Marketing Week selected predictions for 2012, which may significantly affect the marketing mix of companies.
The first example is from the Trendwatching.com, which was inspired by the emerging markets: There is an expected significant increase of the impact of Chinese shoppers. Only in the first half of 2011, 30 million Chinese travelled abroad. According to The World Tourism Organisation, the number will reach 100 million by 2020. The Hilton hotel chain established a special program "Huanying" for this purpose, which includes serving Chinese tea and Chinese breakfast in 30 hotels around the world. In addition, brands are getting ready for Indian and Brazilian consumers.
Especially the food industry and electronics are preparing mass products for lower social classes in these emerging markets.
The Futures Company is pointing out rather the high-tech trends, such as mood management as part of retail and restaurant business. Cars are learning to slow down when the driver is angry. Restaurants will introduce neuro-gastronomy - serving meals to improve mood.
According to The Futures Company we can also expect the development of small energy generating facilities. A good example is charging a mobile phone while riding a bicycle.
The Future Froundation claims that the end of inefficiencies is approaching. More and more services will be automated. According to their surveys, for example, 80% of British consumers would welcome a device that would always take energy from the cheapest supplier. There is also a growing interest in cars which can park on their own.
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