Specific industries will always carry a negative stigma. Tobacco, alcohol, and fast food, for example, are often associated with poor health and negative social implications—and this isn’t exactly unfair. But it doesn’t mean that such industries can’t transform.
There are always opportunities for industries to clean up and, in doing so, become more appealing to consumers, investors, and regulators.
In this article, we’re going to look at four industries that are commonly looked down on and analyse how they have cleaned up to meet consumer demand and expectations.
Nicotine Industry
Tobacco has long been seen as a dirty industry, and public health campaigns have long tried to deter smokers by stressing the negative health implications and adverse social effects of smoking cigarettes. But what the industry lacked was a suitable alternative, something that satisfied cravings without the risk of cancer and without the lingering smell.
With more and more smokers swapping cigarettes for vapes and Killa nicopods, it appears that the industry finally has a solution. As a result, the whole nicotine sector is experiencing unparalleled growth. This new era of nicotine products has been so successful that they are even managing to appeal to non-smokers. In the past, products have positioned themselves merely as a quitting solution, and any success has been short-lived as a result.
Alcohol Industry
Alcohol, like tobacco, has been subject to strict regulation and legislation for a long period. Health groups have also done a good job of making people aware of the dangers of alcohol.
But despite this, there haven’t been any drastic developments within the alcohol industry, certainly not to the extent where the consumption of alcohol has been hit as hard as cigarettes have been in recent years.
However, it could be argued that non-alcoholic is the new alcoholic. 0% beers and mocktails have completely revolutionised the industry and most traditional alcohol brands now offer a non-alcoholic version of their products. Not only are these products obviously viewed more favourably by regulators, but it also means non-drinkers and alcohol drinkers can socialise in the same places, drinking almost identical products. A development that is music to the ears of beverage companies.
Cannabis Industry
No industry has undergone a glow-up in recent years quite like the cannabis industry. Once associated solely with illegal drugs, cannabis products now sit in the health market. While there’s a variety of cannabis-powered health products available, CBD oil is seen as the industry’s jewel in the crown.
Most people who use CBD oil do so to relieve pain, while others turn to CBD for the mental benefits. Regardless of why people use it, it’s clear that the rise in popularity of CBD oil has completely transformed the way we view cannabis, taking the drug from taboo to medicinal. While laws around advertising are still strict, it’s clear to see that the industry is heading in the right place from a business perspective but also a health perspective.
Fast Food Industry
Another industry that has long come under fire is that of fast food. While some of the world’s most successful brands operate in this market, it hasn’t stopped the likes of McDonald’s from gaining a reputation for simply making unhealthy food more accessible. It’s common to hear fast food brands mentioned when rising obesity levels are discussed too. Whether they receive too much blame is open to debate, but there has been increasing pressure to evolve in line with a society that is prioritising health more and more.
We’re now seeing a demand for fast yet healthier food and menus often include plant-based alternatives, customisation options and sugar free drinks. Crucially though, fast food chains have managed to add healthier choices to their core offering instead of replacing it. The end result is a hybrid approach that pleases everyone from fast food loyalists to health-conscious foodies and even lawmakers. All in all, menus now appeal to a wider audience which can only mean one thing for their bottom line.
Final Thoughts
The four industries mentioned above prove that even taboo businesses can experience rapid growth and expansion. Even when discussing global giants like McDonald’s, there’s always room to grow and reach more consumers. A constant theme when analysing these four markets is the importance of keeping up with societal demands.
From nicotine hits without the bitter aroma to alcohol-like beverages without the hangover, removing dirt from dirty industries is a surefire way to attract new audiences and increase profits.
