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Fitz’s Bar unveils Spectrum: A synaesthesia-inspired cocktail experience

Spectrum by Fitz’s Bar at Kimpton Fitzroy London, UK

UK – Fitz’s Bar at Kimpton Fitzroy London has launched Spectrum, the world’s first cocktail menu inspired by synaesthesia, where colours are transformed into flavours. This innovative menu features 12 unique drinks designed to immerse guests in the sensory phenomenon of tasting colour, offering a choice between lighter tints and darker shades.

‘Spectrum combines the art of mixology with the sensory magic of synaesthesia,’ explains Fitz’s Bar manager Massimiliano Bosio, known for his expertise at top venues like Homeboy and D&D London. ‘Each drink tells its own colourful story, offering an immersive experience for our guests.’

Highlights include the Black Hole, a bold concoction of Sipsmith VJOP gin, mezcal and shiitake mushroom, evoking the depth of black holes, and the King of Persia, inspired by royal purple with floral and fruity notes of gin, pomelo and Pinot Noir reduction. For fiery palates, the Taboo blends tequila, whisky and mandarin with a spicy kick of chilli.

In our Synaesthesia Scents microtrend report, we analysed the rise of multi-dimensional consumer experiences, providing people with physical and psychological sensorial groundings as a remedy for an overstimulated world.

Strategic opportunity

Consider collaborating with neuroscientists to develop products that use the brain’s mechanisms for processing sensory inputs, thereby enhancing engagement and emotional resonance. How could synaesthesia-inspired products set your offerings apart from the competition?

Got Moops introduces lactose-friendly syrup

Moops, US

US – Jess Edelstein, co-founder of the natural deodorant brand PiperWai, has introduced her latest venture, Got Moops, which aims to assist individuals with lactose intolerance. Launched in October 2024, Got Moops offers a lactase enzyme syrup designed to be consumed directly or added to dairy products, facilitating easier digestion of lactose. The syrup is available in flavours such as sweet vanilla, strawberry milkshake, salted caramel, orange creamsicle, and an unflavoured option.

Edelstein’s personal experience with lactose intolerance, diagnosed during her secondary school years, inspired the creation of Got Moops. Seeking a more enjoyable alternative to traditional lactase enzyme pills, she collaborated with food scientists to develop a syrup that not only aids digestion but also enhances the consumption experience.

At present, Got Moops is sold directly through its website, but there are plans for future expansion into e-commerce platforms and physical retail locations. Edelstein envisages the product being stocked in cafes, pizzerias and ice cream parlours across the US.

In our Functional Feasting macrotrend report, we analysed how consumers are increasingly favouring products that do more with less, bringing flavour and fun back into functional nutrition.

Strategic opportunity

Explore product innovation in the functional food and beverage sector by creating items that address specific health issues while delivering a sensory or flavourful experience

Claire’s launches beauty brand C by Claire’s

US – Fashion and accessories retailer Claire’s is expanding its beauty footprint with C by Claire’s, a new line designed for Gen Zalpha.

The collection features foaming moisturisers, scrubs and mists in playful scents such as Cherry Bliss and Cloudberry Fizz, catering for the gourmand fragrance trend. The collection’s signature scent, Be The Most, blends pistachio, vanilla musk and sandalwood, and is a nod to the brand’s core message of self-expression.

‘We know beauty is a space that our Gen Zalpha consumers are passionate about, and we’re thrilled to give them another avenue to express themselves through this new collection,’ said Meghan Hurley, Claire’s vice-president of marketing.

With prices starting at £11.80 ($14.99, €14.30) the collection taps into the burgeoning Tween Skincare Market with products that are both affordable and centred on self-care.

For more on the evolution of Claire’s into a fully fledged Gen Zalpha lifestyle brand, head to World Retail Congress 2024: Community Commerce.

C by Claire’s, US

Strategic opportunity

Zalphas seek beauty products that speak directly to them. Focus on playful, empowering experiences with gourmand scents, vibrant packaging and inclusive branding to create a positive entry point into beauty and skincare for this burgeoning consumer group

Stat: Craftsmanship powers France’s economy beyond luxury

Volunteer medals bearers uniforms designed by Louis Vuitton, Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024, LVMH, France

France – France’s specialist craftsmanship sector is lucrative – generating £56.3bn ($71.5bn, €68bn) in revenues annually, according to a study by the Institut pour les Savoir-Faire Français and market research firm Xerfi Specific. Spanning 234,000 companies and employing 500,000 workers – 280,000 of whom are salaried – the sector reflects a thriving eco-system of skilled artisans, including woodworkers, leather goods-makers, weavers and glassblowers.

Luc Lesénécal, president of the Institut, emphasised the transformative nature of these figures, saying they shift perceptions of craftsmanship as a cornerstone of France’s economy and cultural identity. Officially recognising 198 métiers d’art and 83 specialisms, the French government supports artisans across sectors such as luxury, architecture, performing arts and heritage restoration.

This data highlights the economic and cultural value of exceptional know-how, underlining France’s global leadership in preserving and elevating traditional crafts as both art and industry. We explore the importance of preserving craftsmanship in Luxury Recrafted.

Strategic opportunity

Consumers are increasingly invested in craftsmanship, history and heritage; create captivating narratives highlighting these skills in your brand and product communications