

Provoke Insights’ Carly Fink and Jordin DeSenzo explore the factors that drive consumers to choose generic produce over branded options in a recent article for Produce Business.

Over the last two years, inflation has significantly impacted the cost of produce, adding to the difficulties faced by brand-named produce. Understanding the consumer sentiment amidst inflation and tailoring marketing strategies accordingly becomes crucial for brands aiming to maintain their market share.

The article addresses the following key findings:

  • Inflation has heightened consumer awareness of rising prices, particularly in supermarkets.
  • Despite high inflation, consumers continue to prioritize regular consumption of fruits and vegetables.
  • Brand awareness is high among consumers, but actual purchases of brand-named produce remain lower than expected.
  • Price is a significant factor influencing consumer choices, with many opting for generic produce due to cost considerations.
  • Affluent consumers often perceive no quality difference between brand-named and generic produce.
  • Television, in-store demonstrations, and more are favored channels for learning about brand-named produce.
  • Less popular media channels like billboards, radio, and magazines/newspapers are less effective for promoting brand-named produce.
DTC Trends That Will Help You Get Noticed
13 Mar 2024

Recent USPS article on DTC Trends showcases Provoke Insight’s research with top marketing professionals across all industries.

In the competitive world of marketing, direct-to-consumer (DTC) tactics are gaining traction. Established brands are increasingly adopting these innovative strategies to forge deeper connections with consumers. Join us in this article as we delve into the essential trends and powerful DTC marketing techniques that are not only capturing customers’ attention but also driving tangible results.

Key points covered in the article:

  • Effective DTC innovations
  • Strategies for brands to take their DTC marketing even further
  • Current methods used by marketers to track DTC performance
Radio On Main Street Featuring Provoke Insights’ Carly Fink
11 Mar 2024

In the third episode of the ongoing series from the ANA Masters of Marketing conference, Erica Farber sits down with Carly Fink, president of Provoke Insights.

In this episode, you’ll hear how market research acts as the guiding light for brands, allowing them to remove the blindfolds, eliminate guesswork, and make informed decisions regarding their marketing, advertising, and media strategies. At Provoke Insights, we passionately believe in the transformative power of radio, and this belief is substantiated by the firsthand insights we glean from our research.

Tune in to the conversation as we delve into the intricacies of market research and its pivotal role in shaping successful brand strategies. Discover how our team at Provoke Insights utilizes data-driven methodologies to unlock valuable insights that drive tangible results for our clients.

Supplements, Stress & CBD in the Wellness Market
20 Dec 2023

Provoke experts, Carly Fink and Jordin DeSenzo were recently featured in Happi Magazine

Happi’s article, which contained insights from Provoke’s 2023 Fall/Winter trends research, examined the prevalence of stress among Americans and the various coping mechanisms they employ, with a specific focus on the use of vitamins, supplements, and CBD.

Highlights from the article include:

  • Many Americans experience significant stress, with financial issues being a major factor, especially among younger generations, women, and the LGBTQ+ community.
  • Common stress relief methods include exercise, social interaction, healthy eating, and meditation, though some turn to less healthy habits like drinking.
  • A notable portion of the population uses vitamins and supplements for stress relief, with certain groups and specific types like multivitamins being more popular.
  • Vitamins are mostly bought in stores, with a growing trend in online purchases and brand loyalty.
  • A twelfth of the population uses CBD for stress, with future purchase intentions high despite some concerns about regulation and drug testing.

For the wellness industry to continue expanding, brands must keenly address the stress-related behaviors of consumers and offer effective solutions. Enhancing consumer education about the benefits and proper usage of CBD and other wellness vitamins/supplements could significantly boost their role in stress management.

The Tipping Point Is Now
13 Dec 2023

Provoke Insights’ Fall/Winter 2023 research on consumer trends is finally out and has been featured in an article published by Modern Restaurant Management.

Provoke Insights conducted research involving 1,502 Americans, aiming to gain insights into external trends impacting various consumer behaviors, particularly in the realm of dining out, and the attitudes Americans have towards tipping culture.

