A new report from MYTSV argues that the future of local business visibility will depend less on traditional search engine optimization (SEO) and more on Answer Engine Optimization (AEO), structured entity data, and AI-readable business profiles. The 2026 Local Business Survival Report examines how the rise of AI-powered search experiences—including Google AI Overviews, OpenAI search, and Perplexity—is changing how consumers discover local businesses, while outlining strategies designed to help organizations remain visible in an increasingly AI-driven search ecosystem.

Artificial intelligence is rapidly redefining online discovery, forcing local businesses to rethink digital marketing strategies that have remained largely unchanged for more than two decades. According to MYTSV's 2026 Local Business Survival Report, the traditional model of relying on keyword rankings and website traffic is giving way to an AI-first search landscape where visibility increasingly depends on structured data, trusted business entities, and authoritative digital signals.

The report arrives as search platforms continue integrating generative AI into the customer discovery process. Instead of presenting users with pages of blue hyperlinks, AI-powered search engines increasingly generate direct answers by combining information from multiple trusted sources. As a result, businesses may receive customer inquiries without users ever visiting their websites—a trend commonly referred to as zero-click search.

MYTSV cites industry estimates suggesting that more than 68% of Google searches now conclude without a click to an external website, with mobile and conversational search environments reporting even higher zero-click activity. While methodologies for measuring zero-click searches vary across research firms, analysts broadly agree that AI-generated summaries and conversational search interfaces are reshaping how consumers interact with search engines.

The report argues that this evolution is fundamentally changing local marketing. Traditional SEO tactics—including keyword optimization, standalone websites, and paid search advertising—are becoming less influential as AI systems increasingly evaluate businesses through structured knowledge graphs, verified entity data, customer reviews, and authoritative digital profiles.

Rather than interpreting websites in the same way human visitors do, modern large language models analyze structured business information across multiple data sources. This includes business names, addresses, phone numbers, licensing information, customer reviews, geolocation data, and digital citations to determine whether a business is trustworthy and relevant for a particular query.

MYTSV positions its platform as a response to these changing requirements. The company has developed a video-first authority platform designed to help local businesses build machine-readable entity profiles while simplifying technical implementation of structured data and search optimization.

Among the platform's capabilities are automated Schema.org implementation, AI-ready structured business data, video verification, and API-based indexing intended to accelerate content discovery by search engines. MYTSV also emphasizes multimodal content—including project videos, owner introductions, and customer demonstrations—as evidence of real-world business experience.

The report frames these features within the broader concept of Answer Engine Optimization (AEO), an emerging discipline focused on helping businesses become trusted sources for AI-generated answers rather than simply ranking highly in conventional search results.

AEO differs from traditional SEO by emphasizing information quality, structured content, and entity recognition over keyword density alone. Businesses are encouraged to organize information so AI systems can accurately interpret services, locations, credentials, expertise, and customer trust signals.

The report also highlights Google's E-E-A-T framework—Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness—as increasingly important for organizations seeking visibility across AI-powered search environments. These signals help search systems evaluate business credibility using factors such as verified credentials, first-hand experience, customer feedback, and consistent business information across trusted online sources.

Industry research supports the broader direction outlined in the report. Gartner predicts generative AI will continue reshaping digital marketing and customer discovery over the coming years, while Statista projects ongoing growth in AI adoption across search and digital advertising. At the same time, marketers are investing more heavily in structured data, first-party content, and entity-based optimization strategies as AI assistants become new discovery channels.

Competition in AI search is also accelerating. Platforms including Google, Microsoft, OpenAI, Perplexity, and Amazon are introducing increasingly sophisticated conversational search experiences that prioritize direct answers over traditional search listings. This shift is encouraging marketers to optimize content for AI comprehension as much as for conventional search rankings.

Although the report presents MYTSV's own platform as one solution for navigating this transition, the broader trend it identifies extends well beyond any single vendor. Marketing professionals increasingly recognize that AI visibility requires structured data, authoritative content, verified business information, and consistent digital identities across multiple platforms.

For local businesses, the challenge is no longer simply appearing in search results. Success increasingly depends on becoming a trusted entity that AI systems can confidently recommend when consumers ask for nearby services, professional expertise, or product recommendations.

As AI-powered search continues to evolve, local marketing strategies are likely to place greater emphasis on entity optimization, structured knowledge, multimedia content, and trusted digital ecosystems alongside traditional SEO practices.

Market Landscape

AI-powered search is reshaping digital discovery by shifting emphasis from webpage rankings to entity recognition, structured knowledge, and trusted business information. According to Gartner, generative AI is expected to significantly influence search behavior and customer acquisition strategies, while Statista forecasts continued expansion of AI-powered search technologies across consumer and enterprise markets. Businesses are increasingly investing in Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) alongside conventional SEO to improve visibility within conversational AI platforms.

Strategic Outlook

The evolution of AI search suggests local businesses will need broader digital authority strategies rather than relying solely on website optimization. Structured data, verified business identities, video content, and consistent entity information are becoming increasingly valuable as AI assistants determine which businesses to recommend. Organizations that adapt to AI-first discovery models may strengthen long-term visibility as conversational search continues gaining adoption.

Top Insights

• MYTSV's report argues that Answer Engine Optimization is becoming increasingly important as AI-powered search reduces reliance on traditional keyword-based SEO strategies.
• Structured business entities, verified credentials, and multimedia content are emerging as critical signals for AI search engines evaluating local businesses.
• Zero-click search experiences continue reshaping customer discovery, encouraging marketers to optimize for AI-generated answers rather than webpage clicks alone.
• Video-first content and structured Schema.org data are positioned as tools for improving business visibility across conversational AI search environments.
• The report reflects a broader marketing shift toward entity-based optimization as generative AI platforms transform local digital discovery.

