Key takeaways
- Mintel’s Most Innovative 2026 awards highlight a shift from high‑volume launches to precise, insight‑led innovation.
- Only 34% of global CPG launches in 2025 were genuinely new products, signalling a major slowdown in newness‑led development.
- As brands face tighter ROI expectations, faster innovation cycles and greater pressure to deliver results with fewer bets, innovation has become less about volume and more about precision.
Market intelligence firm Mintel has announced the winners of its ‘Most Innovative 2026’, a global awards programme focused on the latest developments in FMCG.
Mintel said its data showed that only 34% of global CPG launches in 2025 were classified as genuinely new products, compared with 47% in 2015 and 75% in 1995.
“CPG innovation is entering a new phase; one where speed, clarity and conviction matter more than volume,” explained Global CEO at Mintel, Matthew Nelson. “Expectations around ROI are rising, and innovation needs to happen faster, often with less certainty. In that environment, the brands that succeed are the ones able to stay close to changing consumer needs and act decisively.”
“That’s what stands out about this year’s winners: clear thinking, smart prioritisation and the confidence to invest in ideas that create real relevance and growth,” he continued. “These aren’t products created for the sake of novelty; they reflect real conviction about where categories are heading.”
Nelson said that the brands shaping the future won’t be the ones launching the most products; instead they’ll be the ones making the clearest innovation decisions.
Biotech, ingestibles and kids’ care lead 2026’s innovation agenda
- Nourished Beauty-From-Within 3D‑Printed Gummies
A range of personalised, vegan and sugar‑free nutritional supplements designed to enhance skin, hair and nail health from within. The 3D‑printed, freshly made, layered gummies are a genuinely new consumer proposition.
Andrew McDougall, Director of Beauty & Personal Care Insights at Mintel said the launch was “a true category re‑think.”
- The Kids Bathing Co. multivitamin toiletries – kids’ shampoo / conditioner / face & body cream
The UK‑based brand offers the first‑ever range of multivitamin‑enriched hair and skincare specifically for children.
The dermatologically tested, sulphate‑free and paediatrician‑approved products are formulated with vitamins B3, B5, C and E to nourish, protect and support sensitive skin.
“This product creates a new territory between baby care and adult toiletries. It has a strong functional rationale, strong consumer pull, and real potential to reset retailer expectations,” said Thomas Keiser, MD of IKW.
- Beame Under the Spotlight™ UV Detection Stickers
UV Detection Stickers are wearable, water‑resistant and skin‑safe patches that change colour to indicate when to reapply sunscreen. They start clear (when protected) and turn purple upon UV exposure when SPF has worn off, ensuring continuous protection.
“Suncare is essential for skin health, and this product addresses one of the barriers: reminding when to apply / reapply your protection,” said Burcu Andreae‑Nehlsen, President of Derma & Health Care at Beiersdorf. “This product also has great potential for kids, and family usage to adopt good sun protection habits.”
- Algaktiv® Exometics™ G
Algaktiv® Exometics™ G is the first vegan, microalgae‑derived biomimetic exosome ingredient designed for advanced, sustainable skin regeneration and anti‑ageing.
It uses patented technology to provide over 10 billion vesicles per mL, mimicking human exosomes to boost collagen, increase elasticity and reduce wrinkles for a clinically proven, younger‑looking appearance in 14 days.
McDougall said the product is a true next‑generation biotech active. “It solves major exosome category issues (ethics, consistency, potency) and offers legitimate scientific differentiation with strong future impact potential,” he said.