Western Europe

This report visually explores everyday habits and behaviours which reflect consumers' beliefs and values, linking behavioural trends with purchase and consumption habits.

Sales in cigars, cigarillos and smoking tobacco in Italy were supported by the positive performance of smoking tobacco in 2023. Indeed, smoking tobacco managed to achieve positive volume sales, as well as value sales, due to such products offering a…

Cigarettes in Italy continued to decline in volume terms in 2023, as the number of cigarette smokers diminish. At the same time, the rising tax on cigarettes is pushing up prices, supporting value sales but also acting as a deterrent to cigarette…

This report visually explores everyday habits and behaviours which reflect consumers' beliefs and values, linking behavioural trends with purchase and consumption habits. 

The briefing explores trends in the global structure amid rising economic and geopolitical uncertainty. As global economy evolves, countries and companies will need to find ways to diversify the supply of critical components. This will require…

Cookware experienced steady if unspectacular growth in 2023 due to the increasing trend of home cooking and dining. Although this trend has slowed since the end of the pandemic it still continued to fuel demand for high-quality cookware products as…

Amidst rising prices and living costs, Swiss consumers are prioritising essentials and in-home activities, leading to a slight uptick in demand for homewares sales in 2023. Known for enjoying socialising over meals and cherishing family time, they…

Homewares saw stable growth in current value terms in 2023, buoyed by several contributing factors. Italy’s expanding middle class and increasing urbanisation have led to a growing demand for homewares as more people seek to create comfortable and…

Wall covering saw significant growth in the Netherlands in 2023 in current value terms. Demand rose as many people continued to focus on making home improvements, with changing wall coverings seen to be an effective and affordable way to achieve…

Retail value sales of home improvement fell in 2023. Moreover, in Switzerland, fitted carpets have long been unpopular and considered cheap due to their association with nail strip installation. However, unlike the contraction experienced in the…

Home improvement in Italy experienced slower growth in current value terms in 2023 compared to the previous year. This downward trend was largely influenced by Italy’s popular 'Superbonus 110%' scheme, introduced in 2020, which offers homeowners a…

Bed textiles saw only moderate growth in current value terms in the Netherlands in 2023 despite an increasing emphasis on home comfort and relaxation, which has been driven by lifestyle shifts. During the pandemic individuals spent more time at home…

Barbecuing has become an integral part of Switzerland's outdoor leisure culture, particularly following the pandemic. With people spending more time outdoors, the popularity of barbecues surged in 2023 seeing growth. Whether by the lake or atop a…

Italians are passionate about outdoor cooking and grilling and enjoy using barbecues throughout all seasons. Despite seasonal fluctuations, the market peaks in spring, particularly around Easter, with summer close behind due to national holidays and…

The macroeconomic situation in the Netherlands was marked by a slowdown in growth, with GDP contracting over the first three quarters of 2023 which was met with declining consumer confidence. High inflation also had a substantial impact on disposable…

In 2023, the home and garden market in Switzerland experienced a slight decline as the country faced macroeconomic issues such as inflation, an economic slowdown, rising interest rates, and global conflicts, which collectively led to a cautious…

Home and garden saw slower growth in current value terms in 2023 compared to the previous two years, with this being driven by a combination of factors. Economic uncertainty and inflation played a significant role, leading to an increase in list…

Fertiliser experienced slower growth in current value terms in 2023. Despite the Netherlands' strong tradition of horticulture and gardening, with a significant portion of the population actively engaged in these activities, the demand for fertiliser…

In 2023, despite economic uncertainties, the gardening category experienced only marginal declines, reflecting a shift towards conservative consumer spending habits in Switzerland. The emphasis on home-centric lifestyles prompted increased interest…

Gardening in Italy saw a significant decline in sales in 2023 which was in part due to the erratic weather which was linked to the impact of climate change. The country experienced severe droughts followed by heavy rains, creating a challenging…