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As generative AI reshapes how consumers discover information online, brands are rethinking their digital strategies beyond traditional websites and search engine optimization. Avocados From Mexico (AFM) has joined this transformation with the launch of AVO.AI, a proprietary AI answer engine built specifically to answer consumer questions about avocados through conversational interactions rather than conventional search results.

The company says the launch follows a record-breaking season in which Americans consumed 2.76 billion pounds of imported Mexican avocados, underscoring growing demand for both the product and digital resources that help consumers prepare, store, and enjoy it.

Unlike general-purpose AI assistants that retrieve information from across the open web, AVO.AI is trained exclusively on Avocados From Mexico's curated content library. The platform is designed to deliver consistent, brand-approved responses covering topics such as food preparation, nutrition, storage, food safety, and recipes.

The announcement positions AVO.AI as the produce industry's first dedicated AI answer engine focused on a single agricultural product. While many consumer brands have experimented with integrating generative AI into customer support or marketing campaigns, AFM has instead developed a specialized conversational platform intended to provide reliable information within a controlled knowledge environment.

The technology reflects one of the fastest-growing trends in digital marketing: the emergence of Answer Engine Optimization (AEO). As consumers increasingly ask questions directly to AI assistants such as ChatGPT, Google Gemini, Microsoft Copilot, and Perplexity, brands are investing in structured knowledge systems capable of delivering authoritative, trustworthy answers rather than relying solely on traditional search rankings.

What is AVO.AI?

AVO.AI is a proprietary AI-powered answer engine that provides conversational, brand-verified responses to avocado-related questions using a curated knowledge base instead of publicly sourced web content.

What does it do?

The platform answers questions about avocado preparation, storage, recipes, nutrition, and food safety while helping users receive faster and more reliable guidance than conventional web searches.

According to Alvaro Luque, President and CEO of Avocados From Mexico, the initiative is designed to improve the consumer experience by making kitchen guidance easier and more accessible through conversational AI rather than static educational content.

From a technology perspective, AVO.AI also demonstrates how enterprise brands are increasingly adopting retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) architectures. Rather than allowing AI models to generate unrestricted responses, the platform retrieves information from a curated vector database containing brand-approved educational content. This approach improves factual consistency while reducing the likelihood of inaccurate or unsafe recommendations.

The platform's developer, 270B, says the system was engineered to understand conversational intent and contextual queries, enabling users to ask practical questions such as how to safely remove an avocado pit or how to preserve sliced avocado after preparation.

Beyond customer support, the platform serves as a valuable source of first-party consumer intelligence. Every anonymous interaction helps identify emerging customer questions, enabling the company to refine its content strategy, improve digital experiences, and optimize future marketing campaigns.

This capability aligns closely with broader enterprise marketing trends. Organizations increasingly view conversational AI not only as a customer service tool but also as a strategic source of behavioral insights that can strengthen personalization, product education, and content development.

Major technology providers including Google, Microsoft, Salesforce, and Adobe have expanded AI capabilities across marketing platforms to help brands analyze customer intent, automate engagement, and deliver personalized experiences. AVO.AI illustrates how even consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies are beginning to apply similar AI principles within niche product categories.

Industry analysts expect conversational search to continue transforming digital marketing. According to Gartner, AI-powered search experiences are expected to reduce reliance on traditional web navigation as consumers increasingly seek direct answers. McKinsey & Company has also identified generative AI as a major driver of personalized customer engagement across retail and consumer industries.

For marketers, the launch signals a growing evolution from search engine optimization (SEO) toward integrated strategies combining SEO, AEO, and Generative Engine Optimization (GEO). Instead of optimizing only for search rankings, brands are now creating structured, authoritative knowledge assets designed to be surfaced directly by AI assistants.

As AI becomes a primary gateway to information, proprietary answer engines like AVO.AI could become an increasingly important component of enterprise digital marketing strategies. For Avocados From Mexico, the platform represents more than a consumer utility—it establishes a direct, AI-powered communication channel that strengthens brand authority while adapting to the future of digital search.

Market Landscape

Consumer search behavior is rapidly shifting from keyword-based search engines to AI-powered conversational experiences. Brands across retail, food, healthcare, finance, and enterprise technology are investing in proprietary AI assistants that deliver trusted, context-aware answers while generating valuable first-party customer insights.

The rise of Answer Engine Optimization (AEO), Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), and Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) is reshaping how organizations build content strategies for AI-first discovery.

Top Insights

• Avocados From Mexico has launched AVO.AI, the produce industry's first dedicated AI answer engine focused exclusively on avocado education and consumer support.
• The platform combines conversational AI with a curated knowledge base, helping deliver accurate, brand-approved guidance while reducing reliance on open-web search results.
• AVO.AI supports the company's broader Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) strategy by collecting anonymous consumer insights that shape future content development.
• The launch reflects a growing enterprise trend toward proprietary AI assistants that improve customer engagement, personalization, and trusted information delivery.
• Brands investing in AI-powered answer engines are positioning themselves for the future of search as consumers increasingly rely on conversational AI platforms instead of traditional search engines.

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Coforge has introduced Momentuum AI, a dedicated operating unit designed to help enterprises move artificial intelligence initiatives from experimentation to production. Built around the company's Forward Deployed Engineer (FDE) model and powered by its Nuuron AI Operating System, the new division focuses on embedding AI expertise within client organizations to deliver measurable business outcomes rather than isolated proof-of-concept projects.

