Welcome to 2019 and this year's edition of BizTrends!
We've rounded up key thought leaders across industries to share their business trends predictions to help you plan and win in 2019.
Highlights this week include:
• Top 5 trends driving SA consumers in 2019 - BMi Research's Gareth Pearson
• How retailers will manage customer engagement in 2019 - Prodigi Africa's Daniel Logan
• Will SA e-commerce take the step up in 2019? - Pricecheck's Kevin Tucker
• Trends moulding the plastic packaging industry - Alpla SA's David Drew
• 8 big future food trends - Studio H's Hannerie Visser
• The future of skincare and fitness is here - Oolala Collection Club's Daniella Shapiro
In other top news since our last newsletter on 18 December, alcoholic drinks giant Pernod Ricard is strengthening its partnership with African e-commerce player Jumia by becoming a strategic shareholder. And SAB owner AB InBev has partnered with Canadian cannabis producer Tilray to focus on research into the cannabis-infused, non-alcoholic drinks market.
In fashion, I chat to Yesim Mis from Turkish-based global fashion chain LC Waikiki about the company's attraction to the SA market and future store plans. And luxury fashion label Prada was lambasted for selling monkey-like figurines which were decried as racist.
We'll be updating our site with BizTrends pieces throughout most of January, so keep an eye out for those insights.
Until next week!
Lauren Hartzenberg
Retail Editor: Bizcommunity.com
