"Some companies are just starting to understand the benefits of having their employees understand the internal CSR field, " says Chris Coulter, president of Globescan, a research consultancy on reputation, brand sustainability and trends.

CNN: Why everyone wants to work for the 'good guys'

Brand managers convinced themselves that they were following social trends as faithful servants of consumer need.

FORBES: The Green Frenzy and Brand Leadership

Also, diesel was considered an alternative fuel and he wanted his brand to be thought of as an alternative to the clothing trends of the time.

FORBES: Connect

The city is abuzz with brand-new Bistro B, a showpiece of local and innovative culinary trends.

BBC: Qu��bec City��s hottest restaurants

It was a seeming realization by the brand wizards at the company that it was time to mirror the consumer trends towards an unbridled appreciation for brands that communicate with them in an authentic manner.

FORBES: Gillette's Summer Job Campaign Proves Successful

Jacques van der Watt's highly conceptual brand, which values the form and functionality of clothing over the frivolity of trends, has for over a decade helped forge a contemporary identity for South African fashion.

CNN: Why African designers are finally in the fashion spotlight

As analysts, brand managers and store owners (not to mention yours truly) try to tease out the trends that will convert browsers to buyers in 2013, Manz took a moment to talk to FORBES about an often overlooked, but critically important, part of the shopping experience: search.

FORBES: What's In Store: Retail's Stealth Trend

As the subjects ranged from processed food trends, to the debate between food trucks and restaurants, and mixology trends at hotel bars, there was one underlying theme: The inability to protect the French brand and educate the world on their contribution to food and hospitality.

FORBES: Can the French Protect and Promote Their Brand?