As enterprises continue to invest heavily in artificial intelligence, one challenge remains consistent across industries: execution. While organizations have developed AI strategies, launched innovation programs, and adopted large language models, many still struggle to convert AI investments into measurable operational results.

Seeking to address this gap, Coforge Limited has launched Momentuum AI, a specialized operating unit focused exclusively on enterprise AI execution. The new business unit combines Coforge's Forward Deployed Engineer (FDE) delivery model with its proprietary Nuuron AI Operating System, positioning the company to help enterprises operationalize AI at scale.

Unlike conventional consulting engagements that primarily deliver recommendations or technology implementations, the FDE model embeds engineers directly within client teams. These specialists work alongside business and technology stakeholders to integrate AI into existing workflows, business processes, and enterprise systems while taking responsibility for delivering measurable outcomes.

The launch reflects a growing shift across the enterprise AI market, where organizations are moving beyond experimentation and demanding practical deployment models capable of generating business value. As AI adoption matures, enterprises increasingly require partners that can bridge the gap between strategic planning and production-ready implementation.

Momentuum AI enters the market with teams already deployed across multiple global enterprises. According to Coforge, the operating unit also introduces an outcome-based pricing model, aligning commercial engagement with measurable business performance rather than traditional time-and-materials consulting structures.

At the center of the offering is Coforge Nuuron, the company's AI Operating System. The platform acts as an intelligence layer that connects enterprise knowledge, workflows, business decisions, and operational processes. By providing contextual understanding across enterprise systems, Nuuron enables Forward Deployed Engineers to rapidly deploy AI agents, automate workflows, and accelerate business execution.

The combination of embedded engineering talent and enterprise AI infrastructure reflects a broader trend in the technology services industry. Organizations are increasingly seeking integrated AI operating models that combine technology platforms, implementation expertise, governance, and continuous optimization rather than standalone AI software.

Talent development is another key component of Coforge's strategy. To support long-term scalability, the company has established a 90-day applied AI academy that trains new Forward Deployed Engineers while providing continuous technical development through structured learning programs. The organization also employs a pod-based operating model, pairing experienced engineers with emerging AI professionals to accelerate knowledge transfer and maintain delivery quality.

The emphasis on AI-native talent addresses one of the industry's most pressing challenges. According to Gartner, shortages in specialized AI implementation skills remain a significant barrier to enterprise-scale AI adoption. Building dedicated engineering capabilities alongside AI platforms has therefore become an increasingly important competitive differentiator for technology service providers.

Industry research also highlights the growing business impact of AI execution. McKinsey & Company reports that organizations generating the greatest value from generative AI are those that successfully integrate AI into core business workflows rather than limiting deployments to isolated pilot programs. Similarly, IDC forecasts continued growth in enterprise spending on AI software, infrastructure, and professional services as organizations prioritize production-scale deployments.

Momentuum AI enters a competitive market where major consulting and technology firms—including Microsoft, Google Cloud, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Accenture, IBM, and Salesforce—are expanding enterprise AI consulting, implementation, and managed services. Coforge differentiates its approach by emphasizing embedded engineering teams, outcome-based commercial models, and AI operating systems designed specifically for enterprise execution.

The launch also reflects an evolution in enterprise AI strategy. Initial market discussions largely focused on access to AI models and experimentation with generative AI technologies. Increasingly, however, enterprise leaders are prioritizing organizational capabilities that enable repeatable deployment, governance, operational integration, and measurable return on investment.

For CIOs, CTOs, and enterprise technology leaders, the introduction of Momentuum AI signals a broader shift toward execution-centric AI partnerships. Rather than measuring success by the number of AI pilots launched, organizations are increasingly evaluating technology providers based on their ability to deliver operational improvements, automate business processes, and generate quantifiable business outcomes.

As enterprises continue to integrate AI across customer service, software engineering, operations, finance, and decision-making, operating models that combine embedded expertise with AI-native platforms are expected to play a growing role in enterprise digital transformation.

Market Landscape

Enterprise AI is entering a new phase focused on operational execution rather than experimentation. According to McKinsey & Company, organizations achieving the highest returns from generative AI are integrating AI directly into business workflows, while Gartner identifies implementation expertise and AI governance as critical success factors for enterprise adoption. As AI investments mature, demand is shifting toward delivery models that combine technology platforms, engineering talent, and measurable business outcomes.

Strategic Outlook

The launch of Momentuum AI reflects the industry's transition from AI strategy to AI execution. Enterprises are increasingly seeking partners capable of embedding AI into day-to-day operations, supported by specialized engineering teams and enterprise AI operating systems. Outcome-based engagement models, AI-native talent development, and production-ready deployment methodologies are likely to become key differentiators in the rapidly evolving enterprise AI services market.

Top Insights

• Coforge has established Momentuum AI as a dedicated operating unit focused exclusively on enterprise AI execution through embedded Forward Deployed Engineers.
• The company's Nuuron AI Operating System provides the intelligence layer needed to connect enterprise knowledge, workflows, and AI agents for production-scale deployment.
• Outcome-based pricing aligns AI implementation with measurable business value rather than traditional consulting engagement models.
• A structured AI talent development ecosystem, including a 90-day academy, supports long-term scalability and enterprise delivery capability.
• The launch reflects growing enterprise demand for operational AI execution instead of standalone pilots or experimental proof-of-concept projects.

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Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) has agreed to acquire MarketAxess Holdings in a transaction valued at approximately $5.7 billion, bringing together one of the world's largest financial market infrastructure providers with a leading electronic fixed income trading platform. The acquisition aims to create an integrated marketplace spanning institutional and retail bond trading, market data, analytics, and post-trade services, underscoring the accelerating digital transformation of global fixed income markets.

Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) is making one of its largest strategic moves in capital markets technology with the acquisition of MarketAxess Holdings, a leading electronic trading platform for institutional fixed income markets. The all-cash transaction, valued at approximately $5.7 billion in enterprise value, reflects the growing importance of digital infrastructure, data analytics, and electronic trading in one of the world's largest financial markets.

Under the definitive agreement, ICE will acquire all outstanding MarketAxess shares for $167 per share in cash, representing a 33% premium to the company's closing price on July 29, 2026. The boards of directors of both companies have unanimously approved the transaction, which is expected to strengthen ICE's position across the global bond trading ecosystem.

The acquisition combines two complementary businesses with distinct strengths. MarketAxess operates one of the world's largest electronic marketplaces for institutional bond trading, connecting approximately 2,100 institutional investors and broker-dealers across more than 90 countries. Its platform facilitates electronic trading in corporate bonds, municipal securities, U.S. Treasuries, Eurobonds, and emerging market debt.

ICE, meanwhile, has built an extensive portfolio of fixed income pricing services, reference data, indices, analytics, and retail bond trading capabilities. Bringing these assets together creates a broader ecosystem that supports investors throughout the trading lifecycle—from market research and price discovery to execution, settlement support, benchmarking, and compliance.

The transaction addresses one of the most persistent challenges in global finance. Despite decades of modernization, the global bond market, estimated at approximately $145 trillion in outstanding debt, remains significantly less digitized than equity markets. Bond trading continues to rely heavily on bilateral negotiations, fragmented liquidity pools, and opaque pricing mechanisms, creating inefficiencies for institutional investors, wealth managers, and market participants.

By integrating MarketAxess' institutional trading network with ICE's market infrastructure and data capabilities, the combined company intends to improve price transparency, expand liquidity access, and streamline trading workflows across fixed income markets.

For institutional investors, the combined platform promises access to richer pre-trade analytics, broader execution protocols, consolidated liquidity, and enhanced post-trade reporting. Retail investors and wealth management firms could also benefit from stronger connectivity between institutional and retail trading ecosystems, potentially improving execution quality and market transparency.

The deal also highlights the growing strategic value of financial data. Beyond trading volumes, market infrastructure providers increasingly compete through proprietary pricing information, benchmark indices, reference datasets, and analytics that power investment decisions across asset managers, banks, exchanges, and fintech platforms.

According to McKinsey & Company, capital markets firms continue to accelerate investments in digital infrastructure and data-driven trading technologies as they seek greater operational efficiency and improved client experiences. Meanwhile, IDC projects sustained growth in financial institutions' spending on AI, cloud platforms, and advanced analytics to modernize trading operations and risk management.

Competition within financial market infrastructure has intensified in recent years. Major providers including Nasdaq, London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG), CME Group, Bloomberg, and S&P Global continue to expand their data, analytics, and electronic trading capabilities through acquisitions and technology investments. ICE's acquisition of MarketAxess reinforces this industry trend by combining market infrastructure with proprietary trading networks and data assets.

The transaction is expected to generate approximately $100 million in annual run-rate expense synergies within three years after closing. ICE also expects the acquisition to be accretive to adjusted earnings per share during the first full year following completion of the transaction.

The acquisition will be financed entirely through newly issued debt, including bonds, term loans, and commercial paper. Despite the financing structure, ICE plans to increase its baseline quarterly share repurchase program from $350 million to $400 million, signaling confidence in its balance sheet and long-term cash generation.

Beyond financial considerations, the acquisition represents another milestone in the ongoing digitization of fixed income markets. Electronic trading has steadily expanded from government securities into corporate bonds, municipal debt, and emerging market instruments, while advances in cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and data analytics continue reshaping trading workflows.

The integration of MarketAxess into ICE's broader ecosystem positions the combined organization to capitalize on these structural market changes. By offering trading, analytics, pricing data, benchmark indices, and post-trade services through a unified platform, ICE aims to simplify market access while supporting increasingly data-driven investment strategies.

For enterprise financial institutions, asset managers, and market participants, the acquisition signals continued consolidation among financial technology providers seeking to deliver comprehensive, end-to-end capital markets infrastructure. As digital transformation accelerates across global finance, integrated platforms capable of combining execution, analytics, and data are expected to play an increasingly central role in fixed income trading.

Market Landscape

The fixed income market is undergoing a significant digital transformation as financial institutions modernize trading infrastructure, improve market transparency, and adopt advanced analytics. According to McKinsey & Company, capital markets firms continue to prioritize technology investments that enhance operational efficiency, while IDC reports growing enterprise spending on AI, cloud computing, and data platforms across financial services. The convergence of trading infrastructure, market data, and analytics is reshaping how institutional and retail investors access global bond markets.

Strategic Outlook

ICE's acquisition of MarketAxess reflects a broader industry trend toward consolidating trading platforms with market data and analytics businesses. As electronic bond trading continues to expand globally, financial market infrastructure providers are increasingly competing to deliver integrated ecosystems that combine execution, pricing intelligence, compliance, and post-trade services. The transaction could accelerate further consolidation across capital markets technology as firms seek scale, proprietary data, and workflow integration.

Top Insights

• ICE's $5.7 billion acquisition of MarketAxess combines institutional bond trading with market data, analytics, and retail trading infrastructure into a unified fixed income ecosystem.
• The transaction addresses long-standing inefficiencies in the global bond market by improving price transparency, liquidity access, and electronic trading capabilities.
• MarketAxess contributes one of the world's largest institutional fixed income trading networks, connecting approximately 2,100 market participants across more than 90 countries.
• The combined platform strengthens ICE's competitive position against leading financial market infrastructure providers through expanded data, analytics, and trading services.
• The acquisition highlights the growing strategic importance of integrated financial technology platforms as capital markets continue their digital transformation.

