Limitations of a Domestic Network: Case Study Eftpos Australia

Analyst Insight by Kendrick Sands, Analyst - Consumer Finance, Euromonitor International

Australia’s domestic debit card network Eftpos has been trying to reinvent itself to compete with the international operators since 2009 to stop its declining share of card payments. By total debit card payment value, Eftpos total share of transactions declined from 83% in 2005 to 77% in 2011.  Australia generated US$446 billion in total card payments in 2012, making it the 9th largest market globally. In 2009 the Australia's leading card issuers and merchants formed “Eftpos Payments Australia Ltd (ePal)” to manage and promote the limited domestic Eftpos system.  Whether the network can compete with the more widely known international operators will depend on its ability to establish online and international card acceptance over the forecast period.

Despite Higher Demand for Toys, Global Toymakers yet to Convert Market Growth into Actual Sales in Emerging Markets

Analyst Insight by Utku Tansel, Head of Toys and Games Research, Euromonitor International

As it was highlighted in our new global briefing, "Corporate Strategies in Emerging Toy Markets," Latin America may be the talking point for Mattel, and LEGO is doing well in Eastern Europe; nevertheless, emerging markets, in particular Asia Pacific, have yet to reveal their true potential for multinational toy manufacturers.

Global toys growth is shifting towards emerging markets, and this trend is expected to continue

Emerging markets have become more important across all industries, and the shift is especially pronounced in traditional toys. Between 2006 and 2011, growth in developed countries averaged 1%, while emerging countries registered 13% average annual growth, driving the global toys sales.

BaselWorld 2013: The Old, The New and The Revolutionary

Analyst Insight by Sulabh Madhwal, Personal Accessories and Eyewear Analyst, Euromonitor International

The latest edition of BaselWorld came to a close on 2 May, thus ending an 8-day event which attracts the highest number of watch players from around the world. Several global groups such as Swatch, Fossil, Richemont and LVMH use the event to generate new and cultivate existing partnerships with retailers, suppliers and the media. Although value growth for watches in 2013 is expected to be lower than in 2012, the annual event saw the total number of attendees rise by more than 15% to 122,000 visitors. A closer examination of new launches reveals three approaches adopted by the major watch brands.

India’s Rapid Unplanned Urbanisation Creates Opportunities and Challenges

India had the second highest urban population in the world in 2012 and will be amongst the fastest growing urban populations globally between 2013 and 2020 in absolute terms. This urbanising trend holds significant investment and consumer market potential but also creates challenges like over-crowding, pollution and rising crime levels.

India’s Urban and Rural Population: 2000-2020

Source: Euromonitor International from national statistics/UN

Note: Data for 2013-2020 refer to forecasts.

Masculinity vs Health: Challenges and Opportunities

Cultural and social pressures shape men as tough, which ultimately affects their health outcomes. A strong sense of independence, control & resilience often prevents men from seeking timely help related to health. Not surprisingly male life expectancy shows unfavourable gaps when compared to the female gender. Consumer health offers therapies and options that may improve life expectancy. Market opportunities exist in the promotion of men’s health. The challenge is to find successful approaches.

The report offers:

• An overview of masculinity and health indicators
• What does consumer health offer to men?
• Approaching and talking to men
• What is the future of men’s health

Download a sample of "Masculinity Vs Health: Challenges and Opportunities"

For more information on this report, please contact Olivier Hoffman <Olivier.Hofmann@euromonitor.com>

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For the Sake of Public Health, Let's Not Give Up on Reduced Sugar

14 Facts about Mothers from Euromonitor's Survey Research

Kenyan Acquisition to Give L’Oréal a Boost in Sub-Saharan Africa

Analyst Insight by Oru Mohiuddin, Senior Analyst - Home and Personal Care, Euromonitor International

L’Oréal’s acquisition of Interconsumer Products Ltd (ICP), the largest local manufacturer of beauty products in Kenya, is a good move. L’Oréal stands to gain three clear advantages from the acquisition. Firstly, L’Oréal will be able to access an already established R&D centre dedicated to sub-Saharan beauty needs, which prior to the acquisition enjoyed relatively weak coverage in the company’s global portfolio. In addition, ICP’s infrastructure, including a manufacturing plant in Kenya and a distribution network in rapidly growing East African countries, will allow for deeper market penetration. Last but not least, L’Oréal will be able to further expand its brand portfolio along ethnic lines. 

