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Intro to Leisure & Play

Instructor: Courtney Scharf
Leisure & Play
Download the Leisure & Play Trend Report
In this module, Trend Hunter's Chief Client Officer, Courtney Scharf, will introduce you to our framework on the future of entertainment. Using the 18 Megatrends Matrix, she identifies three key consumer desires and drivers that are changing the world of entertainment as we know it today.

Using a focus on human psychology and what consumers feel like they're missing today, this approach to the leisure category will not only deepen your understanding of how consumers want to be entertained but also what they want from their lives in general.
Related Trend Report: Leisure & Play
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Insights by Trend Hunter AI

AI Dispensary
Cannabis Dispensaries are Leaning on AI Tools to Improve Operations
Trend - Cannabis dispensaries are integrating AI systems into retail operations to automate compliance tasks, forecast inventory needs, personalize product recommendations and improve staffing efficiency. These tools reduce operational friction, support regulatory accuracy and drive higher margins.
Workshop Question - How might we leverage AI technology to streamline operations and enhance customer experiences in innovative ways within our industry?
6.4
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
AI-Connecting Cannabis Retail Tools
AI-Connecting Cannabis Retail Tools
Flowhub MCP Connects Dispensaries to Popular AI Tools
Flowhub, a regulated commerce platform for cannabis retailers, has launched Flowhub MCP, a connector built on the open Model Context Protocol standard that allows dispensary operators to connect... MORE
Comprehensive AI-Powered Retail Services
Comprehensive AI-Powered Retail Services
Dutchie Consumer AI Boasts Four Tech-Driven Features
Dutchie has introduced a suite of four artificial intelligence products collectively called Dutchie Consumer AI. This retail-focused service integrates voice, online, in-store, and reputation... MORE
Cannabis Dispensary-Focused AI Tools
Cannabis Dispensary-Focused AI Tools
IndicaOnline Debuts IndicaOnline AI to Streamline Operations
IndicaOnline has launched IndicaOnline AI — a data analytics and automation layer for cannabis dispensaries that uses the open Model Context Protocol to allow operators to query their... MORE
Controlled Cannabis Experiences
Controlled Cannabis Experiences
Go Brands expands its light cannabis portfolio
Go Brands is expanding its lineup of light cannabis products with new pre-rolls and cannabinoid-infused edibles designed to support more controlled consumption. The Canadian company is positioning... MORE
Agentic Shopping
Current capabilities of AI allow shoppers to offload decision making
Trend - As AI shifts from simply generative to agentic, shoppers are able to offload the mental labor of decision making to the technology. This goes beyond simply automating the transaction and into allowing artificial intelligence to make decisions.
Workshop Question - How can your brand leverage AI's agentic capabilities to balance convenience and autonomy in the consumer decision-making process?
6.9
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Conversational Shopping Apps
Conversational Shopping Apps
The Klarna Shopping Search App in ChatGPT Streamlines Discovery
Shoppers are turning to AI for purchasing guidance and to solve frustratingly fragmented experiences, the Klarna Shopping Search app in ChatGPT launched to weave product discovery straight into the... MORE
AI-Powered Shoppable Experiences
AI-Powered Shoppable Experiences
ASOS Launches Thire ASOS Stylist With ChatGPT Integration
ASOS launched ASOS Stylist, an AI-powered shopping experience that brings the retailer’s product catalogue and video content directly into ChatGPT. Built with Bambuser’s Intelligence Layer, the... MORE
AI-Powered Shopping Ecosystems
AI-Powered Shopping Ecosystems
Wayfair Partnered With Google on AI Commerce Infrastructure
Wayfair’s partnership with Google highlights how AI-powered shopping is becoming more integrated into the consumer search journey. By helping develop Google’s Universal Commerce Protocol,... MORE
Home Furnishing Shopping Assistants
Home Furnishing Shopping Assistants
Ask Cleo Recommends Products Based on Shopper Descriptions
Lightopia, a leading online destination for luxury lighting and home décor, announced a new way for shoppers to find the right solutions for their needs with Ask Cleo, an AI-powered conversational... MORE
Frugal Flex
Dupe culture enables luxury style access while spending smart
Trend - Retailers and brands are embracing dupe culture as consumers seek affordable alternatives to luxury across beauty and fashion; driving demand for products that mirror high-end aesthetics, formulations, and design—from makeup to apparel—at more accessible price points.
