Consumers are increasing their on-trade drinking occasions, despite worsening economic conditions. Consumers are increasing their visits to bars, cafes, restaurants and hotels during the week, engaging in more moderate week-round drinking and moving away from so-called weekend session drinking, according to a new report. In order to capitalize on these increased drinking occasions, the on-trade sector will need to offer exclusive products, encouraging consumers to trade up.
Despite the gloomy economic conditions across much of the globe, and stiff competition from the off-trade sector, consumers are increasing their visits to on-trade establishments. Indeed, according to the report, the total number of on-trade occasions is showing modest growth in Europe, the US and Australia, where they are forecast to increase at a CAGR 0.8%, 2.4% and 1.9%, respectively, between 2007 and 2012. Read more…
UK bottled water sales are experiencing the fastest growth in Europe due to health associations.
Sales of bottled water in the UK have increased at the fastest rate in Europe over the past five years. The association between drinking plenty of water and a healthy lifestyle is driving demand as consumers choose it over other soft drinks because it does not contain calories, caffeine, or artificial colours. However, environmental concerns may hinder growth going forward. Read more…
Anyone that has visited a grocery store or recently browsed through the food and drink supplement of any newspaper or health magazine would be familiar with the fashionable term "superfruit". Referring to a rapidly growing range of fruit and veg, the valuable superfruit promise is found on a wide selection of beverage and food product labels.
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Starbucks has announced initiatives in two major markets aimed at reinvigorating its business.
Starbucks is to shed 75% of its stores in Australia, following difficulty penetrating the country’s coffee market, and provide free top-ups in the UK and Ireland in recognition of a consumer downturn. Although these moves could be seen to be a reversal of the company’s global aims and premium image, they should allow Starbucks to provide greater value for money during tough economic conditions. Read more…
A new report reveals that consumers in the UK are eating more fresh fruits and vegetables to meet their “five a day” target. Between 2002 and 2007, the annual consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables in the UK increased from 93kg per person in 2002 to 113kg in 2007, and forecasts show that this will increase to 123kg in 2012. However, the report shows that the emergence of so-called “superfruits” could be having an adverse effect. Indeed, false assumptions about their nutritional value may prevent consumers from fulfilling their fruit and vegetables quotas. Read more…