14 Facts about Mothers from Euromonitor's Survey Research

Euromonitor International's Annual Survey revealed global trends among mothers. Read 10 key facts below and then listen to our podcast to learn more.

1. Despite other demands on their time, mothers exercise slightly more often than women who have no children (69% of mothers do physical activity weekly vs. 61% of female non-mothers; 41% of mothers go to the gym each week vs. 35% of female non-mothers).
2. Parents (both mothers and fathers) use shortcuts for information about nutrition—such as testimonials and packaging—more than non-parents.
3. Mothers use advertising (TV, print, internet) as a shortcut to find out about other product information.
4. Nine out of ten mothers prepare meals at home at least once a week, more often than anyone else, including fathers (7 out of 10).
5. Mothers typically prepare home-cooked meals using entirely raw ingredients (62%), relying less on pre-prepared ingredients, such as shop-bought sauces (43%).
6. When mothers do choose convenience options such as ready meals, it is because they are pressed for time—not because they prefer ready meals or because they cannot or do not like to cook.
7. Almost half (47%) of mothers say they are on a diet trying to lose weight
8. Although mothers say they are health-conscious, they “cave in” and snack more often than non-mothers during the daytime (2.2 vs. 2.0 snacks per day on average)
9. Mothers in developed markets are more willing to spend extra on convenient products (49%) versus “green” products (36%)
10. Mothers in emerging markets consider a variety of other product information beyond quality, price, and convenience, such as branding and packaging, as well as “green”
11. Mothers in emerging markets especially enjoy learning about new products (trying new products, browsing shopping malls), compared to mothers in developed markets
12. Mothers in developed markets are especially cost-conscious and enjoy bargain-hunting more than mothers in emerging markets (though they are not necessarily using their smartphones to find deals)
13. 60% of mothers visit social networking websites (e.g., Facebook) at least weekly, compared with 55% of fathers and 46% of non-parents
14. Mothers and fathers share photos and videos online more frequently than non-parents (31% vs. 32% vs. 27%)

These results about mothers were derived from responses to Euromonitor International’s Annual Survey 2011; this survey reached out to ~16,000 online consumers ranging in age from 15 to 65+ and living in 8 major markets:  Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Japan, UK, USA.  

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Female-Led Consumption - A Long-Term Trend to Benefit Many Sectors

The Limits of Premiumisation and the Economising Taboo

Analyst Insight by Spiros Malandrakis, Senior Alcoholic Drinks Analyst, Euromonitor International

On the face of it, it all makes sense. The forces of premiumisation have seemingly trampled the trading down narrative on the back of rising sophistication, the sustained provision of higher end offerings from glowing hot innovation pipelines going into overdrive, and an austerity driven take on moderation; If consumers could not afford to drink more - or even the same, they would indeed drink less but better.

But beyond the obvious aspirational dynamics driving sales in emerging markets, an apparently infinite trading up process seems to be the basic strategic assumption in financially challenged and overly mature western markets as well. This assumption is dubious at best and an ominous sign of complacency in any case.

Wooden Eyewear – Creative Marketing and Brand Positioning

Analyst Insight by May Ling Tham, Head of Personal Accessories and Eyewear, Euromonitor International

As the world celebrated Earth Day on 22 April 2013, we take a look at wooden eyewear and how this product strives to balance beauty, function and the environment.  In recent years, there is growing interest in spectacles made from wood, a material that many view as being eco-friendly and lightweight. While wooden eyewear has been around for some years, however, it is only in recent years that interest has spiked.

Thinking Again… The Future of Coffee Pod Machines

Analyst Insight by Lorenza Della-Santa, Senior Analyst - Consumer Appliances, Euromonitor International

Last October I explored the striking differences between consumption of coffee pods and fresh coffee in Western Europe and the US, and what that meant for future sales of coffee machines. I came to the conclusion that “…perhaps by investing more in open coffee brewing systems, manufacturers could favour with consumers who might be willing to spend more for a coffee machine that offers them free choice rather than being tied to a brand for life’.

It might be time to think again…