Brand Activation & Sampling in 2025: Key Insights for FMCG & Non-FMCG Brands in Indonesia

As Indonesia’s consumer landscape undergoes rapid transformation, the role of brand experience in shaping purchase decisions has never been more crucial. The shift in consumer behavior—driven by economic changes, evolving preferences, and the increasing importance of personalized engagement—presents both a challenge and an opportunity for brands. At Shoptivate, we specialize in helping brands connect with consumers through innovative and immersive brand experiences. Drawing on insights from industry expert Yongky Susilo, this article explores the key consumer trends shaping Indonesia’s FMCG and non-FMCG markets and how Shoptivate’s expertise in brand experience can help your brand thrive in this evolving environment.

1. The Age of Imagination: Creating Memorable Experiences

Today’s consumers are increasingly driven by experiences rather than just product purchases. As we transition into the “Imagination Age,” where creativity and innovation are the key economic drivers, the demand for unique and memorable brand experiences is at an all-time high. Consumers are looking for moments that excite their senses and resonate emotionally, making it the perfect time for brands to invest in experiential marketing.

What you need to do: To engage today's consumers, you must create experiences that resonate emotionally and stay with them long after the interaction. It’s no longer enough to simply showcase a product—consumers want to feel something when they engage with your brand.

How Shoptivate can help: Shoptivate specializes in designing and executing immersive brand activations that leave a lasting impact. From pop-up events to interactive product sampling, we help your brand create unforgettable experiences that captivate your target audience.

2. The Shift in Consumer Behavior: Post-Pandemic Insights

The pandemic reset consumer behavior, leading to a significant return to offline, in-store experiences. Despite the rapid rise of e-commerce, offline channels remain the dominant force in FMCG sales in Indonesia. The demand for physical interaction is still strong, with consumers preferring to experience products in person before purchasing.

What you need to do: To stay relevant, you must ensure that your brand is visible in the right physical spaces, especially where consumers make their purchase decisions. Capitalizing on in-store touchpoints is key to driving both awareness and sales.

How Shoptivate can help: Shoptivate’s expertise in in-store activations and product sampling ensures that your brand engages consumers right at the point of purchase. By integrating seamless, hands-on experiences into retail environments, we place your brand in front of the consumer at the critical moment when decisions are made.

3. Addressing Declining Brand Loyalty with Personalization

As consumer loyalty declines—especially with the rising power of price-sensitive shoppers—brands must adapt by offering personalized and tailored experiences. With 60% of consumers citing price as the primary reason for switching brands, the key to fostering loyalty now lies in delivering personalized value beyond just pricing.

What you need to do: Focus on creating personalized touchpoints that make consumers feel seen and valued. Whether through bespoke recommendations, loyalty rewards, or exclusive product trials, your brand must deliver experiences that are tailored to individual preferences.

How Shoptivate can help: Shoptivate can craft tailored brand activations designed to create personalized connections with your audience. Our data-driven approach allows us to customize experiences that speak directly to the unique needs and desires of each consumer, ensuring a deeper emotional connection that fosters loyalty.

4. Targeting the Emerging Middle Class and the Second Consumer Boom

Indonesia is poised for a "Second Consumer Boom" between 2025 and 2030, driven by an expanding middle class that demands premium products and experiences. Consumers in this group are moving beyond basic needs and are now seeking higher-quality offerings, making this an opportune moment for brands to capitalize on their growing purchasing power.

What you need to do: To succeed in this emerging market, your brand needs to shift focus to premium products and experiences. Cater to the desires of consumers who are looking for top-tier quality, innovation, and luxury, especially in categories like beauty, health, and travel.

How Shoptivate can help: Shoptivate can help your brand connect with this expanding demographic by creating premium brand experiences that speak to their higher expectations. From exclusive sampling events to luxury in-store activations, we position your brand as a leader in quality and innovation, appealing to the tastes of the growing middle class.

5. The Power of Experience-Driven Shopping

Younger consumers, particularly Gen Z and Millennials, are increasingly focused on experiences rather than mere transactions. Shopping has evolved into an adventure of discovery, with these generations seeking engagement and social sharing as integral parts of the journey.

What you need to do: To tap into this trend, you must offer engaging and shareable experiences that resonate with younger, experience-driven consumers. Social media-savvy and highly interactive experiences are key to reaching this audience.

How Shoptivate can help: Shoptivate specializes in creating interactive, social, and immersive experiences that encourage engagement and sharing. Our activations are designed to spark conversations, both in-store and online, turning consumers into brand advocates who amplify your message through their own networks.

6. Adapting to the Trend of Smaller Pack Sizes and Value Sensitivity

Rising costs have led many consumers to opt for smaller pack sizes, especially in FMCG categories. This shift towards sachet products allows consumers to manage their budgets while still trying new products. Brands must adjust by offering trial sizes that align with these cost-conscious shopping habits.

What you need to do: Adapt your product offerings to cater to price-sensitive consumers by providing smaller, more affordable packaging options. Allowing consumers to try products in smaller quantities will make it easier for them to experiment without committing to full-sized purchases.

How Shoptivate can help: Shoptivate’s product sampling initiatives are a perfect fit for introducing smaller pack sizes to your consumers. Through targeted, strategic sampling in retail environments, we ensure that your products are accessible to price-conscious consumers while encouraging them to explore your full range of offerings.

7. Why Work with Shoptivate?

At Shoptivate, we specialize in more than just brand activations—we create experiences that transform how consumers perceive and engage with your brand. With a deep understanding of Indonesia's dynamic consumer market, we design experiences that connect, engage, and inspire loyalty.

What you need to do: To stay competitive, you need a partner who understands the rapidly shifting consumer behavior and can deliver results through immersive brand experiences. Partnering with a leader in experiential marketing is key to standing out in a crowded marketplace.

How Shoptivate can help: With Shoptivate, you gain access to unparalleled expertise in crafting brand experiences that resonate with today's evolving shoppers. Our customized activations are designed to boost brand engagement, foster loyalty, and drive measurable sales, ensuring that your brand remains top of mind for consumers across Indonesia.

Source: Insights from Yongky Susilo's "Understanding Indonesia Consumer Behavior and FMCG Outlook 2025"​.

Ready to elevate your brand’s presence? Let Shoptivate guide you through Indonesia’s evolving retail landscape.

Continue reading