NielsenIQ vs SPINS

Spirits Association Warns Alcohol Tax Hike May Miss Revenue Goals

The German Spirits Association (BSI) is urging the government to scrap the planned 20% increase in alcohol tax, scheduled for January 1, 2027, as part of the Budget Financing Act. The BSI argues that the tax hike, which would raise the standard rate on spirits from €13.03 to €15.64 per liter of pure alcohol, may not generate the expected additional revenue. Citing NielsenIQ data showing a price elasticity of around -1.9 for spirits in Q1 2026, the BSI warns that a significant drop in sales volumes could offset most of the projected gains, potentially even leading to a net revenue loss when considering changes in VAT. The BSI also criticizes the timing, pointing to rising inflation and energy costs. Tax law expert Hanno Kube has also questioned the reliability of the government's revenue estimates, citing the constitutional principle of budget truth. The final decision on the tax increase remains pending.

• BSI demands scrapping the planned 20% alcohol tax increase effective January 1, 2027.
• The standard spirits tax rate would rise from €13.03 to €15.64 per liter of pure alcohol.
• NielsenIQ data shows a price elasticity of about -1.9 for spirits in Q1 2026.

Winning in the Answer Era: AI Reshapes Brand Influence

The article discusses the shift from the Search Era to the 'Answer Era', where AI assistants increasingly mediate consumer discovery and recommendation. It argues that advertising remains important but can no longer alone build the credibility needed for brands to be recommended by AI. Trust is shifting to communities, creators, publishers, and retailers. Data from NIQ shows 42% of US consumers used AI for shopping in the past month, and IAB research indicates creator perspectives enhance confidence in AI recommendations. The article advocates for a unified strategy integrating AI discovery, retail media, performance creators, and emerging 'software creators' (AI-built tools). It emphasizes measuring contribution to commercial outcomes rather than just clicks and building a partner ecosystem as growth infrastructure.

• NIQ found 42% of U.S. consumers used at least one AI tool to shop in the previous month.
• IAB study: 56% of recent AI shopping researchers preferred recommendations including creator/influencer perspectives.
• 65% of those surveyed said credible creator reviews increased confidence in AI recommendations.

Ulta Beauty CMO on AI and Agentic Commerce

Ulta Beauty's CMO, Kelly Mahoney, discusses how AI is reshaping beauty shopping. The retailer is adapting to agentic commerce by optimizing content for AI prompts, leveraging creator content, and emphasizing the in-store experience. A NielsenIQ study shows Gen Alpha AI users are more likely to visit stores. Ulta is also rethinking its marketing structure with cross-functional 'fusion teams' to maintain judgment and creativity.

• Ulta Beauty's CMO Kelly Mahoney discusses AI's impact on beauty retail.
• Ulta became the first beauty retailer to launch a TikTok Shop.
• A NielsenIQ study commissioned by Ulta shows 57% of Gen Alpha AI users visit stores to browse.

SPINS Launches Agentic Discovery to Help CPG Brands Win in the Era of AI-Powered Commerce

SPINS launches Agentic Discovery, an AI search optimization solution for CPG brands, to help them win in AI-powered commerce.