Asia Pacific

Malaysia’s economic freedom is ‘moderately free’ and the state is addressing corruption. However, the new government has yet to prove its democratic credentials. The economy grew extremely strongly in 2022 and, although output expansion is expected…

Recent policies are eroding democracy and corruption is rife, although economic freedom has improved in the short term. The economy has proven to be resilient, helped by higher exports, whilst inflation is moderating and the prospects for foreign…

South Korea has witnessed population decline over the recent years, as number of childless households continue to increase. Generation X, aged 60-75 in 2040, will continue to hold its position as the most influential consumer segment. Older cohorts…

The digitalisation and expansion of high-tech industries in South Korea are poised to fuel consumer growth, surpassing the regional average. The rise of a burgeoning middle class and an expanding affluent consumer segment will serve as pillars for…

Sales of consumer electronics were negatively impacted as consumers cut down on discretionary purchases as prices of electronics products escalated despite the economic uncertainties.

South Korea is expected to experience a moderate increase in the number of households over 2022-2027, with single-person households continuing to dominate. In 2022, household spending was impacted by a 5.1% inflation rate, leading to higher living…

Ulsan and Cheongju stand out as South Korea's most economically vibrant cities in South Korea. Cheongju is recognised as having the greatest potential for future economic expansion. Nevertheless, these cities will face ongoing challenges. In the…

Consumer Types can be a powerful tool to help companies better understand and appeal to their target markets. By going beyond typical demographic-based segmentation, such as age or gender, and grouping consumers based on shared traits and…

The Asian consumer is changing. Traditional values that served the collective in terms of both society and the family are on the wane, with COVID-19 lockdowns accelerating a new focus on individualism and the self. This report explores how Asian…

Flexible plastic continued to account for the vast majority of the packaging unit volumes used in the home care industry in the Philippines in 2022. Flexible plastic also saw strong growth in 2022 as the country experienced a rise in inflation in…

Prior to the pandemic, volume sales of home care products in Malaysia had been growing due to rapid urbanisation and an increased awareness of the need to maintain a hygienic living environment. The pandemic accelerated growth in the category in 2020…

The continued share gains being made by plastic pouches in home care packaging in Japan can be attributed to this pack type being lightweight and easy to handle, making them a popular choice for home care products such as laundry detergents and…

The retail packaging unit volumes of floor cleaners recorded positive growth in 2022. This can be attributed not only to the fact that Indonesians are prioritising cleanliness and maintaining a tidy living environment, but also to the increased time…

Global consumers are struggling with the cost of living crisis, as inflation remains high while household income growth lags. Consumers are adopting recessionary habits, such as trading down and being more selective in their spending. Rather than…

One of the top brands in surface care – Cif by Unilever – with a value share of around 20% in this category in 2022, has been using innovative packaging and formulations to attract consumers. For example, it launched spray bottles that are refillable…

In 2022, plastic pouches used for packaging liquid detergents dominated the market in terms of retail unit volume sales. This was due to their cost-effectiveness compared to traditional rigid packaging like bottles, which helped manufacturers save on…

In spite of the slight growth spikes seen in home care packaging in 2020 and 2021 as a result of home seclusion and heightened health awareness due to the COVID-19 virus, this industry’s unit volumes continued to grow in 2022. Growth was slightly…

In 2022, Vietnam's business environment enjoyed a large working-age population and political stability. Vietnam is emerging as a tech and electronics export hub, with machinery and electronics accounting for a significant portion of its GDP. However,…

Singapore continues to lead in terms of economic freedoms globally, offering major opportunities for businesses. Its favourable regulations, investment incentives, high innovation capacity, skilled workforce and high productivity offer a solid base…

In 2022, the Philippines struggled with monetary freedom and judicial effectiveness, and has seen a decline in its tax burden ranking. However, the country’s flexible business regulations, convenient location and financial sector improvements have…