Western Europe

Technological advances in 2024 will continue to reshape consumer behaviour. This annual report explores the top five digital shopper trends that will redefine commerce the most in the year ahead. Some of the trends included in this report’s edition…

The health and wellness industry continues to grow in importance post-pandemic as consumers become more aware of the negative health impact of processed foods, seeking healthier foods and beverages from a range of claims such as natural, organic,…

The pandemic strengthened an already growing health and wellness trend within cooking ingredients and meals in Ireland. The HFSS (High Fat, Salt and Sugar) regulations, which were unveiled in December 2021 by the Advertising Standards Authority for…

Irish dairy products are perceived as offering exceptional quality across the world, with a high rate of exports among local products which strengthen the Irish dairy brand perception – Ireland has been classified as the EU’s leading exporter of…

Despite Ireland remaining loyal to its tea-drinking heritage, exemplified by positive performances for Barry’s Tea and Lyons in recent years, local consumers are following health and wellness trends and shifting towards fruit/herbal tea, as the…

The Irish health agenda, alongside post-pandemic health awareness behaviour, has drastically changed snack purchasing habits among local consumers. In December 2021, the new HFSS (High Fat, Salt and Sugar) rules were unveiled by the Advertising…

Functionality has been the defining trend within soft drinks in 2022, with products being fortified with ingredients such as vitamins and zinc. Post-pandemic trends have led consumers to look for improved nutrition to support their immune system and…

According to the Health Service Executive (HSE), only 13% of Irish children fulfil the national physical activity recommendations, with at least one in five children being overweight or obese. Due to increasing concerns surrounding the topic, the…

Iceland benefits from its low levels of corruption, political stability and economic freedom. The economy is set for a strong performance, leans heavily on sectors like tourism and fishing, alongside a stable currency and progressive tax incentives…

Industry stakeholders are increasingly debating between sustainability and technology leadership strategies in the appliances market. As margins continue to shrink, leadership in either category is critical to maintain continued competitiveness. In…

Rapid population expansion in the Netherlands in 2021-2040 will be mainly driven by positive net migration rates. Ageing will remain a key trend, influenced by climbing longevity and low fertility rates, as older groups swell. Urbanisation will…

Liechtenstein showcases governmental stability, minimal corruption, and high economic freedom. Its robust financial sector and swift adaptation to remote work fuel its economy, potentially outpacing peers. However, an aging population may strain…

A lack of corruption, government stability, and high levels of economic freedom characterise Luxembourg. Strength in financial services and adaption to remote working has served the economy well, which could outperform peers going forward.…

Malta is mostly free, helping businesses to flourish, but corruption is relatively widespread compared to regional peers. Foreign investors flock to the island, eager to participate in the financial services sector, but dependence on tourism and…

Although Monaco enjoys political stability, questions remain over transparency in financial services. Given that tourism is a significant revenue earner, Monaco’s economy experienced a severe recession stemming from the Coronavirus (COVID-19)…

Retail sales recorded a clear demand spike in 2020 due to COVID-19 and its restrictions, which decimated the foodservice performance. Recovery in the latter channel and a gradual return to greater normality negatively affected retail sales in 2021.…

The so-called “traffic-light” coalition is attempting to revolutionise Germany’s drug policy. The current plan to legalise cannabis is, however, a rather cautious approach to that. Yet, the debate has shown how much cannabis is already part of many…

This report analyses the market for cannabis in the Netherlands. For the purposes of the study, the market has been defined as follows:

Switzerland further benefits from a population with a high disposable income despite the Swiss economy being set to grow at a significantly below-average rate throughout 2023. Inflation is expected to be 2.3 % in 2023. The dampening effects of…

Global growth is set to slow in 2024 as a result of high cost pressures for businesses and consumers, especially high interest rates. Asia Pacific will continue to stand out as the main global growth region while advanced economies decelerate.…