Emerging Markets Will Be Major Source Of Revenue For Large Businesses

Unilever chief operating officer Harish Manwani said multi-national companies must be flexible enough to manage challenges posed by the need to balance inflation and growth in emerging markets, which are also affected by the global economic slowdown. He added that emerging markets will account for up to 70 percent of Unilever’s business and revenue.

"70% of our business will come from developing markets: Harish Manwani, Unilever", Economic Times, February 20, 2012

International FMCG Retailers In A Tough Battle For Market Share With Locals

Chinese shoppers who are buying more premium products and expanding their overall consumption of fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) contributed to an 18 percent growth in FMCG value in China in 2011, though the primary driver was inflation, according top researcher Kantar Worldpanel. The big winner during the last quarter of 2011, in terms of market share, was Walmart, which now claims 7.8 percent of the Chinese FMCG market. Other top retailers, meanwhile, are struggling, either remaining level or losing share, as Carrefour did. It’s a tough battle for international retailers, who are enduring considerable competitive pressure from China’s local retailers, who are dominant outside of the four key cities: Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou and Chengdu.

"China: International FMCG retailers in China reporting mixed performance in 2011 as local players fight back", Kantar Worldpanel, February 15, 2012

Foreign Brands Battle With Local Manufacturers In China's Luxury Market

International brands, such as L'Oreal and Gucci, have to compete with Shanghai Jahwa United Co. and other local manufacturers in the $33.7-billion luxury market in China. Previously associated with producing cheap counterfeits, China's consumer brands are shifting their attention to the high-end market, which is driven by increased consumer wealth, a growing middle class, and overall economic growth.

"China Luxury Pits L’Oreal Against Chiang Kai-Shek Kin: Retail", Bloomberg , February 27, 2012

Germany, Italy Lead Europe In Purchases Of Fine Fabric Detergents

Euromonitor research has found that while fine fabric detergent sales in Germany and Italy slid by 2.5 percent  in 2011, spending in those two countries still remains above the Western European average. The main reasons seem to be the high disposable incomes and continued popularity of designer label clothing. Fine fabric detergents accounted for nine percent (Germany) and 11 percent (Italy) of total laundry value spend in 2011. The Western European average is only six percent. Looking to the future, Euromonitor said fine fabric detergent providers should be paying close attention to the market opportunities emerging in rapidly-growing economies like China and India.

"High Fashion Fuels Fine Fabric Detergent Demand in Germany and Italy", Euromonitor International, February 15, 2012