Circle Lenses Drive Demand for Contacts in Asia

 
In Asia, the shape of the contact lens market is changing due to demand for specific types of lenses. One such segment is circle lenses, a type of lens that covers an area larger than the iris, giving the appearance of a larger eye. Users wear these lenses to create a childlike, doe-eyed appearance similar to that of a Japanese anime character. This trend is very popular in Asia, but will probably not expand much beyond the area due to strict regulations on contact lenses in other countries.
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Picture: Valerie Bassi

Tesco: Five Reasons to Worry About the UK’s Biggest Retailer

Analyst Insight by Antonia Branston, Senior Analyst - Retailing, Euromonitor International

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Tesco Plc unveiled its preliminary results for the 2012-2013 financial year on 17 April, following one of the most difficult years of its existence. Sales per store have seen a decline in the UK, resulting in a sharp decrease in trading profit from its domestic operations, which will be aggravated by the massive bill that the company faces thanks to Tesco's unsuccessful foray into the US market.

Senior Retail Analyst Antonia Branston looks at some of the areas where the company’s recent conduct has caused concern and where the opportunities are for Tesco to improve its performance in its vital home market.

Podcast: Raphael Moreau, Retailing Analyst, discusses Tesco's exit of the US Market

Kimberly Clark's New Venture into Flushable Wipes

Kimberly Clark has exited the nappies / diapers business in Western Europe, but it is still developing its wipes offering in the area. Although baby hygiene products haven't performed specifically well in the past couple years, consumers have taken to buying baby wipes for other uses, such as makeup removal, and then flushing the wipes instead of throwing them away. Kimberly Clark plans to venture into the market with flushable wipes which will not clog up plumbing systems. 

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Sizing as a Way to Sustain Pack Growth in Snacking Products

In 2012 global packaging volume sales enjoyed growth of 3% and above in the snacking product categories of confectionery, sweet and savoury snacks and biscuits. In developing countries, a small pack format means a product can be afforded more easily by a wide range of consumers. In more saturated regions like Western Europe, large pouches can help position a product as value for money while smaller pack sizes can address health concerns in bringing greater portion control.

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Alcoholic Drinks on the Rise in the United Arab Emirates

Alcoholic drink sales are on the rise in the UAE, driven mainly by consumers going out to more hotels, bars, and restaurants. Sales are also getting a boost from tourists, who are spending more time and money in the UAE's nightlife scene. Vodka, which is popular among younger consumers in the country, is a key growth category. The trend of cocktail drinks is not just pushing sales of regular vodka, but flavored vodka as well.

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What's Next for Kimberly Clark in Western Europe?

Kimberly Clark recently announced its exit from the open nappies / diapers industry in Western Europe, focusing solely on wipes and pants offerings. While Kimberly Clark most likely won't gain many opportunities in a lower end category such as wipes, they are the market leader in disposable pants and will likely look to expand their market share in that segment. 

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Sparkling Wine Records Record Growth in Chile

Wine has long been a niche alcoholic beverage in Chile, as younger generations prefer beer or spirits over wine. Sparkling wine is the exception with total volume sales increasing by 35% in 2012. The appeal of sparkling wine to younger generations helped spur this growth - especially young, professional women entering the workforce at record numbers and looking for a more glamorous drink. Manufactures are also gaining market share in the segment by changing packaging styles and improving the quality of the wine. 

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El vino espumante registra crecimiento récord en Chile

El vino ha sido, históricamente, una bebida de nicho en Chile, ya que las generaciones jóvenes prefieren cerveza o destilados antes que vino. Sin embargo, el espumante es la excepción con un aumento de 35% en sus ventas totales en volumen en 2012. El atractivo del espumante para los jóvenes ha ayudado a impulsar este crecimiento – especialmente entre las mujeres jóvenes profesionales, que han entrado al mercado en cifras récord y buscan un trago con más glamour. Los productores por su parte han hecho cambios en los estilos de packaging y mejoras en la calidad del vino para ganar participación de mercado en este segmento.

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Commodities Roundup: March 2013

Strong imports from Middle Eastern countries and demand for corn-based ethanol drove up wheat prices and corn prices in March. In this podcast, Francisco Redruello, senior foods analyst at Euromonitor, gives his monthly roundup of agricultural commodities, including cocoa, sugar and skim milk powder.

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Multigenerational Lifestyles: A Growing Global Trend

Multigenerational lifestyles are becoming more commonplace at home and in the workplace with three or more generations interacting on a daily basis as a result of the global economy. Many children are remaining in the family home after adulthood, and many parents are also caring for their ageing parents as well. These lifestyles are shifting buying habits and behaviors. For instance, in travel and tourism, the number of family members vacationing now averages at six, and companies are catering to the increase in groups. 

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