Fuel Insights | Consumer Programs
A brief overview of just a few of the consumer-based research projects we have been fortunate to be involved with over the past year or so:
Shopper Research
Multi-Method research with grocery shoppers in the USA (qual) Journal Study, Shop Alongs, IDIs, and a national survey of 1,500 people (quant) to understand what changes or opportunities might be needed for an area in the grocery store.
Voice of the Consumer
New product introduction research with N400 DIY’ers [Homeowners], 400 Outdoor Enthusiasts, included gender and ‘children living at home’ demo splits for a new product and packaging concept evaluation – our work completed in ~48 hours.
Homeowners
Online research with 400 homeowners of varying income levels in California to test messaging and advertising concepts, our work completed in ~36 hours.
Voice of the Consumer
New service concept research with 200 people in the Eastern USA who do not have health insurance, our work included the recruitment of the participants along with online research, we completed in 24 hours.
Pet Parents
Research with 300 homeowners that have dogs that stay primarily in the house for a new consumer product, our work included recruitment of these pet parents from various regions in the USA, we completed our work in ~36 hours.
Apartment Renters
Recruitment of apartment renters and online research with 400 participants that rent an apartment in major metropolitan areas on the East Coast to understand their opinions of a new furniture concept, we completed in under 48 hours.
Coffee Drinkers
Qualitative research (online) with N100 homeowners that have single-serve coffee makers including asking for photos of their kitchens, their coffee set-up and other in-home images, our work completed in ~30 hours.
Public Transportation Survey
Research conducted with central Ohio residents that are familiar with public transportation, 200 that have never utilized public transportation, 200 that use public transportation, project completed in 4 days
Millennials
Mixed methodology research program with Millennials in the center of the USA. Our work included recruitment of participants, 1:1 Zoom interviews and an online research component with hundreds of people ages 25-33, this complicated project completed in around ~2 weeks.
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Detailed Case Study
Research Objective
Key Findings
Behavioral Insights
Brand Awareness & Opportunity
Results
Client: Words From the Woods
Study Type: Online Consumer Segmentation SurveyAudience: U.S. Consumers of Whiskey, Bourbon & CocktailsSample Size: n=476 (Fuel Insights), n=499 (Brand O survey data reviewed)
To uncover behavioral and attitudinal insights about whiskey and cocktail consumers, helping Brand O better understand its current brand perception, identify key growth audiences, and inform future brand engagement strategies.
Three Personas Identified
Jordan (Cocktail Experimenter): Social, adventurous, trend-responsive, and influenced by bartender/friend recommendations. Enjoys creative cocktails and values authenticity in craft spirits.
Riley (Whiskey/Bourbon Expert): High-income, loyal to high-quality bourbon brands. Consumes frequently, prioritizes taste, brand story, and peer endorsements.
Logan (Brand O Loyalist): Passionate brand advocate, deeply values Brand O’s quality, consistency, and local roots. Buys frequently and influences others.
Quality & Authenticity Drive Value: Both Experts and Experimenters rank product quality and authenticity as top motivators for purchase, though value for price remains a factor.
Barriers to Trial: The top reasons for avoiding new spirit brands were “too expensive,” “not knowing the brand,” and “lack of availability.”
Referrals Matter: Friend and bartender recommendations have a strong influence on purchase decisions, especially among Experimenters (62%).
Unaided awareness of Brand O was extremely low (
Purchase Behavior
Consumers prefer drinking bourbon at home, often in the evening, and associate it with social and personal rituals.
Experts consume more frequently and show a stronger willingness to recommend Brand O than Experimenters.
We delivered a segmentation-based research program that surfaced actionable insights into the attitudes, behaviors, and brand perceptions of whiskey and cocktail consumers. By combining data from a nationwide online survey with persona development and aided brand recognition testing, Fuel uncovered strategic growth opportunities for Brand O.
Our actionable insights approach highlights the importance of deep emotional connections, peer influence, and authenticity in elevating emerging craft spirits. Our work helped our agency partner position Brand O to more effectively engage both new and loyal audiences.