This morning’s program featured market reports on Brazil, France and Australia. The first presentation from Andre Carvalho from distributor Dellar focused on the dynamics affecting the growing consumer market in Brazil.
Among his key points are:
– Currency fluctuations create challenges for any supplier.
– The size of the country makes freight costs a factor in pricing.
– Housewares accounts for 1.8% of total consumption.
– Retail sales are forecasted to grow at a 10% in 2013.
– Web shopping sales will increase by 20% in 2013.
– Made in USA means quality to the Brazilian consumer.
– Brands are important to the emerging Brazilian consumer.
The next presenter was Pascal Glorieux of Glop Studio who addressed an overview of the French housewares retail market.
Key points made are:
– The sales trend in most categories is down due to the current economic situation in the EU.
– Hypermarkets represent 30.5% and are the largest seller of housewares.
– E-commerce was 45 billion Euros in 2012.
– A new sales website is launched every 30 minutes.
– But, 76% of consumers prefer to shop in stores
Following Mr. Glorieux, Ian Smith of Access USA, who traveled 30 hours to attend the meeting, brings the group up to date on the Australian housewares market. Mr. Smith invited each attendee to join the IHA’s Trade Mission to Australia taking place in November. Although the 2013 mission is sold out, IHA is planning another mission for 2014 for those on the 2013 waiting list and other who would like to learn more about the market.
After giving an update on Australian slang, Mr. Smith’s key points include:
– The retail market is made up of smaller retailers but is consolidating.
– Sydney and Melbourne are the key fashion and trend cities.
– But, the mining boom has made the west and Perth important as well.
– The retail market is very concentrated on the mass and department store end of the business.
– Nearly 100% of products from the US should be tariff free.
– And, his last and arguably most important point: “Fosters is not Australian for beer. There are better alternatives!”
Later this morning, the group will hear from retailers Home Sentry (Colombia) and Do it Center (Panama).
