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. This produce research explores consumer perceptions regarding generic produce and if the select low price over brand name.

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.

Interested in diving deep into produce research? Check out Provoke Insights Produce Research that examine branded vs. generic produce. The Summer 2024 trends research examines 16 topical studies from restaurants to furniture.

Recent USPS article on DTC Trends showcases Provoke Insight’s research with top marketing professionals across all industries.In today’s crowded marketing landscape, direct-to-consumer (DTC) strategies are gaining momentum—not only among startups but also among well-established brands. As traditional marketing channels become more saturated, DTC tactics offer brands a way to connect directly with consumers, build loyalty, and gain valuable first-party data.

This article explores current DTC trends, effective innovations, and the tools marketers are using to track performance.

One major DTC trend is the rise of personalization. Consumers expect tailored experiences, and successful DTC brands are delivering. From personalized emails to curated product recommendations, brands are using data to speak directly to each shopper’s needs.

Another key innovation involves seamless e-commerce experiences. Subscription models, flexible payment options, and fast checkouts are increasingly common. These features reduce friction and help boost conversion rates. In addition, DTC brands are embracing social commerce and influencer partnerships to expand their reach and build trust.

Established companies are also learning from these DTC trends, using them to enhance their own customer strategies. By integrating DTC practices, they’re creating hybrid models that combine retail presence with direct consumer engagement.

Performance tracking is another critical area. Marketers are using metrics like customer lifetime value (CLV), repeat purchase rate, engagement scores, and conversion data to evaluate the success of their DTC efforts. Understanding what works—and what doesn’t—helps brands adapt and scale more effectively.

In short, DTC is no longer just for digital-first disruptors. With the right approach, any brand can apply DTC trends to build stronger consumer relationships and drive long-term growth.

Want to explore more? Read the full article to dive into effective DTC strategies and discover what’s working in today’s fast-evolving consumer landscape.

Check out Provoke Insights latest trends research here.

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 with Carly Fink, 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.

Want to see Provoke Insights latest research? Check out Summer 2025 trends research.

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.

Want to learn more about the topic? Check out Provoke Insights 2023 Winter research report.

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 tipping habits 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 many new insights into tipping habits such as:
• 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.

Check out Provoke Insights restaurant research in the Winter 2023 Research.

Provoke Insights’ highly anticipated fall/winter 2023 trends report is finally out.

2023: The Year of the Conscious Spending Habit

Provoke Insights’ Fall/Winter 2023 Trends Report is now available. As shoppers become more mindful of their spending, buying habits are changing across the board. Consumers are thinking carefully about what they purchase, where they shop, and which brands they choose to support.

As a result, understanding these shifts is crucial for marketers, advertisers, and brand strategists. So what exactly does the research show about 2023 consumer trends?

What the Research Covers: Spending Habits 2023

To track these changes, Provoke Insights conducted its seventh wave of biannual consumer trends research. This nationwide study focuses on:

• Shopping channel preferences (online vs. in-store)

• Brand loyalty shifts

• Sustainability and values-based buying

• Category-specific behaviors

In contrast to previous years, today’s consumers are more selective and price-conscious. However, brand values and social responsibility also play a growing role in spending habits.

What the Market Research Covers

Provoke Insights conducted its seventh wave of biannual consumer trends research regarding consumer trends 2023. As a result, this nationwide study focuses on:

• Shopping channel preferences (online vs. in-store)

• Brand loyalty shifts

• Sustainability and values-based buying

• Category-specific behaviors

In contrast to previous years, today’s consumers are more selective and price-conscious. However, brand values and social responsibility also play a growing role in purchase decisions.

A Shout-Out from Quirk’s Media

Recently, Quirk’s Media featured the study on LinkedIn, highlighting its unique focus on brand loyalty during uncertain times. In addition, the post emphasized the value of these findings for businesses seeking to adapt their strategies. The post also focuses on various spending habits

Get Free Reports Across 16 Categories

To support the industry, Provoke Insights developed 16 free, easy-to-read reports that focuses on shopping behaviors, each focused on a specific industries. These reports reveal how different audiences shop, what matters to them, and how loyalty plays a role.

Categories include:

•Advertising trends and media preferences

•Apparel shopping habits

•Affluent consumer behaviors

•Alcohol consumption and purchasing

•Beauty product decisions

•Financial attitudes and planning

•Fitness routines and product use

•Furniture buying trends

• Home improvement decisions

•Outdoor gear and backpacks

•Produce purchasing

•Restaurant dining and loyalty

•Skincare routines and product picks

•Travel plans and budget shifts

•Wellness product usage

•Video games and gaming interest

Each report is built to help marketers make smarter, data-backed decisions. Check out our the full list of reports here. 

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. The sustainability research found:

• 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.

Want to know about sustainability research and the socially conscious consumer? Check out our research here and other industry research topics. 

Provoke Insights’ research sheds light on dining at disney trends.

The Disney Food Blog recently highlighted insights from Provoke Insights’ 2023 trend report, which examined changing consumer dining patterns and shifting preferences within the restaurant industry. These findings are especially relevant to dining at Disney, where guest expectations and budget pressures collide.

The report reveals a sharp dining decline driven by economic uncertainty and ongoing inflation. Approximately 80% of survey respondents noticed price increases at restaurants, leading many to reduce how often they dine out. This has major implications for restaurants across the board—including theme parks like Disney, where dining plays a big role in the guest experience.