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The Portuguese Cork Association (APCOR) has introduced a nationwide U.S. campaign designed to reshape how consumers think about responsible drinking by extending the conversation beyond moderation to include sustainable packaging choices.

The campaign, "Drink Responsibly. Choose a Bottle with a Natural Cork.", promotes natural cork as a renewable and recyclable bottle closure while encouraging consumers, retailers, and beverage producers to view packaging as part of a broader sustainability strategy. Rather than focusing solely on alcohol consumption habits, APCOR is positioning natural cork as an environmentally conscious component of the premium wine and spirits experience.

The initiative comes as sustainability continues to influence purchasing decisions across the global food and beverage industry. Consumers are increasingly evaluating products based not only on quality and brand reputation but also on packaging materials, carbon footprints, and recyclability. For beverage producers, packaging has become a critical element of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) strategies and brand differentiation.

Natural cork has long been associated with premium wines and select spirits because of its ability to preserve product quality while contributing to the traditional ritual of opening a bottle. APCOR's campaign builds on that heritage by emphasizing cork's renewable origin and its role within circular economy practices.

Unlike synthetic closures or aluminum alternatives, natural cork is harvested from cork oak trees without cutting down the tree itself. The bark regenerates naturally, allowing repeated harvesting over decades while maintaining forest ecosystems. According to APCOR, cork oak forests—known as the Montado ecosystem—can sequester significant amounts of carbon dioxide while supporting hundreds of plant and animal species.

The campaign also reflects growing attention toward sustainable packaging across consumer goods industries. Packaging has become an increasingly important purchasing factor as brands seek to reduce waste, improve recyclability, and meet evolving environmental regulations. Beverage manufacturers are investing in renewable materials, lightweight packaging, and lower-carbon supply chains to satisfy both consumer expectations and corporate sustainability commitments.

For marketers, campaigns linking environmental responsibility with product experience illustrate how sustainability messaging has evolved. Rather than presenting environmental benefits as standalone claims, brands are increasingly integrating sustainability into broader narratives around product quality, craftsmanship, and consumer values.

According to Paulo Américo Oliveira, President of APCOR, the campaign seeks to expand the meaning of responsible drinking by encouraging consumers to consider the bottle itself as part of responsible purchasing decisions. By associating natural cork with both premium quality and environmental stewardship, APCOR aims to strengthen consumer recognition of cork as a preferred closure for wine and spirits.

The strategy reflects broader trends across the consumer packaged goods (CPG) sector, where sustainability has become an important differentiator. Major consumer brands increasingly leverage digital marketing, lifecycle analysis, and sustainability reporting platforms from technology providers such as Adobe, Salesforce, Google Cloud, and Microsoft to communicate environmental initiatives and measure consumer engagement.

From a marketing technology perspective, campaigns centered on sustainable packaging also generate valuable first-party customer insights. Digital campaigns, social media engagement, and retail activation programs help brands better understand environmentally conscious purchasing behaviors while supporting personalized marketing initiatives.

Research continues to demonstrate the growing importance of sustainability in consumer purchasing decisions. According to McKinsey & Company, environmental considerations increasingly influence buying behavior across multiple product categories, particularly among younger consumers. Statista has similarly reported steady growth in demand for sustainable packaging solutions as brands seek alternatives to conventional materials.

The APCOR campaign therefore extends beyond promoting cork as a bottle closure. It reflects a wider movement toward environmentally responsible branding, sustainable product design, and purpose-driven marketing strategies that resonate with modern consumers.

As beverage companies compete in increasingly sustainability-focused markets, packaging materials are likely to play a greater role in both consumer perception and brand positioning. Initiatives that combine environmental responsibility with premium product experiences may become an increasingly common strategy across the wine, spirits, and broader consumer goods industries.

Market Landscape

Sustainable packaging has become a strategic priority across the food, beverage, and consumer packaged goods sectors. Brands are investing in renewable materials, circular economy initiatives, and transparent environmental messaging as consumers increasingly consider sustainability alongside product quality and price.

Natural materials, recyclable packaging, and carbon-conscious supply chains are expected to remain central themes in future packaging innovation and brand marketing strategies.

Top Insights

• APCOR's new U.S. campaign positions natural cork as both a premium bottle closure and a sustainable packaging solution for wine and spirits producers.
• The initiative reflects growing consumer demand for environmentally responsible packaging that complements product quality and responsible purchasing decisions.
• Natural cork supports circular economy principles through renewable harvesting, recyclability, and long-term preservation of cork oak forest ecosystems.
• Sustainability messaging is increasingly integrated into digital marketing strategies that connect environmental values with customer experience and premium branding.
• Beverage brands are placing greater emphasis on packaging innovation as sustainability becomes a competitive differentiator across global consumer markets.

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DNA Payments has introduced DNA Engage, a customer engagement platform developed in partnership with Taployo that transforms digital receipts into interactive marketing touchpoints. The solution enables merchants to personalize post-purchase experiences, collect customer feedback, encourage online reviews, and access analytics designed to improve customer retention and marketing performance—all without requiring shoppers to download an app or share their email address.

DNA Payments is expanding beyond payment processing with the launch of DNA Engage, a platform that enables businesses to use digital receipts as a new channel for customer engagement and marketing. Developed in collaboration with Taployo, the solution reflects a broader industry shift toward integrating payment technology with customer experience, loyalty, and data-driven marketing.

