Marketing Forecast from Ad-ology

Consumers have shown a willingness to pay more for green products. Now they have an opportunity to show their green side by using utility meters that serve as two-way communication devices. Until recently, smart grid and meter programs have been limited to pilot programs as utility companies worked out the kinks in the system. But the latest research shows these programs will be widespread across the U.S. next year.

Purchasing auto insurance online has become a well-established practice. Now that consumers have grown comfortable with that process, they are looking to make other insurance purchases online. A new comScore report shows that the property insurance industry may be the next sector poised to make big gains online as people look for an easy way to purchase coverage for their homes or apartments .

With state budgets facing the lagging effects of the economic downturn, some government officials are pumping money into tourism budgets. Visitors descending on a region like Florida or Michigan will open their wallets at hotels, restaurants and other attractions. The spending can have a positive compound effect as businesses collect taxes on these services and as employee wages also get taxed. Tourism is increasingly seen as one way to bring more money into a region.

Last week, the National Association of Realtors announced that the index of sales agreements on existing homes rose 10.4% in October. Though this represented a significant increase over previous months this year, signings remain at least 20% below October 2009 levels.

By most accounts, pharmaceutical companies have been slow to engage consumers through new media formats like social networking and online communities. To date, the largest share of marketing in this industry has been directed to physicians who prescribe medications and to consumers via TV ads. Accenture has been reviewing this topic and analysts believe that pharma companies are missing an opportunity.

Ad-ology Research recently updated their Industry Marketing Insights report for Specialty Food Stores. The following are the predicted Top 3 Opportunities/Challenges from the report for this industry for the upcoming 12 months: