LSN : Daily Signals : Stat: Luxury consumers’ optimism is improving amid global slowdown

Vattenfall and Samuel L Jackson’s seaweed snack is grown on wind farms

Vattenfall, Sweden

Sweden – Swedish energy company Vattenfall has teamed up with actor Samuel L Jackson to launch Wind Farmed Seaweed Snacks, a limited-edition delicacy grown at the Vesterhav Syd offshore wind farm in Denmark.

The collaboration, part of Vattenfall’s Win@sea project, shows how wind farms can simultaneously generate fossil-free electricity, produce food and help regenerate the marine environment.

The seaweed is cultivated on lines between the turbines, absorbing carbon dioxide and excess nutrients before being harvested and processed into snacks. While not a commercial product, the limited batch has been shared with select recipients.

‘For me, it’s about the world we’re leaving behind for the next generation,’ says Jackson. ‘These offshore wind farms aren’t just producing fossil-free electricity; they also create a habitat for sea life to grow. That’s next-level thinking.’

Helle Herk-Hansen, Vattenfall’s head of environment, adds, ‘The Wind Farmed Seaweed Snacks demonstrate that our fossil-free electricity infrastructure can coexist with nature. And with an advocate like Samuel L Jackson, we had the opportunity to share that message with more people.’

For more insights, read our Innovation Debrief 2025: Resilient Appetites report on food innovation, sustainable design and industry resilience.

Strategic opportunity

Transform one industry’s waste into another’s resource, generating shared value, reducing costs and promoting sustainable collaboration across sectors

Happy Head debuts DNA-based system for personalised hair growth

US – Happy Head has launched StrandIQ, the world’s first dermatologist-developed hair growth system powered by genetic analysis, giving patients tailored solutions for scalp and hair health.

The system begins with an at-home cheek swab, which is analysed in CLIA-certified labs to assess over 500 genes linked to growth, breakage, scalp hydration and responsiveness to common treatments. Dermatologists then use these insights to deliver personalised product, lifestyle and dietary recommendations that address individual nutrient needs and sensitivities, thus avoiding the trial-and-error approach of standard therapies.

By using genetic insights, StrandIQ aims to optimise treatment outcomes, shorten time to results and minimise side effects. ‘StrandIQ reduces any guesswork and empowers you with truly personalised recommendations based on your unique genetic profile,’ said co-founder Dr Ben Behnam, in a statement.

People’s interest in hair growth is part of a broader macrotrend we have called Longevity Lifestyles where the focus is on extending healthspan rather than lifespan.

Photography by Bear

Strategic opportunity

Consider how to create an end-to-end ecosystem of diagnostics, products and ongoing support. Genetic testing can be combined with microbiome analysis, wearables and blood testing to create a holistic approach to health optimisation

Stat: Luxury consumers’ optimism is improving amid global slowdown

Dior, Global

US – Saks’ latest Luxury Pulse survey shows rising confidence among luxury shoppers, with more than half planning to maintain or increase their spending in the next three months.

Carried out during July 2025, the survey of 995 luxury consumers in the US highlights a positive shift in sentiment compared to April 2025. Some 32% of respondents feel optimistic about the economy, up four points from the previous quarter, while 59% are optimistic about their personal finances. Core luxury consumers earning £148k ($200k, €171k) or more reported the sharpest increase in confidence, with 53% saying they feel prepared for the economic environment, representing a 12 percentage point increase compared to the April survey.

This renewed optimism is translating into spending intent: 56% of respondents expect to spend the same or more on luxury in the next three months, driven by a desire to treat themselves and update their wardrobes. Travel spending plans also rose, with 68% planning to spend the same or more in the months ahead. Saks says these findings signal a strong start to the autumn luxury season.

Find more insights on high-net-worth individuals’ consumer behaviour in our Luxury sector.

Strategic opportunity

If high earners are feeling more confident, it is the time to reinvigorate VIP loyalty initiatives and concierge services? Can you offer early access, one-to-one styling and tailored recommendations, for instance?