Traditionally, payment terminals have served a single purpose—completing transactions. DNA Engage seeks to extend their role by allowing merchants to continue interacting with customers after a purchase has been made. Instead of receiving a standard printed receipt, customers can scan a QR code displayed on the payment terminal to instantly access a branded digital receipt, eliminating the need for paper receipts, mobile applications, or email registration.

The approach addresses one of the long-standing challenges in retail and hospitality: maintaining customer engagement after the point of sale. By turning receipts into digital marketing assets, businesses can communicate with customers at a moment when purchase intent and brand interaction are still fresh.

DNA Engage allows merchants to customize receipts with company branding, promotional campaigns, product recommendations, return policies, website links, and social media channels. The platform also supports targeted offers that encourage repeat purchases, enabling businesses to transform a routine transactional document into an ongoing customer communication channel.

Beyond marketing, the platform introduces customer feedback capabilities directly into the post-purchase experience. Merchants can request Google Reviews, conduct customer satisfaction surveys, collect ratings, and monitor responses through a centralized analytics dashboard. These insights can help businesses evaluate customer sentiment while measuring the effectiveness of promotional campaigns.

The inclusion of analytics reflects the increasing convergence of payment technology and marketing technology (MarTech). Modern payment providers are no longer focused solely on transaction processing; they are increasingly embedding data intelligence, customer engagement, and loyalty capabilities into payment ecosystems.

According to Gartner, organizations are placing greater emphasis on first-party customer data as privacy regulations and changing digital advertising practices reduce reliance on third-party tracking. Solutions that capture customer interactions directly through owned channels have become increasingly valuable for retailers seeking to strengthen customer relationships while maintaining compliance with evolving privacy expectations.

DNA Engage also removes several common friction points associated with digital engagement. Customers do not need to install an application, register an account, or provide personal information before accessing their receipt. This streamlined workflow may improve participation rates compared with traditional loyalty or email-based engagement programs.

For merchants, the platform combines receipt management with campaign reporting and customer analytics. Businesses can track promotional performance, monitor review generation, evaluate customer engagement metrics, and identify opportunities to refine future marketing initiatives. These capabilities enable marketing and operations teams to connect payment activity with measurable business outcomes.

The launch also illustrates the growing role of payment providers as technology partners rather than transaction processors. Companies across the payments industry are increasingly integrating value-added services—including loyalty programs, customer relationship management, analytics, and AI-driven insights—into their merchant offerings to create differentiated payment ecosystems.

Research from McKinsey & Company indicates that organizations delivering highly personalized customer experiences consistently outperform competitors in customer satisfaction and revenue growth. Similarly, Forrester has highlighted customer experience as a critical factor influencing long-term brand loyalty and purchasing decisions.

Competition in this market continues to expand as payment technology providers integrate marketing capabilities into their platforms. Companies including Stripe, Square, Adyen, and PayPal have introduced merchant-focused services that extend beyond payment acceptance. DNA Payments differentiates its latest offering by emphasizing frictionless digital receipts, post-purchase engagement, customer feedback collection, and actionable analytics within a unified platform.

The partnership with Taployo also reflects a broader industry movement toward intelligent digital commerce experiences powered by automation and customer data. While DNA Engage currently focuses on engagement and analytics, the companies have also indicated plans to support future AI-powered business insights, signaling continued investment in data-driven merchant services.

For enterprise retailers, hospitality businesses, and service providers, the platform demonstrates how payment infrastructure is evolving into an integral component of the broader customer experience strategy. As businesses seek more efficient ways to retain customers and improve marketing performance, digital receipt platforms may become an increasingly important element of modern commerce technology stacks.

DNA Engage is now available to eligible DNA Payments merchants through the company's Merchant Portal, providing businesses with a new tool for strengthening customer relationships beyond the checkout process.

Market Landscape

The convergence of payments, MarTech, and customer experience platforms is reshaping how businesses engage with consumers after every transaction. As retailers prioritize first-party data and personalized experiences, payment providers are increasingly embedding loyalty, analytics, and engagement tools into their merchant ecosystems. Gartner identifies first-party customer data as a strategic asset in the privacy-first era, while McKinsey continues to report that personalization remains a key driver of customer retention and revenue growth.

Strategic Outlook

Digital receipts are evolving from simple proof-of-purchase documents into valuable customer engagement channels. As AI, analytics, and loyalty technologies become more tightly integrated with payment infrastructure, merchants are likely to adopt platforms that connect transactional data with marketing automation, customer insights, and personalized communications. This shift positions payment providers as broader commerce technology partners rather than payment processors alone.

Top Insights

• DNA Engage transforms digital receipts into personalized marketing touchpoints, enabling merchants to extend customer engagement immediately after every payment transaction.
• The platform combines QR-based digital receipts, customer feedback collection, Google Reviews, and analytics without requiring app downloads or email registration.
• First-party customer engagement capabilities align with growing enterprise demand for privacy-friendly marketing strategies as third-party data becomes less accessible.
• DNA Payments is expanding its value proposition beyond payment processing by integrating marketing technology, customer analytics, and loyalty capabilities into its merchant platform.
• The partnership with Taployo highlights the growing convergence of payment technology, customer experience, and AI-driven business intelligence across modern commerce platforms.

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Better Together Agency Founder and CEO Catharine Montgomery has been recognized in the AI and Innovation Leaders category of Ragan's Top Women in Marketing Awards 2026, highlighting the growing influence of responsible artificial intelligence in marketing and communications. The recognition follows the launch of TogetherAI, a private AI platform designed to help nonprofits, advocacy organizations, and startups generate secure, brand-consistent communications while addressing concerns around AI bias, governance, and data privacy.

