Mintel
Mintel is a leading global market intelligence agency specializing in consumer research, market analysis, and product innovation insights, founded in 1972 and headquartered in London, United Kingdom.[1][2] The company delivers data-driven reports, surveys, and advisory services to help businesses understand evolving consumer behaviors, track competitive landscapes, and identify growth opportunities across 86 economies.[3] Since its inception, Mintel has evolved from publishing its first market intelligence report in 1972 to becoming a comprehensive provider of syndicated research and custom solutions.[1] Key milestones include the 1996 launch of the Global New Products Database (GNPD), which tracks over 45,000 product launches monthly,[4] and expansions into online services in 1997, international offices starting with Chicago in 1998, and AI-powered tools like Mintel Leap in 2023, Mintel Spark in 2024, and the acquisition of Black Swan Data in 2025.[1][5] By 2022, the firm celebrated its 50th anniversary, having grown to serve clients such as Kraft Heinz and Mondelēz with expertise in fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) subcategories, beauty, and beyond.[3][1] Today, Mintel employs over 1,100 people from 50 nationalities, speaking 25 languages, and operates 14 offices worldwide, including in Chicago, Shanghai, and Toronto.[3] Its services encompass proprietary consumer surveys reaching more than 1 million respondents annually across four continents, industry-specific databases, and trend forecasting powered by advanced analytics and artificial intelligence.[3] The agency's independent approach emphasizes clarity and confidence for clients navigating global markets, positioning Mintel as a trusted partner for strategic decision-making.[3][1]Overview
Founding and Headquarters
Mintel was founded in 1972 in London, United Kingdom, by Nicholas Berry as a privately held market research firm specializing in consumer and market intelligence.[6][7] The company emerged during a period of growing demand for data-driven insights into consumer behavior and industry trends, positioning itself as a key provider of actionable market analysis from its inception.[3] The initial mission of Mintel focused on analyzing how markets evolve and predicting future trends through rigorous, data-driven insights, enabling businesses to make informed strategic decisions.[3] This emphasis on forward-looking intelligence has remained central to the firm's operations, supporting its role in helping clients navigate complex global economies.[3] Headquartered in London, United Kingdom, Mintel maintains an operational focus on delivering global market intelligence while upholding its status as a privately held entity in the market research and consulting industry.[7][8] The London base serves as the strategic hub for the company's worldwide activities, underscoring its British origins amid international expansion.[6]Leadership
Mintel is led by Global CEO Matthew Nelson, who has been in the role since October 2021 and is responsible for the company's overall strategy and operations, including the integration of advanced analytics, artificial intelligence, and data science to enhance consumer insights.[9] With over 12 years at Mintel prior to his appointment, Nelson's background in market intelligence is rooted in his progressive leadership in the Asia-Pacific region, where he served as General Manager and Managing Director, driving regional expansion and client-focused innovation.[9] Under his guidance, the company has prioritized employee development and growth, adding over 550 new hires in the five years leading up to 2021 to support global scalability.[10] As Executive Chairman, Peter Haigh oversees board-level decisions and the long-term vision of Mintel, a position he assumed in 2021 after serving as CEO for 16 years.[9] Haigh's extensive experience in research industry leadership includes transforming Mintel from a UK-centric firm into a global powerhouse covering over 80 markets, emphasizing high-quality consumer and category research.[10] He continues to contribute to strategic growth initiatives while ensuring alignment with the company's foundational mission of delivering actionable market intelligence.[9] The leadership structure at Mintel features a collaborative executive team that drives innovation in consumer insights, with key roles focused on regional operations, financial oversight, and specialized analytics to maintain the firm's position as a leader in market research.[9] This governance model supports governance through board oversight and operational agility, enabling Mintel to adapt to evolving consumer trends and technological advancements.[10]Global Operations
Office Locations
Mintel is headquartered in London, United Kingdom, at 4 Playhouse Yard, EC4V 5EX.[11] The company maintains a global network of 14 offices across four continents, supporting its market intelligence operations in key regions.[3] The expansion of Mintel's physical presence began with the opening of its Chicago office in 1998, followed by Sydney in 2000.[1] Subsequent openings included Shanghai and Tokyo in 2008, Mumbai, Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur in 2012, and São Paulo in 2013.[1] Further growth saw the establishment of offices in Toronto in 2014, Seoul in 2016, and Bangkok in 2017.[1] In 2019, Mintel opened its Düsseldorf office, and by that year, the company had grown to more than 1,000 employees across its global locations.[1] The Belfast office was added in December 2021, bringing the total to 14 offices and over 1,100 employees worldwide as of 2023.[12][13]| Region | Office Location | Opening Year |
|---|---|---|
| North America | Chicago, USA | 1998 |
| Toronto, Canada | 2014 | |
| Europe | London, UK (HQ) | 1972 |
| Düsseldorf, Germany | 2019 | |
| Belfast, Northern Ireland | 2021 | |
| Asia-Pacific | Sydney, Australia | 2000 |
| Shanghai, China | 2008 | |
| Tokyo, Japan | 2008 | |
| Mumbai, India | 2012 | |
| Singapore | 2012 | |
| Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | 2012 | |
| Seoul, South Korea | 2016 | |
| Bangkok, Thailand | 2017 | |
| Latin America | São Paulo, Brazil | 2013 |