The Hungry Marketer

The playbook from sneaker brands is now flavoring the food world. Scarcity, hype, and exclusive drops have become powerful marketing tools—especially among younger, digital-native consumers who crave novelty and social currency. In an era of oversaturation, limited availability creates desire. Trader Joe’s is a master of the scarcity game. Seasonal…

Impulse buying still dominates many food purchase decisions—brands are just adapting to new touchpoints. In-store, retailers like Trader Joe’s use strategic shelf placement and engaging signage to encourage discovery, placing unique items like frozen appetizers or seasonal dips at eye level. They also use narrow aisles, friendly product copy, and…

When uncertainty looms, comfort food takes center stage. During recessions, economic downturns, or global crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, pantry staples like Kraft Mac & Cheese, Campbell’s Soup, and Little Debbie consistently see spikes in demand. These items offer a double dose of reassurance: they are affordable and deeply nostalgic.…

In a saturated subscription landscape, only the strongest survive. Consumers are canceling boxes that feel redundant, expensive, or poorly timed—but they stay loyal to those that deliver discovery, quality, and meaning. Subscription fatigue is real, but so is the craving for curation. Brands that succeed in this space understand that…

Packaging is the silent salesperson on the shelf. From the moment a shopper enters a store or scrolls an online catalog, visual cues determine what catches their eye—and what ends up in their cart. Brands like Olipop use retro fonts and pastel palettes to evoke a sense of nostalgia and…