The increasing focus on trustworthy artificial intelligence in enterprise communications has earned Better Together Agency Founder and CEO Catharine Montgomery recognition as one of Ragan's Top Women in Marketing Awards 2026 honorees in the AI and Innovation Leaders category.

The annual awards recognize marketing professionals whose leadership and innovation have advanced the marketing industry across brands, agencies, and nonprofit organizations. Montgomery's selection reflects her work in developing TogetherAI, an AI-powered communications platform introduced earlier this year to address a growing need for privacy-first, organization-specific generative AI tools.

Unlike general-purpose AI assistants that rely primarily on publicly available information, TogetherAI is designed to work exclusively with an organization's approved messaging, internal reports, and proprietary data. The platform enables users to generate communications using their established brand voice without requiring complex prompt engineering, while keeping organizational information private.

The launch reflects a broader shift in enterprise AI adoption, where businesses and nonprofit organizations are increasingly seeking specialized AI solutions tailored to their operational requirements rather than relying solely on consumer-focused generative AI platforms.

One of TogetherAI's distinguishing features is its emphasis on responsible AI. According to Better Together Agency, every generated response is evaluated for potential bias across multiple dimensions, including race, gender, age, disability, income, and geography. This approach aims to improve both the consistency and inclusiveness of AI-generated communications while reducing the need for extensive manual editing.

The platform was developed following two years of research led by Montgomery into bias in generative AI systems. That research continues to inform the product roadmap, with the agency planning to publish its third annual study on AI bias later this year.

Responsible AI has become an increasingly important priority across industries as organizations seek to balance automation with governance and regulatory compliance. Enterprise buyers are placing greater emphasis on explainability, transparency, privacy, and ethical AI practices when evaluating new technology platforms.

Beyond product development, Montgomery has also contributed to AI policy discussions through academic and industry initiatives. In 2026, she completed the Center for AI and Digital Policy's AI Policy Clinic, where her work focused on major international AI governance frameworks, including the EU AI Act, the Council of Europe AI Treaty, and UNESCO's Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence.

Her industry engagement extends to conferences focused on AI governance and enterprise communications, including events featuring organizations such as Google DeepMind. These activities reflect the growing convergence of AI technology, public policy, and enterprise marketing as organizations adapt to evolving regulatory expectations.

The recognition also illustrates a wider trend within the MarTech landscape. As generative AI becomes embedded in marketing operations, organizations are increasingly moving beyond content generation toward AI platforms capable of preserving brand consistency, protecting proprietary information, and supporting organizational governance.

Research supports this direction. According to Gartner, responsible AI governance is becoming a strategic priority for enterprises deploying generative AI at scale. Meanwhile, McKinsey & Company reports that marketing and sales remain among the business functions realizing the greatest measurable value from generative AI adoption, provided organizations establish appropriate governance frameworks and quality controls.

Better Together Agency reports that organizations using TogetherAI have reduced the time required for policy-related communications by approximately 15%, enabling staff to devote more attention to strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and creative initiatives rather than repetitive drafting tasks.

Competition in the enterprise AI communications market continues to intensify, with technology providers including Google, Microsoft, Salesforce, and Adobe integrating generative AI into productivity and marketing platforms. Rather than competing directly as a broad AI assistant, TogetherAI differentiates itself by focusing on nonprofits, advocacy organizations, and mission-driven enterprises while emphasizing privacy, bias mitigation, and communications governance.

For enterprise marketing leaders, Montgomery's recognition highlights a broader evolution in AI adoption. Success is increasingly measured not only by automation capabilities but also by how effectively AI aligns with organizational values, regulatory requirements, and trusted communications practices.

Montgomery will be formally recognized during Ragan's Top Women in Marketing Awards Luncheon scheduled for October 22, 2026, in New York City.

Market Landscape

Generative AI is rapidly transforming enterprise marketing and communications, but organizations are placing increasing emphasis on governance, privacy, and ethical AI deployment. According to Gartner, responsible AI has become a strategic priority as businesses scale AI adoption, while McKinsey & Company identifies marketing and communications as leading beneficiaries of enterprise generative AI investments. Industry demand is shifting toward domain-specific AI platforms capable of protecting proprietary data while maintaining brand consistency and regulatory compliance.

Strategic Outlook

The next phase of enterprise AI will likely be defined by specialized platforms designed around organizational workflows rather than general-purpose AI assistants. Solutions that combine secure data handling, explainable AI, governance controls, and brand-specific knowledge are expected to become increasingly important for enterprises, nonprofits, and public sector organizations navigating evolving AI regulations and customer trust expectations.

Top Insights

• Catharine Montgomery's recognition reflects growing industry demand for responsible AI platforms that prioritize privacy, governance, and brand consistency alongside productivity improvements.
• TogetherAI differentiates itself by using proprietary organizational knowledge instead of relying solely on publicly available AI training data, improving communication accuracy.
• Bias detection across race, gender, age, disability, income, and geography addresses a growing enterprise requirement for ethical AI deployment and inclusive communications.
• The platform demonstrates how vertical AI solutions are evolving beyond content generation toward secure enterprise communications and governance applications.
• Responsible AI practices are becoming a competitive differentiator as organizations evaluate enterprise AI investments alongside regulatory compliance and trust requirements.

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Wipro Consumer Care International (WCCI), the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) division of Wipro Enterprises, is strengthening its position in Southeast Asia through the acquisition of Philippine personal care company S Brands Consumer Care Inc. The deal expands Wipro's portfolio of hair care, hygiene, fragrance, and grooming brands while reinforcing its long-term strategy of growing through targeted acquisitions in high-potential consumer markets across Asia-Pacific.

