NielsenIQ, originally founded as the A.C. Nielsen Company in 1923 by Arthur C. Nielsen Sr., is a global leader in consumer intelligence and market research headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. The company pioneered the concept of market share and has evolved to become the world’s leading authority on consumer buying behavior and market performance. With a presence in more than 100 countries and approximately 30,000 employees, NielsenIQ serves a wide range of industries including retail, manufacturing, health and wellness, and e-commerce.
Initially starting with providing reliable and objective marketing data, NielsenIQ expanded internationally by 1939, establishing its first overseas office in Oxford, United Kingdom. Over the decades, the company underwent several ownership changes, including acquisitions by Dun & Bradstreet in 1984 and later by Dutch firm VNU in 2001. These changes led to NielsenIQ’s current form, incorporating marketing media research and consumer shopping trend analysis.
Today, NielsenIQ offers a suite of advanced services such as market performance measurement, consumer and shopper insights, and marketing and media optimization. The company’s innovative use of technology, such as its early MVP (Media Voice Panel) program, has pushed forward the capabilities of data collection and analysis in the consumer research space.
NielsenIQ’s product portfolio also includes best-in-class digital product content creation, like high-quality photography, CGI imagery, and lifestyle visuals, designed to enhance online shopper experiences and brand engagement. These offerings help brands optimize their speed to market while gaining competitive advantages through flexible and comprehensive solutions.
In 2023, NielsenIQ expanded further by acquiring German market research firm GfK, enhancing its global footprint and reinforcing its position as a driving force behind consumer intelligence across industries and economies. Maintaining a commitment to forward-looking buyer insights, NielsenIQ continuously advances its measurement techniques to support companies worldwide.