Consumer mid-year sector trends 2026: What will drive growth in the year ahead?

Consumer companies are entering the second half of 2026 in an increasingly complex environment. Rising costs continue to put pressure on margins, consumers remain highly value conscious, and new technologies are changing how products are discovered, evaluated, and purchased.

In our latest video, Simon-Kucher Senior Partner and Global Head of Consumer Martin Crépy shares his perspective on the trends affecting the sector and the priorities leadership teams should focus on through 2026 and beyond. Drawing on conversations with consumer organizations around the world, he outlines where the biggest challenges and growth opportunities lie.

The trends shaping the consumer sector

Consumer companies are navigating a difficult balancing act. Input costs across commodities, energy, and raw materials continue to put pressure on margins, while consumers remain cautious after several years of price increases. This is prompting many organizations to look for…