Wipro Consumer Care International has signed a definitive agreement to acquire 100% of S Brands Consumer Care Inc., marking another significant step in its regional expansion strategy across the Asia-Pacific (APAC) consumer goods market. The transaction builds on Wipro's continued investment in the Philippines and highlights the growing importance of strategic acquisitions in strengthening brand portfolios within the highly competitive personal care industry.

The acquisition represents Wipro Consumer Care's 16th strategic acquisition globally and its second in the Philippines, following the purchase of Splash Corporation in 2019. That earlier acquisition added established brands such as SkinWhite, Maxi-Peel, and Vitress to Wipro's portfolio. By integrating S Brands, the company is further broadening its presence across multiple personal care categories while reinforcing its leadership ambitions in Southeast Asia.

S Brands has established itself as a major player in the Philippine personal care market through a portfolio of category-leading products. Its brands include KERATINplus, widely recognized as the country's leading hair treatment brand, alongside AlcoPlus in hygiene products, DeoPlus in powder deodorants, Empress in hair care, Grips in men's grooming, and Fiona Cologne, a popular fragrance brand targeting younger consumers.

For Wipro, these brands complement an existing portfolio that spans hair care, skin care, fragrances, and personal hygiene. The acquisition also provides access to established consumer loyalty, extensive retail distribution, and recognized local brands that would typically require years of investment to build organically.

The Philippines has become an increasingly attractive market for multinational consumer goods companies. With one of Southeast Asia's youngest populations and rising consumer spending, demand for premium and value-added personal care products continues to grow. According to Statista, the Southeast Asian beauty and personal care market is expected to maintain steady growth over the coming years, supported by urbanization, higher disposable incomes, and increasing demand for specialized grooming and wellness products.

Wipro Consumer Care operates across more than 60 markets throughout Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. Its key regional markets include India, Malaysia, Vietnam, Hong Kong SAR, and the South Mainland China region. The acquisition of S Brands further strengthens its Southeast Asian footprint while creating opportunities to expand Philippine-developed brands into international markets.

Among the portfolio additions, KERATINplus is expected to play a particularly strategic role. The brand's strong market recognition and customer loyalty provide Wipro with an opportunity to introduce a successful local product into other high-growth markets where demand for specialized hair treatment products continues to increase.

Beyond expanding its product lineup, the transaction reflects a broader trend across the global FMCG industry, where companies are increasingly pursuing acquisitions of regional brands rather than relying solely on internal product development. Acquiring established local brands enables multinational businesses to accelerate market entry, leverage existing customer trust, and strengthen retail relationships while reducing the risks associated with launching entirely new products.

Industry analysts have noted that mergers and acquisitions remain a key growth strategy within consumer goods markets as companies seek stronger geographic diversification and portfolio expansion. According to McKinsey & Company, consumer goods companies are increasingly using targeted acquisitions to strengthen category leadership and improve long-term growth opportunities in emerging markets.

Competition in Southeast Asia's personal care sector continues to intensify, with global companies such as Unilever, Procter & Gamble, L'Oréal, Beiersdorf, and Johnson & Johnson expanding their investments across the region. In this competitive landscape, regional acquisitions provide companies with differentiated local brands, established distribution channels, and deeper consumer insights that can strengthen market positioning.

The acquisition also reflects Wipro Consumer Care's long-term focus on combining regional expertise with international scale. Integrating S Brands into its broader operational network could enable greater efficiencies across manufacturing, research and development, supply chain management, and product innovation while supporting future international expansion.

For enterprise leaders in the consumer goods sector, the transaction illustrates how portfolio diversification and regional consolidation continue to shape competitive strategy across APAC. As consumer preferences evolve and demand for localized products increases, acquisitions of trusted domestic brands are becoming an increasingly effective path toward sustainable market growth.

Although financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed, the acquisition reinforces Wipro Consumer Care's commitment to expanding its presence in one of Southeast Asia's fastest-growing personal care markets while positioning the company for continued growth across the broader APAC region.

Market Landscape

The Asia-Pacific personal care market remains one of the fastest-growing FMCG sectors globally, driven by rising disposable incomes, urbanization, digital commerce, and increasing demand for premium beauty and wellness products. According to Statista, Southeast Asia continues to experience robust growth in personal care spending, while McKinsey & Company highlights mergers and acquisitions as an increasingly important strategy for consumer goods companies seeking regional expansion and stronger brand portfolios.

Strategic Outlook

Wipro Consumer Care's acquisition of S Brands reflects a broader industry shift toward acquiring established regional brands with loyal customer bases instead of building new brands from scratch. As competition intensifies across APAC, companies with strong local portfolios, diversified distribution networks, and scalable innovation capabilities are expected to be better positioned for long-term growth and international expansion.

Top Insights

• Wipro Consumer Care has strengthened its Southeast Asian expansion strategy by acquiring S Brands, adding several category-leading Philippine personal care brands to its growing regional portfolio.
• The transaction marks Wipro's second acquisition in the Philippines, demonstrating continued investment in one of Southeast Asia's fastest-growing consumer markets.
• KERATINplus gives Wipro a market-leading hair treatment brand that could support future expansion into additional international markets across Asia and beyond.
• The acquisition aligns with a broader FMCG trend where multinational companies acquire trusted regional brands to accelerate market penetration and consumer adoption.
• The combined portfolio enhances Wipro's competitive position against major global personal care companies operating across the APAC region.

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