The acquisition will see Mintel’s consumer, product and category work combined with Black Swan Data’s social predictive analytics to help consumer packaged goods (CPG) brands to expand predictive capabilities, increase innovation and forecast trends.

The agreement will see both companies retain their separate identities, branding and teams for the time being, with a spokesman adding that gradual integration plans would be developed, with both sides “taking their time to be thoughtful and strategic about how to develop this partnership”.

Black Swan Data is a London-based technology and market research company founded in 2011 by Steve King and Hugo Amos (pictured left), specialising in predictive analytics and using AI to analyse unprompted consumer conversations across platforms such as TikTok and Instagram.

Mintel chief executive Matt Nelson (pictured right) said: “Mintel’s acquisition of Black Swan Data unites our strengths in structured data, advanced technology, human expertise and real-time social analytics to deliver unparalleled predictive intelligence for our clients.

“Our immediate goal is to transform front-end innovation, delivering the clarity CPG brands need to understand where to play, what to prioritise, and how to win with greater precision and confidence.”

Hugo Amos, co-founder and chief executive at Black Swan Data, said: “Together, Black Swan Data and Mintel are taking an ambitious step forward for our industry.

“In an era of increased pressure to innovate quickly, responsibly, and with impact, CPG brands need clarity, precision, and the confidence to act at the right time, in the right way. That is exactly what we deliver, powered by smarter data, expert thinking and a shared ambition to help clients grow their business.”