Workshop Question - How could your brand support consumers in balancing aspiration with value-driven, intentional spending?
7.8
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Affordable Luxury Body Washes
Affordable Luxury Body Washes
Harry's Redacted Body Wash Dupes a Favorite Fragrance House Scent
Redacted Body Wash is a limited-edition launch from Harry's that promises a woody, complex scent with notes of santal and violet leaf. Beyond having a scent that customers have called a dupe of a... MORE
Luxury-Inspired Dupe Fragrances
Luxury-Inspired Dupe Fragrances
ALT. Fragrances Makes Cost-Conscious Interpretations of Scents
ALT. Fragrances specializes in creating designer scents without designer price tags, offering consumers the equivalent of a fragrance that costs hundreds for just $25 to $35. Consumers want dupe... MORE
Luxury Handbag Dupes
Luxury Handbag Dupes
The 'Wirkin' Bag is Redefining Affordable Luxury and Dupe Culture
The 'Wirkin', a viral dupe of the iconic Hermès 'Birkin' bag, is making waves for its affordable price and practical design, sparking conversations about the evolving meaning of luxury. Priced at... MORE
Designer Dupe Fragrance Expansions
Designer Dupe Fragrance Expansions
Dossier is Arriving into CVS Pharmacy Locations in the US
The Dossier perfume brand is making its way to CVS Pharmacy locations in the US to help consumers access its various designer dupe fragrances in a decidedly easy way. The brand will debut eight... MORE
Mediterranean Luxe
Food & beverage embrace Mediterranean flavors as markers of sophistication
Trend - Restaurants and beverage brands are elevating their offerings with flavors from Southern Europe, North Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean. Ingredients like saffron, pistachio, pomegranate and rose are appearing in contemporary formats—from basil limoncello spritzes to pistachio rose lattes.
Workshop Question - How could your brand use global flavor cues to turn everyday products into meaningful moments of escape?
3.8
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Premium Mediterranean Lagers
Premium Mediterranean Lagers
Peroni Nastro Azzuro Stile Capri Arrives on the Market
Peroni Nastro Azzurro Stile Capri is a new product that aims to capture the laid-back elegance of an Italian summer. Crafted with Mediterranean inspiration, this smooth, citrus-forward lager is... MORE
Vibrant Mediterranean Salad Kits
Vibrant Mediterranean Salad Kits
Fresh Express is Introducing a New Chopped Salad Kit
Fresh Express is launching a new Chopped Kit, this time introducing the Mediterranean Herb variant which arrives in late September. This kit features a blend of kale, green cabbage, red cabbage,... MORE
Pistachio Alfredo Sauces
Pistachio Alfredo Sauces
Sauz's Salted Pistachio Alfredo Shares a Sought-After Nutty Flavor
Pistachio flavors are popping up everywhere thanks to the virality of Dubai chocolate, but the nutty ingredient has broken out of the sweet snack and dessert aisle, now adding richness and depth to... MORE
Organic Mediterranean Olive Products
Organic Mediterranean Olive Products
These Biona Olives Offer a Taste of the Mediterranean
The embrace of the Mediterranean diet has many consumers seeking out delicious yet convenient ways to give the culinary lifestyle a try, which is seeing brands respond with products like the Biona... MORE
Mediterranean-Style Pasta Sauces
Mediterranean-Style Pasta Sauces
Loyd Grossman Premium Sauce Comes in Three Flavors
Loyd Grossman Premium Sauce is a new lineup of pasta products making their way to the UK market for the brand's 30th anniversary as the prefect way to elevate a wide range of dishes. The pasta... MORE
Spiced Spread
Brands infuse spicy ingredients into jams and spreads
Trend - Brands are creating spreads like jam, jelly, and peanut butter using heat-inducing ingredients like peppers, cayenne, or hot spices. These products, used for toasts, sandwiches, and other breakfast and brunch applications, deliver a mixture of sweetness and spice for a unique flavor profile.
