Consumer Behaviour in 2026: What it really means for CPG Businesses

Growth opportunities for CPG brands are everywhere in 2026. New stockists, new channels, new ideas. However, capacity hasn’t increased at the same pace. The brands that will truly move the needle this year aren’t the ones doing more — they’re the ones making clearer decisions grounded in real consumer behaviour. In this article, we unpack the key consumer shifts shaping 2026 and how founders can use consumer insight as a strategic filter to prioritise the opportunities that actually drive growth.