The Recovery and the Macroeconomic Balancing Act: Part 1 – The Regional Angle

Alcoholic drinks sales are mirroring macroeconomic peaks and troughs

The correlation between socio-economic indicators and alcohol consumption patterns translates into cautious optimism for the industry in 2013.

Mature markets dominate value while emerging ones have a firm grip on volume

Historically more advanced and established alcoholic drinks markets tend to account for higher value, while emerging ones account for higher volume. As the latter resume their growth while the former stagnate, the balance is changing fast.

On- and off-trade moving in tandem

The precarious balance is a running theme that can be witnessed in value narrowly outperforming volume growth, at the same time that on- and off-trade sales performance are also moving hand-in-hand.

Western Europe and Australasia are showing maturity

While Western Europe is suffering from the combined pressure of poor macroeconomic indicators and maturity, Australasia's volume declines are due purely to the loss of ground by the dominant beer category.

Uncertain prognoses for North America and Eastern Europe

While North America shows the first signs of a cyclical resurgence, there are still doubts that this is sustainable. Eastern Europe is highlighting the volatility pitfalls that are inescapable in emerging markets, regardless of their potential.

Asia Pacific, MEA and Latin America are spearheading global growth

Asia Pacific, MEA and Latin America are all retaining their solid performance, although fluctuations deriving from sociopolitical instability and shifting drinking habits can lead to temporary blips.

Geographic diversification is more essential than ever

Geographical diversification is the only way for companies to escape volatility, fight maturity and secure healthy volume and value growth in an increasingly challenging operating environment.

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