Workshop Question - How can your brand tap into the demand for contrast-driven experiences?
3.5
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Spreadable Flavored Honey Products
Spreadable Flavored Honey Products
Hilltop Hilltoppers Come in Five Varieties
The Hilltop Hilltoppers are a series of spreadable honey products crafted with the UK market in mind to offer consumers with a way to elevate their toast this springtime. The product starts off... MORE
Spicy Pepper-Based Jellies
Spicy Pepper-Based Jellies
Profanity Jam Makes "Really Effing Hot" Habanero Jelly
Profanity Jam specializes in creating habanero pepper-based jellies that combine spicy and fruity flavors. The brand introduced itself to spicy food fans with its Original Habanero Jelly, Habanero... MORE
Peppery Apricot Cardamom Spreads
Peppery Apricot Cardamom Spreads
Trader Joe's New Apricot Cardamom Spread is Lightly Spiced
If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your morning toast, look no further than Trader Joe’s new Apricot Cardamom Spread. Perfect for summer, Trader Joe’s new Apricot Cardamom... MORE
Fiery Peanut Butters
Fiery Peanut Butters
FlavourMingle's Spicy Peanut Butter Features Ghost Pepper or Scotch Bonnet
Peanut butter, loved for its smooth, nutty, and creamy richness, is getting a bold twist as adventurous eaters embrace spicy peanut butter products that add heat to the familiar comfort.... MORE
Sparkling Cannabis
THC Brands are launching low-dose sparkling waters for comfortable buzzes
Trend - Cannabis brands are rolling out low-dose THC-infused sparkling waters designed to offer a subtle cannabis experience in a refreshing beverage format. These drinks combine crisp, sparkling water with carefully measured amounts of THC, offering low-dose alternatives to traditional products.
Workshop Question - How can your brand innovate to offer a mindful consumption experience that aligns with modern consumers' preferences for low-dose and wellness-focused products?
6.2
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Social Low-Calorie Cannabis Seltzers
Social Low-Calorie Cannabis Seltzers
Cornbread Hemp THC Seltzers Start Working in 15-Minutes
Cannabis-infused refreshments are continuing to gain popularity amongst consumers seeking an alternative to alcohol, so brands are taking note with new options like the Cornbread Hemp THC Seltzers.... MORE
Low-Dose Cannabis Refreshments
Low-Dose Cannabis Refreshments
The Wyld THC Sparkling Waters Have Hemp-Derived Ingredients
The Wyld THC Sparkling Waters have been created by the brand with consumers who are curious about cannabis or who are in search of a low-dose option to incorporate into their lifestyle. The drinks... MORE
Actor-Backed Cannabis Drinks
Actor-Backed Cannabis Drinks
Houseplant THC-Infused Sparkling Waters Come in Four Flavors
The Houseplant THC-infused sparkling waters have been announced from the cannabis lifestyle brand as a series of refreshments perfect for consumers to try out. The drinks from the Seth Rogen, Evan... MORE
THC-Infused Sparkling Waters
THC-Infused Sparkling Waters
Houseplant Sparkling Water Features a Low Dose of THC in Every Can
The actor and filmmaker turned entrepreneur Seth Rogen has recently announced the launch of his Houseplant lifestyle brand to include new THC-infused Houseplant sparkling water. From the very start,... MORE
Cannabis-Infused Sparkling Water Lines
Cannabis-Infused Sparkling Water Lines
Resident Culture Brewing Co. Expands Cümulo
Resident Culture Brewing Co. has expanded its cannabis-infused sparkling water line, Cümulo, with two new flavors and the launch of an e-commerce platform featuring subscription services. The... MORE
Gaming Projector
Brands introduce projectors tailored for immersive gaming experiences.