Accompanying a brief data summary, Modern Restaurant Magazine interviewed Provoke Insights President Carly Fink.
Findings from this interview include:
• Key takeaways for restaurant owners/operators based on the findings.
• Tips and tricks for enhanced guest experiences.
• Insights into where and when consumers are more likely to tip at a food establishment.
• Attitudes on the pressure to tip at establishments and more

As inflation impacts both consumers and businesses, restaurants must ensure that tipping doesn’t feel intrusive, potentially deterring patrons from revisiting their establishments.

Research: Getting To Know Today’s Socially Conscious Consumer
30 Aug 2023

A Provoke Insights study reveals consumer preference for socially conscious purchases.

The Path to Purchase Institute (P2PI) has joined forces with Provoke Insights to explore current trends among socially conscious consumers. Some of their findings included:

  • Prioritizing Social Awareness: 74% of consumers make social consciousness a priority in their purchases.
  • Inconsistent Choices: Only a fraction consistently opt for socially responsible products.
  • Cost as a Deterrent: Over half (52%) cite cost as the main barrier.
  • Ingredient Transparency: “Made with clean ingredients” is a key factor, notably for Generation Z and Democrats.
  • Limited Impact: Factors like charitable donations and minority ownership have minimal influence.
  • Values Alignment Matters: 32% would switch brands if values misalign.
  • Economic Influence: The economy shapes choices, impacting budget-consciousness for sustainable products.

For a more comprehensive understanding, read the full article here to capture the evolving landscape of consumer behavior.

Could Dining at Disney World CHANGE Because of This New Trend?
30 Aug 2023

Provoke Insights’ research sheds light on the factors behind evolving dining behaviors.

The Disney Food Blog recently highlighted insights from Provoke Insights’ 2023 trend report, exploring shifting consumer dining patterns and evolving restaurant industry preferences. Key findings include:

  • Dining Decline: Economic uncertainty and inflation have led to reduced dining out, with about 80% of respondents noting restaurant price increases.
  • Restaurant Preferences: Full-service and fast casual eateries experienced the most significant decline in patronage (55% and 50% respectively), while fast-food chains saw a milder decrease (45%).
  • Cost-Cutting Strategies: Consumers are opting for cheaper menu items to manage dining costs amid changing circumstances.
  • Encouraging Spending: Effective strategies like promotional deals and loyalty programs are encouraging customers to dine out more.
  • Optimism Amid Challenges: Despite economic worries, respondents maintain optimism, finding happiness in daily experiences.

To explore how these findings impact Disney’s dining and restaurant strategies, you can delve into the complete article above.

Journal of AI, Robotics & Workplace Automation
09 Aug 2023

A captivating study co-conducted by Carly Fink from Provoke Insights saw the potential to drive green initiatives through state-of-the-art tech.

The world of advanced technology has always been a fertile ground for businesses to explore numerous revenue opportunities. However, there is another area where consumers, governments, and special interest groups are taking notice and showing appreciation – sustainable practices. In this regard, Artificial Intelligence (AI) plays a vital role, unlocking fresh possibilities for promoting green initiatives and combating environmental concerns, such as greenhouse gas emissions and pollution. By harnessing AI’s ability to analyze vast amounts of data and automate tasks, brands can significantly enhance their image and reputation. To discover more about this cutting-edge study and its profound implications clicking on the full article above!

What Advanced Technologies are Companies Utilizing to Enhance Reverse Logistics?
03 Aug 2023

A Provoke Insights study reveals how technology, including automatic data capture and predictive analytics, can revolutionize the e-commerce business for efficient returns.

USPS® commissioned Provoke Insights to examine the e-commerce reverse logistics landscape. The study found 32% of companies struggle with manual labor tasks in returns processing. Over two-thirds (67%) are adopting technology to enhance their logistics processes in response.

The study identifies four game-changing technologies for optimizing returns:

  • Automatic Data Capture (used by 44% of companies)
  • Cloud Computing (used by 37% of companies)
  • Predictive Analytics and Big Data (used by 25% of companies)
  • Blockchain (used by 14% of companies)

By embracing these technologies, businesses can streamline return processing, improve customer experiences, and boost operational efficiency. To learn more about how these technologies can transform your logistics, visit the full article on the USPS® website for in-depth insights.