Consumer Products Market Intelligence

Q1 2026 Industry Report

Navigate shifting consumer behaviors and retail transformation with expert market insights

Consumer businesses faced a cautious start to 2026 as spending softened across discretionary categories and households continued trading toward value. Deal activity slowed to its lowest level in two years, while strategic buyers stayed selectively active in wellness, sustainability, and digital-native brands. This report covers how these dynamics are shaping valuations and transaction activity across consumer markets.

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What's Inside the Q1 2026 Consumer Industry Report

Market Trends & Consumer Behavior

  • What drove cautious household spending and category-level trade-down in Q1
  • How value positioning and private label growth are reshaping brand competitive dynamics

Financial Performance & Valuation Insights

  • How consumer discretionary and staples stocks performed relative to the broader market
  • Where margin recovery stands amid moderating input costs and persistent labor pressures

M&A Activity & Transactions

  • What’s behind the decline in deal volume and how buyer selectivity is shifting
  • Recent transactions across consumer goods, retail, hospitality, and food and beverage

Economic & External Drivers

  • How freight softness and supply chain variability are affecting inventory planning
  • What macro indicators — rates, PMI, consumer sentiment — signal for the quarters ahead

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About Houlihan Capital's Consumer Expertise

Houlihan Capital has provided specialized valuation and investment banking services to consumer businesses for over 25 years. Our team understands the unique challenges facing consumer goods companies, retailers, and hospitality businesses, from supply chain complexity to changing consumer preferences and competitive pressures.

Consumer Services: Business Valuations | Fairness Opinions | Transaction Advisory | Strategic Planning Support | Consumer M&A Analysis

Questions? Contact our consumer industry specialists at info@houlihancapital.com or 312.450.8600

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice.