Fading Recovery, Fresh Downside Risks and Hidden Potential: Part 1 – The Regional Angle

Is the precarious alcoholic drinks recovery stalling?

While the size of the markets are growing and the overall economic environment looks positive in emerging markets, legislative and geopolitical events are adding volatility and hampering market development.

The Western European drinks markets are polarised operating environment

Beyond niche opportunities within both super-premium and economy product offerings, Western Europe growth remains stagnant.

Australasian shifts

Premiumisation, aspirational consumption and the booming cocktail culture are improving consumption of spirits in Australia, but top line volumes continue to look uninspiring, due to the decline in beer sales.

North America: Eclectic, experimental and evolving

With the recovery apparently rooted, North American drinking habits are evolving; the explosion of craft brewers and distillers and the changing product landscape, is directly related to the emergence of the millennial generation.

Eastern Europe: Russian roulette

The on-going Ukrainian clash is not merely adding to the legislative nightmare of Russian operations and exacerbating macro-weaknesses in the region, but is preventing foreign brands from entering the Russian market.

Middle East and Africa: The seeds of volatility behind the boom

Behind the optimism of 2013, price elasticity concerns (as showcased by faltering Guinness sales in Nigeria), and the escalating Ebola epidemic, across parts of Africa remain the major risks.

Asia Pacific: Still strong despite the setbacks

Chinese alcoholic drinks volume growth remains robust, despite a crackdown on conspicuous consumption and on-trade outlets.

Latin America: The road to maturity

The Latin American market is increasingly sophisticated but inflationary pressures, legislative changes and macro-dips could derail development.

What this report includes

• Top-level strategic analysis of how major consumer trends will influence global markets
• Consumer insight
• Impact across all relevant consumer markets
• Unique graphics and case studies
• Key market snapshots
• Accompanying presentation to synthesise main findings

Why buy this report

• Identify factors driving change now and in the future
• Understand motivation
• Forward-looking outlook
• Briefings and presentation should provoke lively discussion at senior level
• Take a step back from micro trends
• Get up to date estimates and comment