Cherry blossoms are incorporated into products in Western markets
Implications - Japanese cherry blossoms have long been incorporated into various products in Japan, and the botanicals are now being infused in products offered by North American and European markets. This shift comes as cross-cultural inspirations become increasingly popular in the age of globalization and Internet interconnectivity, with consumers on the lookout for novelty in the form of products they view as "exotic."
Workshop Question - How could your brand take inspiration from similar industries in different cultures?
Trend Themes
1. Cross-cultural Infusion - As cross-cultural inspirations become increasingly popular, infusing products with botanicals like Japanese cherry blossom represents an innovative trend in Western markets.
2. Romantic Products - Marketers are capitalizing on holidays like Valentine’s Day to introduce romantic variations of their products, such as cherry blossom-infused cocktails and ice creams that specifically target couples, making this trend an innovative opportunity for businesses.
3. Eco-conscious Beauty - Sustainably sourced beauty ingredients, such as the ones derived from the ocean, combined with botanicals and natural elements like cherry blossom stem cells, represents a trend in eco-conscious beauty that is innovative for businesses in the skincare industry.
Industry Implications
1. Food and Beverage - Food and beverage companies can create innovative products with botanicals that carry a representative value in different cultures, such as incorporating cherry blossoms in cocktails or ice creams.
2. Beauty and Personal Care - Beauty and personal care companies can incorporate sustainable and natural ingredients, along with botanicals like cherry blossom stem cells, for innovative and eco-friendly skincare products.
3. E-commerce - E-commerce companies advertising and delivering limited-edition products tied to holidays or seasons, such as the mail-order cocktails and beauty products filled with miniature essentials, represent innovative opportunities that enrich customers' brand experience.
