Carbonates in Japan saw a brief surge in demand after the end of the COVID-19 pandemic and during the record-breaking summer heat in 2023. However, rising prices led to competition from more cost-effective options, such as bottled water and barley tea. In particular, barley tea gained popularity dur...
The adjustment of the value-added tax (VAT) from 12% to 15% in April 2024 has introduced significant challenges for carbonates in Ecuador, particularly in the off-trade channel. Many carbonate products are priced in convenient, fractional amounts, such as 25 cents, 50 cents, or 1 dollar, making it d...
In 2024, Malaysia's government introduced the e-invoicing initiative, which is expected to have a significant impact on consumer credit, particularly in sectors like auto loans. Due to the phased in over the next year, the initiative requires businesses with annual revenues exceeding MYR100 million ...
Debit cards in Malaysia are expected to continue their upward trajectory in 2024, both in terms of the number of cards issued and transaction volumes. This growth is being fuelled by increasing consumer adoption of digital payments, alongside expanding merchant acceptance of card transactions. With ...
Malaysians demonstrate a clear preference for credit cards over charge cards, with the latter seeing relatively low demand by the end of the review period. This trend can be attributed to the limited number of issuers offering charge cards, which restricts their availability and hinders widespread a...
The number of financial cards in circulation in Malaysia is set to grow further in 2024, accompanied by an increase in transaction volumes. This is indicative of an ongoing shift toward a cashless society, fuelled by advancements in digital payment infrastructure and changing consumer preferences. Y...
The number of pre-paid cards in Malaysia continues to expand, fuelled by the country's push towards a more cashless economy. As part of the Malaysia Digital Economy Blueprint, the government is strongly promoting the adoption of digital payments to enhance efficiency and streamline financial transac...
Credit card usage in Malaysia is experiencing robust growth in 2024, with significant increases in both transaction volume and value. Economic factors, such as rising inflation and the higher cost of living, have driven more Malaysians to rely on credit cards to manage their day-to-day expenses. Add...
Coffee is set to see retail value sales increase in current terms in Malaysia in 2024, though retail volume sales are expected to fall during the year. Coffee bean prices surged as a result of the poor harvest in Vietnam due to extreme weather and hikes in transportation costs in Brazil. Indeed, suc...
Retail value sales of tea are set to grow in current terms in Malaysia in 2024, with retail volume sales also expected to rise during the year. The category's expansion is being supported by the prominent health and wellness trend and increasing awareness of health issues amongst adults, and particu...