As part of our new SKKY Spotlight series, Vice President Brittany Serafino shares her insights on the consumer sector, the best piece of advice she’s received and her favorite TRUFF product:
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭'𝐬 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐚𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐢𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐞𝐱𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝?
I love the combination of quantitative analysis, qualitative insight, and creativity involved in consumer investing. In addition to evaluating more traditional financial and performance metrics, we spend significant time at SKKY studying customer purchase journeys, investigating key psychological and emotional drivers behind purchase decisions, and collaborating with founders on growth initiatives. The consumer sector is home to some of the most diverse and visionary founders across the broader industry, and it’s a privilege to learn from and support these individuals every day.
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐟𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐜𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐧𝐨𝐰?
While the consumer industry has witnessed significant disruption over the past few years, there are many longer-term, secular trends that remain in focus, such as the diversification of demographics and preferences, the prioritization of holistic wellness, the integration of social commerce (e.g., TikTok Shop), and the prevalence of GenAI. As we continue to see more economic normalization, I am also focused on tracking select pockets where US consumers are increasing their willingness to spend (and splurge!), such as beauty for Gen Z, at-home food & beverage for millennials, and travel & leisure for older generations.
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭’𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐩𝐢𝐞𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮’𝐯𝐞 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐝?
To approach every situation with a learning mindset. The world is in a constant state of change and remaining curious allows us to stay open to and on top of evolving trends and opportunities. Further, there is always something to learn from one another. Genuine interest in and respect for the perspectives of others not only fosters stronger teamwork and partnerships, but it also leads to better investment decisions.
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐟𝐚𝐯𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐓𝐑𝐔𝐅𝐅 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐝𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐩𝐮𝐭 𝐢𝐭 𝐨𝐧?
I have been a huge fan and customer of TRUFF’s products for years, but the new jalapeño lime hot sauce may just be my favorite. I put TRUFF’s green sauce on tacos, burrito bowls, and eggs.