Full-service and fast-casual establishments experienced the steepest drop in customer visits, with 55% and 50% of respondents dining at these types of restaurants less often. Fast-food chains, on the other hand, saw a slightly smaller decline of 45%, suggesting price sensitivity plays a role in decision-making.

To cope with rising costs, many consumers are turning to cheaper menu items and avoiding premium add-ons. However, dining at Disney and elsewhere can still be encouraged through smart marketing tactics. The study shows that promotions, special offers, and loyalty programs are successful in motivating people to eat out more frequently.

Despite financial pressures, there’s a silver lining. Consumers remain optimistic and find joy in everyday moments, including meals with loved ones. For brands like Disney, this is an opportunity to position dining as part of a larger, feel-good experience.

To learn how these dining trends affect restaurant strategies and guest experiences, check out the full article above. Want to dive deeper into the research? 

Click here to see Provoke Insights’ full market research report.  

A captivating study co-conducted by Carly Fink from Provoke Insights, regarding advanced technology, 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!

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.

Provoke Insights’ research highlights the importance of promotions and loyalty programs in convincing Americans to dine out amid tightening budgets.

In May 2023, Modern Restaurant Management Magazine featured Provoke Insights’ May 2023 trends report. The objective was to explore consumer dining trends amidst an inflating economy and the importance of restaurant loyalty programs.

The key insights from this article include:

• Promotions and loyalty programs are persuasive in encouraging Americans to dine out more frequently.
• High customer service and great food are crucial for ensuring a worthwhile dining experience.
• Access to secret menus and private dining experiences makes customers feel special and encourages them to dine out.
• Despite inflation’s impact, people express overall optimism and seek happiness in daily interactions.

To delve into the full details and discover winning strategies to maximize your diners experience, visit the full article on the Modern Restaurant Management website. These insights can revolutionize your restaurant’s success and captivate more customers so don’t miss out on the chance to elevate your culinary venture in these dynamic times!

Check out our Summer 2023 trends research about restaurant  loyalty programs here.  The trends paga includes market research reports on 12 industry topics.

Provoke Insights’ Carly Fink unravels American ad expectations in a recent Marketing Brew article.

Americans have high expectations for entertaining ads but typically only remember up to 10% of them after 24 hours, as reported by Provoke Insights summer 2023 study which surveyed 1,500 Americans aged 21-65. In a recent Marketing Brew article, Carly Fink from Provoke Insights discussed her discoveries regarding ad recall trends. Despite low ad recall, ads still influence purchasing decisions for 44% of respondents, while 42% remember ads while shopping. Standing out in a content-saturated world remains a challenge for brands, and ongoing research may shed light on effective strategies. Click here to read the article that discusses advertising recall.

Want to read about other research topic?  Check out our Summer 2023 reports here. 

Provoke Insights unveils key findings and decodes consumer furniture purchasing concerns in the face of recession.

A recently published article made by Furniture Today discussed the findings of a May 2023 trends report conducted by Provoke Insights, shedding light on consumer concerns for furniture purchasing trends in the face of a potential recession. While post-pandemic optimism is evident, with an increase in recent furniture purchases, consumers remain cautious about the economy’s stability. A significant number of respondents expressed a willingness to postpone or abandon furniture purchases if a recession occurs. However, a substantial portion of respondents still plan to buy furniture in the next year. Inflation at furniture stores is a concern for many, surpassing worries about the economy, the government, and COVID-19. Mattresses, sofas/loveseats, and lighting are among the top items on consumers’ furniture shopping lists, with budget constraints affecting purchase decisions.

Some noteworthy insights include:

• 13% of consumers made a furniture purchase in the past month, showing post-pandemic optimism.
• 68% of respondents plan to buy furniture within the next year.
• 42% of potential buyers would easily cut out a furniture purchase in the event of a recession.
• Inflation is the top concern for respondents, followed closely by the economy and the government.
• Mattresses, sofas/loveseats, and lighting are the most sought-after furniture items.
• The majority (60%) of consumers allocate $1,000 or less for their next furniture purchase.
• Shoppers prefer cash, check, or debit card payments, with credit card usage also increasing slightly.
• Browsing in stores and sticking with familiar brands are the preferred shopping methods.

By staying attuned to consumer concerns, addressing pricing considerations, and delivering products aligned with consumer preferences, businesses can position themselves for success in the evolving furniture market.

Provoke Insights Research on Beauty and Skincare features in Happi

In a recently featured Happi article, Provoke Insights’ Carly Fink and Jordin DeSenzo investigate the effects of rising inflation on the skincare industry and consumer responses. Their comprehensive research, which included surveying 1,500 participants from the United States, highlights consumer concerns about inflation and its effects on prices in various retail sectors, including skincare. Interestingly enough, despite these worries, skincare sales have experienced a notable 12% increase since Fall 2022. The study further explores the demographics and preferences of skincare shoppers, emphasizing the importance of targeted advertising, values alignment, and strengthening customer loyalty for brands.

Key highlights include:

• Skincare consumers prioritize quality over price, setting them apart from other consumer-facing industries.
• Skincare shoppers exhibit strong loyalty and are more likely to continue purchasing even during a recession.
• The significance of brand loyalty and a preference for familiar skincare brands among consumers.
• Consumer shopping preferences: a preference for online shopping while also valuing the experience of browsing in-store.
• The importance of DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) and sustainability values is growing among skincare shoppers.

Overall, the article provides valuable insights into the impact of rising inflation on the skincare industry and offers recommendations for beauty brands to navigate these challenges successfully.