A look at worldwide mega trends

AI agents play an important role in the mega-trend of artificial intelligence. The market for agentic AI is expected to skyrocket from US$7 billion in 2025 to a good US$ 42.5 billion in 2030, according to Sandro Megerle, a researcher with Trendone. "That corresponds to a 43.6 per cent growth rate," said Megerle. Agentic shopping is the next big macro trend trend.

A rise in agent-based shopping is embedded in the mega trend of seamless commerce, says Megerle. "Some 39 per cent of all consumers worldwide and 54 per cent of Gen Z already use AI agents to discover products." AI can identify the best prices and discounts. It is also multimodal, meaning it covers image, video and voice information, as well as text.

AI is revolutionising shopping and is also precipitating rapid changes in the world of work. Megerle refers to work in terms of the mega trend of skillsets. By 2030, 30 per cent of working hours could be AI automated. Office support activities (54%), customer service (17%) and production (16%) will be particularly impacted. 

AI plays a significant role in the 2026 mega trend universe, but it is by no means the only one. Trendone analysts also examined developments in bioengineering and the growing bioreactor market, which is expected to reach US$14.6 billion in volume by 2035. They have also examined increasing loneliness across all age groups, as well as nutrition trends such as happiness treats or snacks and rewards designed to manage stress. Two of the three best practice examples also come from the  food industry.

Fast food plays a significant role in the US economy. "Two out of three people opt for fast food at least once a week," says Megerle. Competition between providers is fierce, especially on social media, where fast food hacks are all the rage. Fast food outlets are coming up with all kinds of tips and tricks for users. "The US fast food chain Taco Bell has added a 'Fan Style' feature to its app. Users can then design their own menus," says Megerle. Fans' additions are rewarded and they can make a claim to fame. Popular items are added to the national menu and displayed on digital outdoor advertising spaces. This is a real incentive for influencers and benefits the company.

New Zealand's Zespri International is the world’s largest kiwifruit company, and has obtained approval to market its kiwifruit as healthy. This has given the company a veritable competitive advantage, Megerle stressed. Notably, this is the first fresh fruit to ever pass the European Food Safety Authority's rigorous testing. The valuable ingredients of kiwis, such as vitamins C and B, minerals, and fibre, are celebrated on TikTok. So are their alleged sleep-inducing properties, given that kiwis also contain small amounts of the neurotransmitter serotonin.

Megerle's third best practice hails from Japan. Lib Work, a provider of 3D-printed houses, combines forward-looking technology with Bitcoin and sustainability. The Lib Earth House Model B is printed from earth, lime and plant fibres using local and natural building materials. And the construction method complies with the principle of the circular economy. "The digital construction plans are stored as a non-fungible token, which makes ownership and origin traceable," says Megerle, adding: "Payments can be done with Bitcoin, which means that international purchases can be done without involving banks." The market for 3D-printed houses is predicted to rise to a good US$1.4 billion by late 2031.
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