#hyhobs

[hyhenvironment]

SA’s first 100% biodegradable takeaway cup and lid.

Observation:  Vida has rolled out the first 100% biodegradable takeaway coffee cup across all stores in South Africa. The takeaway coffee cup’s lining is manufactured from corn starch instead of plastic, making it biodegradable and compostable. The waste from these cups and newspaper is then used to make the takeaway holder. The sip lid is manufactured from moulded fibre.

The drinking experience is also better as the cups are double walled, meaning the cup sleeve is no longer needed.

Why: The conscious consumer movement is gaining traction and consumers’ purchase choices are becoming more considered. Vida wants to provide more sustainable, greener options. Let’s hope that other companies follow suit.

-CS

[hyhnorms]

WFH from Mauritius

Observation: The island of Mauritius is offering a new visa that will allow South Africans to live and work there long-term. This VISA is free and contains no obligations. South Africans may enter Mauritius on a tourist visa and apply for the Premium Long-Stay Visa once they are there, or they can apply through the economic development board before departure. Some of the requirements for this long-stay visa include not being able to enter the Mauritian labour market, and applicants will need to prove that they have enough income from a source outside of Mauritius to remain there.

Why: Mauritius has managed the virus very well and it enables people who do not have it to live a more normal existence. Mauritius has favourable personal tax rates and ... its Mauritius. For Mauritius it means that people with money are coming to their island, and spending foreign currency without affecting the labour market.  Future: With WFH becoming more realistic, island living might appeal to many people who work remotely. Tax havens might start becoming more and more appealing to those who can WFH. 

- BR 

[hyhconsumerandbrand]

I have to show you this new sanitiser I found.

Observation: Charlotte Rhys is one of a few manufacturers who have cottoned on to creating really nice hand sanitisers.  Why: With each room you enter having a sanitation station, its inevitable that preference for particular kinds will emerge. Some seek out high alcohol, content and others prefer a more syrupy kind of sanitiser. Regardless, when we came across this extremely nice one our interest was certainy piqued. Future: Many brands will have their own fragrance and style. 

- BR  

[hyhconsumerandbrand]

Really Good Non-Chips

Observation: Checkers, Clicks and Woolworths have all released a range of Quinoa, Sesame, Lentil and other seed based chips. They are absolutley delicious, constantly sold out and the future 

Why: Health and Snacking. How do we do both? These chips are a guilt free way of enjoying a snack without worrying about it being unhealthy.  Future: The future will see astronomical increases in the need for these ingredients, and a slight drop off in potato sales. Any new idea for a delicious healthy snack will be a tempting alternative for most consumers. 

- BR

[hyhconsumerandbrand]

Mushroom Everything

Observation: Local Mushroom growers Denny, have started a new range of Mushroom based products, from Shiitake mushroom crisps and Mushroom burger patties. Why: Many people are seeking out a heathy tasty alternative to meat or deep fried based snacks.  Future: Mushrooms are known to be a tasty alternative and we are likely to see many more mushroom product iterations, alongside these and mushroom coffee.

- BR

[hyhconsumerandbrand]

Crowd Consulted Design

Observation: Google have recently launched the updated icons for their product offering, one designer went ahead and rethought the Gmail icon making it far clearer and more legible, and got universal buy in, not that google changed it. 

After this Google pulled back on one of their designs, for Google Chrome and their lead designer has crowd-sourced opinion on what the new design should look like. Though there are minimal differences, it’s an interesting approach to finding the most popular design. That said, the designs for google logos are extremely restricted by the design choices, so change options are minimal.

- BR

[hyhconsumerandbrand]

Phone Charger Stations

Observation: At Public House Bar in Kloof street, we spotted a large phone charger station where patrons can lock up and charge their phones. Why: Phone needs charging, and instead of leaving them behind the bar where they can get stolen, bars are instead offering an income generating solution to help their customers out.  Future: All public spaces will have a charging station. Its very likely that tech like this could be used for promotional opportunities. 

- BR

[hyhdigitaltrends]

Using Viral to go Viral

Observation: To promote their new features regarding being interrupted or having your thread hijacked, Twitter recently tasked BBCDad with creating a tongue in cheek ad showing him being interrupted again.  Why: Using viral stars to promote your product offers brands the opportunity to take advantage of their virality. In this case the use of BBCDad is a perfect usage of the tactic, with the advert aligning perfectly with Twitters new features. Future: We see brands doing this more and more in South Africa, but not at the rate or quality that we’d expect. Hopefully this will provide a new train of thought for marketing and advertising. 

- BR