Trend - Brands are launching gaming-focused projectors designed with features such as high refresh rates, low input lag, and 4K resolution. These projectors aim to provide a large, immersive display experience optimized for modern gaming needs, offering alternatives to high-performance monitors.
Workshop Question - How might we leverage emerging technologies and consumer desires for enhanced immersion to innovate new products that could revolutionize user experiences in our industry?
5.1
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
High-Resolution Gaming Projectors
High-Resolution Gaming Projectors
The ViewSonic LX700-4K RGB Boasts 5,200 Laser Lumens
The ViewSonic LX700-4K RGB is a home cinema projector that utilizes RGB laser technology to deliver high-quality visuals. It features 5,200 RGB Laser Lumens, ensuring bright and vibrant images even... MORE
Low-Lag Gaming Projectors
Low-Lag Gaming Projectors
The Philips GamePix 800 Smart Gaming Projector is Ultra-Bright
Projection technology is quickly becoming a popular option for living room entertainment setups, so brands are continuing to take notice with products like the Philips GamePix 800 Smart Gaming... MORE
Immersive Gaming-Targeted Projectors
Immersive Gaming-Targeted Projectors
The Philips GamePix 900 is Limited to 1,000 Units to Start
The Philips GamePix 900 projector has been unveiled by the brand as a piece of hardware for avid gamers to incorporate into their setup as a solution that's optimized with their gameplay in mind.... MORE
Gaming-Ready Laser Projectors
Gaming-Ready Laser Projectors
The Optoma UHZ35 Achieves Low-Lag 4K Performance
The Optoma UHZ35 laser projector is a standard throw unit engineered with the needs of today’s media and gaming enthusiast in mind to help them enjoy exceptional resolution at all times. The... MORE
Reimagined Kosher
Heritage brands are reimagining cultural staples with modern aesthetic
Trend - Established food categories tied to Jewish culture and religious traditions are being reinvented through contemporary branding, sustainable practices, and convenience-focused formats. These products maintain authentic flavor profiles while updating ingredients and aesthetics to appeal to younger consumers who value both heritage and innovation.
Workshop Question - How could your brand modernize traditional offerings without losing their authentic essence?
5.5
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Versatile Mini Latke Crisps
Versatile Mini Latke Crisps
Little Latke Potato Latke Crisps are Made with Natural Ingredients
The Little Latke potato latke crisps have been launched as the world’s first potato latke snack crisps that are perfect for consumers to try out as a new take on a traditional dish. The crisps... MORE
Instant Matzo Ball Soups
Instant Matzo Ball Soups
Nooish's Matzo Ball Soup Makes a Traditional Recipe Super Convenient
Matzo ball soup embodies timeless comfort and Nooish’s just-add-water Instant Matzo Ball Soup makes it even more accessible for busy consumers as a grab-and-go solution that allows everyone to... MORE
Crunchy-Sweet Condiments
Crunchy-Sweet Condiments
Schmutz's Haroset Turns a Passover Essential into an Everyday Spread
Schmutz transforms haroset—the sweet, textured paste made from fruits, nuts, and spices traditionally served during the Passover Seder—into a condiment that's ready to be savored every day.... MORE
Crispy Kugel-Flavored Snack Products
Crispy Kugel-Flavored Snack Products
S'NOODS Sweet Kugel is Inspired by the Classic Jewish Dish
S’NOODS Sweet Kugel is the noodle snack brand’s latest offering crafted with the classic Jewish cuisine dish in mind to provide consumers with a sweet, savory option to try out. The... MORE
Ready-to-Cook Matzo Balls
Ready-to-Cook Matzo Balls
Manischewitz Frozen Matzo Balls are Quick to Prepare and Enjoy
The Manischewitz Frozen Matzo Balls are part of the brand’s foray into the frozen case in the grocery store that will help consumers to incorporate traditional Jewish cuisine dish into their... MORE
De-Stresser Beverage
Brands are replacing stress-generating ingredients with calming alternatives
Trend - Food & beverage brands are creating drinks designed to alleviate stress. This is achieved by swapping out stressing ingredients, such as processed sugars and caffeine, with stress-relieving alternatives, such as magnesium and lion's mane, generating healthier energy for consumers.
