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...
The carbonates landscape in Sweden experienced single-digit positive retail volume growth in 2024, recovering from a slightly negative performance in 2023. The weaker performance in 2023 was largely due to high inflation, which led Swedish consumers to reduce their spending, coupled with poor summer...
In 2024, pre-paid cards in Mexico is set to experience a strong positive performance, largely thanks to government initiatives. Transportation pre-paid cards have in a presidential election year been a way to keep citizens in favour of a certain political party. Thus, in this year the government of ...
In Mexico, 2023 was a year in which debit cards saw an increase in the number of debit cards in circulation, and double-digit growth in volume and current value transactions, and this is set to continue in 2024, driven by the dynamism of the category and a stable economy. A low unemployment rate in ...
Charge cards, predominantly represented by American Express, is set to maintain a favourable performance in Mexico in 2024, evident across both commercial and personal charge cards, due to a healthy economy. With low unemployment rates and an increase in the minimum wage, Mexicans find in charge car...
2023 and 2024 have seen greater economic stability in Mexico, driven by low unemployment rates and a favourable exchange rate against the US dollar, which has represented an opportunity for department stores to capitalise on customers willing to spend more. An example is El Palacio de Hierro, a luxu...
During 2024, the economic outlook in Mexico has been impacted by inflationary and political factors, while the low unemployment rate, higher salaries, and the active performance of the banking sector have attracted a greater number of customers, moving towards the goal of financial inclusion. The em...
Consumer credit is anticipated to maintain its upward trajectory in 2024, with the expectation of solid value growth in both gross lending and the outstanding balance in a favourable macroeconomic environment. Mexico is a highly attractive country for the entry of fintech companies. This is first, d...
While the unemployment rate is low in Mexico, and 2024 has begun to see a favourable exchange rate against the US dollar, many Mexicans are concerned about the state of the economy. Inflation rates have declined from the heights of 2022, but they remain high by recent historical standards, while the...