We field four syndicated research studies each year, focusing on topics that are timely and relevant to companies across the food and beverage industry: consumer-packaged goods, food retailing, ingredient suppliers, food service and restaurants. The reports are released quarterly, ensuring you have the latest data on—and insights into—consumer sentiment and behavior, marketplace topics of interest and cutting-edge trends.
Here’s a look inside next year’s syndicated research plans:
Signals of Quality 2026: Category and Attribute Playbook
Signals of Quality 2026 identifies where consumers are placing heightened scrutiny within specific categories and tracks shifts in relevance for key quality signals over time. It also examines the growing importance of sourcing and production attributes in shaping consumer trust and preference.
Snacking 2026: Balancing Purpose and Pleasure
Snacking has evolved into a lifestyle, with American consumers exhibiting diverse and dynamic eating patterns that vary significantly between individuals and fluctuate from day to day. The latest installment of our longstanding research series, Snacking 2026 reveals how shifting consumer behaviors and evolving priorities are reshaping snack culture, from health-forward choices to demand for personalization and the impact of macroeconomic forces.
Meals 2026: The Evolution of Prep to Plate
American mealtimes are continuing to undergo a profound transformation. Traditional rituals around shared meals are giving way to new behaviors shaped by busier lifestyles, shifting priorities and evolving household dynamics. Drawing on insights from our proprietary Compass Eating & Drinking Occasions Database and fresh qualitative/quantitative research, Meals 2026 delivers a multidimensional view of how mealtime habits are evolving.
Brand Landscape 2026: Trust and Value
Brand Landscape 2026 explores how cultural shifts are reshaping the meaning of trust and value in consumers’ relationships with brands, from large, multinational CPG brands to emerging and private brands. The report provides forward-looking guidance on pricing, product attributes, innovation and trust in today’s digital and brick-and-mortar environment.
For more information on how these insights can support your business growth, download a detailed overview of the 2026 syndicated study lineup here.
Questions about our syndicated studies? Contact Melissa Abbott: melissa@hartman-group.com