Need to Know
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UK – Delving into the potential of therapeutic microdosing, British designer Benjamin Hubert’s studio Layer has conceptualised an edibles subscription service called Keia.

With a firm focus on the wellness market, the themes of nature and mindfulness are conveyed through packaging in muted, woodland-inspired colourways. The Keia service would offer a month’s supply of pastilles, wafers and teas treated with hallucinogenics. Some of the materials used in Layer’s packaging concepts are within the capabilities of mass production already, such as hemp and mycelium, but more innovative ideas include packaging made from wheat farming waste.

In the US, some states have already decriminalised psilocybin, while in Alberta in Canada, psychedelics will be legal for medicinal use from January 2023. As the decriminalisation of marijuana steadily spreads globally, the way forward for legalising psychedelics may run more swiftly, as we detail in our Psychedelic Wellness Market. In the meantime, designers and creative agencies are already planning for our tripped-out futures.

US – This year, online spending by Americans rose by 2.3% on Black Friday, according to a report by Adobe Analytics, providing financial hope for those operating in the retail sector.

Given the context of the cost of living crisis, businesses were concerned about the success of this year’s holiday season – a time when spending usually peaks and enables some businesses to reach net profit. Pre-event predictions were pointing to slow spending, but analysts were proved wrong as customers delivered beyond expectations and previous records.

It had been expected that those who chose to shop might to do so in physical stores due to lack of accessibility to real-life destinations in the past few years, but e-commerce once again came out on top. Many Americans turned to their smartphones to do their shopping, with mobile shopping accounting for over 48% of all Black Friday digital sales in the US.

Events like Black Friday continue to highlight the emerging distinction between online and offline retail. While online is preferred for quick ticks, pre-planned purchases and fast browsing, stores are designed for meandering and spontaneous purchases, as well as service add-ons, all of which aren’t so suitable for Black Friday given its chaotic nature.

Join our Food & Drink Futures online event, where we’ll be exploring the ever-changing meaning of nourishment in turbulent times, and discover the cultural rituals, flavour profiles and bio-hacks that are set to propel the food and drink market in unexpected directions over the coming decade.

The desire to eat and drink is a constant human need in a world in which change is inevitable. But food and drink are being redefined by global citizens who are pushing for positive impact on people, planet and profit. In 2022, we’ll take a closer look at how future-fit food systems and new technologies will transform the sector. As consumers continue to re-align their social beliefs to fit their dietary requirements, brands will need to respond, refocusing on niche communities, ingredients and experiences. Join us to uncover the next frontier for food and drink. You can buy tickets for just £80, or join The Future Laboratory Community and get inside access to our full programme of online events in 2022.