Asia Pacific

Embedded finance is a critical factor in improving the customer journey and driving transformation. Leading embedded finance partners enable non-financial clients to offer diversified financial products and services, with simplified integration,…

Although Kiribati enjoys political stability, a lack of business freedom has resulted in a poor ranking for economic freedom overall. Its narrow economic base prevents employment creation, resulting in high joblessness, whilst it is also highly…

Processed fruit and vegetables only recorded marginal retail volume growth in 2023, following a dip in 2022 due to rising unit prices, which saw consumers switching to fresh fruit and vegetables. The inevitable price hikes diminished the cost…

Retail demand for processed meat, seafood and alternatives to meat marginally increased in 2023, following a slight drop the previous year when demand was affected by high inflationary pressures from supply chain disruptions and geopolitical…

While retail demand for rice, pasta and noodles marginally increased as a whole in 2023, as consumers continued to cook more frequently at home amid the high cost of living pressures, growth patterns differed across the category. While retail volume…

Staple foods in Singapore continued to experience marginally higher average unit prices from the lingering effect of the inflationary wave in 2022. Climate change and geopolitical risks further impacted global food production and supply chains,…

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…

Despite a decline in the number of COVID-19 cases, demand for analgesics continued to grow in 2023. This was partly due to the revival of pre-pandemic behavioural patterns, including the cessation of mask wearing and social distancing, which meant…

The market for consumer health products in Thailand continued to enjoy healthy growth in current value terms in 2023. This was driven, to a large extent, by the revival of normal pre-pandemic patterns of behaviour, including the return of consumers…

Cough, cold and allergy (hay fever) remedies continued to enjoy healthy growth in current value terms in 2023. This was driven, to a large extent, by the revival of normal pre-pandemic patterns of behaviour, including the return of Thais to their…

Retail sales of dermatological products in Thailand experienced accelerated growth in current value terms in 2023, following the return of consumers to more active lifestyles outside the home. With this increased mobility came a greater risk of…

In 2023, Thailand witnessed a continued strong demand for dietary supplements, reflecting a heightened consumer interest in preventative health. While fears surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic had largely subsided, there remained a key focus on…

Digestive remedies saw healthy growth in current value terms in 2023. As in the previous year, the return of busier, pre-pandemic lifestyles outside the home helped to trigger demand. This was in marked contrast to 2020 and 2021, when measures…

The eye care market in Thailand experienced significant growth in current value terms in 2023, driven by various factors. One key contributor was a heightened awareness among consumers about the importance of maintaining good eye health, thanks to…

Herbal/traditional products are popular among Thai consumers, many of whom like to avoid products with synthetic ingredients and instead prefer those with natural elements, with the latter perceived to be safer, healthier, and, more importantly, to…

NRT smoking cessation aids remained one of the smallest categories within consumer health in Thailand in 2023. Consumers are only able to purchase these products from drugstores/parapharmacies or pharmacies, as they have to be dispensed by a…

Paediatric vitamins and dietary supplements remained the largest and most dynamic product area in current value terms in 2023, with parents remaining keen to protect their children’s health. As demand grew, so too did the variety of offerings, with…

Political instability is frequent and Kyrgyzstan fell into ‘mostly unfree’ for economic freedom ranking. Economic growth is forecast to be slower than peers and below the pre-pandemic levels. Population growth will add to consumer market appeal and a…

Macau, China benefits from political stability, but its ageing population could make increasing demands on government finances in the future. As the world’s largest gambling hub, Macau’s economy is heavily dependent on revenues from casinos, making…

Mongolia is a peaceful country, but with high levels of corruption and fragile governance. The economic growth should accelerate in 2023, supported by the vast mining sector, but the country’s dependence on this sector leaves it vulnerable.…