Workshop Question - How can we redesign our products by identifying and replacing stress-inducing elements with calming alternatives to better serve our customer's well-being?
6.4
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Alternative Energy Drinks
Alternative Energy Drinks
AVVIKA Delivers a Natural, Better-for-You Boost Without Caffeine
AVVIKA nourishes minds and bodies with caffeine-free energy drinks that help health-conscious individuals avoid undesirable side effects like crashes, jitters and other downsides of caffeine. The... MORE
Mental Well-Being Beverages
Mental Well-Being Beverages
The TRIP x Calm Cucumber Mint Mindful Blend Helps with De-Stressing
Calm, the number-one app for sleep, meditation and relaxation teamed up with functional beverage brand TRIP to create the co-branded Cucumber Mint Mindful Blend with soothing ingredients like... MORE
Viral Mocktail-Inspired Smoothies
Viral Mocktail-Inspired Smoothies
The Smoothie King Sleepy Girlzzz Smoothie Has Tart Cherry
The Smoothie King Sleepy Girlzzz Smoothie is a new item hitting the menu at participating locations that’s perfect for curious TikTok users to try out on their next visit. The smoothie is... MORE
Adaptogenic Alt Milks
Adaptogenic Alt Milks
Floatmilk's Original Oatmilk +Adaptogens Won a World Dairy Innovation Award
Floatmilk’s Original Oatmilk +Adaptogens is a premium alternative milk with a coffeehouse-style formula for creating rich, creamy drinks without dairy.   Consumers want plant-based milk... MORE
Sparkling Hibiscus Flower Water
Sparkling Hibiscus Flower Water
Amaí's Drinks are Rich in Flavor & Health Benefits
Amaí‘s Sparkling Hibiscus Flower Water is made with organic hibiscus flowers, a multi-benefit ingredient that has been incorporated into health and wellness practices for centuries. Now, the... MORE
Protein Cereal
Cereals are now incorporating high amounts of protein to aid conscious consumers
Trend - Breakfast cereals are now formulated with higher protein content to accommodate various lifestyles and diets. This approach provides health-conscious consumers with an easy way to increase their daily protein intake without incorporating additional supplements or products into their routine.
Workshop Question - How can your brand modify its product to cater to diverse consumer needs and use cases?
5.7
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
Peanut Butter Protein Cereals
Peanut Butter Protein Cereals
Ghost PB Protein Cereal Was Created with General Mills
The Ghost PB Protein Cereal has been created by Ghost Lifestyle in partnership with General Mills as a nutrition-focused breakfast or snack product perfect for supporting the needs of athletic... MORE
Upcycled Oat Protein Cereals
Upcycled Oat Protein Cereals
Seven Sundays & SunOpta Created a Cereal Line with OatGold
Seven Sundays launched the first-ever oat protein cereal made with SunOpta’s OatGold, a nutrient-rich upcycled oat protein powder, which is a byproduct of oat milk production. Hannah Barnstable,... MORE
Cookie-Flavored Protein Cereals
Cookie-Flavored Protein Cereals
Magic Spoon's Grain-Free Cereals Taste Like Favorite Snacks
Eating Magic Spoon’s grain-free cereals for breakfast will feel more like snacktime than ever thanks to its two newest flavors, Oatmeal Cookie and Chocolate Chip Cookie. As ever, these protein-... MORE
Co-Branded Protein Cereals
Co-Branded Protein Cereals
Surreal & Gymshark Launched Strawberry Protein Shake-Flavored Cardi-Os
Protein cereal brand Surreal and gym apparel brand Gymshark teamed up to create Cardi-Os, a strawberry protein shake-flavored cereal that’s gluten-free, vegan and fueled by soya and pea protein.... MORE