Latin America

As one of the most ‘repressed’ countries globally, the autocratic communist regime is also creating social tensions. US sanctions continue to wreak havoc with the path of economic development, whilst Cubans leaving the country surge amid economic…

Chile enjoys economic freedom and relatively low corruption, which has helped its private sector to develop, although political instability remains. The economy is slowing down markedly, as copper production is impeded, and unemployment is relatively…

The cannabis culture in Chile is at an intermediate stage of development compared to other countries in Latin America. Since decriminalisation of cannabis for medicinal use in 2016, Chile has witnessed an explosion in “grow shops” and home growing to…

In 2023, Brazil found itself at a crucial economic juncture, emerging from the shadows of the pandemic’s economic downturn. The country experienced a reduction in inflation after grappling with the economic fallout of the pandemic, offering a glimmer…

The ongoing inflationary process that has hit the Brazilian economy in the past few years started to cool in 2023, as various food categories experienced a deflationary process for many items throughout the year. The Brazilian market context can been…

In 2023, Brazil emerged as a beacon of recovery after the tumultuous period marked by the global pandemic. The economic landscape of the country witnessed a transformative shift as it navigated the challenges of the post-pandemic era. The first year…

The price of rice, pasta, and noodles in Brazil over 2022 was mainly impacted by worldwide production challenges, international trade, freight constraints and local macroeconomic outcomes. The cost-of-living crisis as a result of inflation placed…

The lingering impact that the pandemic had on consumers’ behaviour remains clear in Brazil. With the high inflationary process resulting from misguided policies to international price variations, some animal-based proteins witnessed soaring unit…

Throughout 2023, food inflation in Brazil eased, although some prices of consumer goods continued at higher levels. Budgetary constraints continued to pose barriers to consumption, especially of fresh fruit and vegetables. Therefore, low and…

In 2023, Brazil found itself at a crossroads of economic recovery and lingering challenges. After grappling with the aftermath of the pandemic, economic perspectives have brightened, and inflation has somewhat stabilised. However, the path to…

In the dynamic landscape of the Brazilian apparel and footwear industry in 2023, jeans was one category that stood out for its remarkable resilience against the uncertainties and challenges that have marked the economic trajectory of the country.…

In 2023, the hosiery category in Brazil proved resilient, as this is a fundamental and enduring investment, and a staple in the everyday wardrobe of the Brazilian population. This significance became even more apparent in the wake of the pandemic, as…

In 2023, Brazil experienced a challenging economic landscape, shaped by the lingering impacts of the global economic crisis and the ominous shadow of high inflation. A continued surge in footwear prices due to the economic downturn, fuelled by…

As Brazil navigated the economic landscape in 2023, the nation was at a turning point of recovery and resilience. While inflation presented new prospects of stabilisation, optimism for the future was limited by the effects of the pandemic and global…

In 2023, demand for breakfast cereals in Brazil was impacted by higher input costs that were also observed in different consumer goods categories, especially due to wheat and corn prices, freight constraints and other inputs. The cost-of-living…

Baked goods in Brazil during 2022 was impacted by higher input prices that were also observed in different consumer goods categories, especially for wheat prices, freight constraints and other inputs. Although Brazilian wheat production recorded…

In 2023, apparel and footwear in Brazil navigated a complex landscape, shaped by the aftermath of the global COVID-19 pandemic. As the first official year post-pandemic, the nation saw a resurgence in socialisation and a desire for a return to…

In 2023, apparel accessories in Brazil saw commendable performances across various categories, especially belts and hats/caps. These accessories, representing a diverse range of styles and trends, contributed significantly to the overall fashion…

Consumption of black tea continued to increase in Ecuador during 2023, although retail volume growth rates remain modest and this is largely due to the perception among local consumers that black tea is a traditional product and a rather…

The popularity of flavoured powder drinks is under pressure in Ecuador, with retail volume sales having receded substantially since the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic and only marginally positive retail volume growth recorded in the category during…