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In 2011, oral care sales bounced 15% after an almost analogical decline in 2010. As soon as consumer purchasing power stabilised, consumers restored their pre-crisis spending habits and returned to slightly more sophisticated oral care products once again. Oral care awareness among Latvians is increasing, and many people pay attention to preventing caries and other oral diseases rather than visiting dentists.

Traditionally, bleach was used for multiple purposes to clean bathroom and kitchen surfaces, to disinfect fruit and vegetables (by adding small amounts to water before washing them) and to remove stains of white clothes. Over the review period and due to the wider availability of specific products, consumers shifted to these options. However, this did not limit bleach's growth because this product is strongly positioned as an effective disinfectant which coupled with its affordable prices; make...

Domestic brands such as Gingersnaps, SM Kids and Bench Tweeners continued to gain popularity in 2011 due to their promptness in adapting the latest international fashion trends, while taking into consideration the local climate to ensure the wearability of their products. Furthermore, the affordability of these home-grown labels, in comparison to international brands, make it more appealing to purchase as children quickly outgrow their clothes.

The bath and shower category grew by 4% in current value terms in 2011 to reach C$911 million. This result compares favourably with the review period current value CAGR of 3%. In 2011, unit prices grew by an average of 3% indicating that a portion of the value growth was the result of price increases. Decreases in volumes (most subcategories of bath and shower registered negative or level volumes, with the exception of body wash/shower gel and liquid soap) were partly driven by current economic...

Since their country joined the eurozone, Slovakian consumers have driven increased demand for a wide range of now affordable products and services. However, while per capita disposable incomes have increased spending has been stifled somewhat by the belt-tightening caused by the recent economic downturn. Regardless, while consumer confidence has traditionally been low in Slovakia many consumers are now seeing a brighter future despite the travails of the eurozone crisis.

Greek consumers cut down on spending of many products, including accessories. Accessories are considered necessary products since they have the ability to transform a person's appearance and are cheaper than the overall apparel industry. However, the tough economic situation lead to double-digit decline for clothing accessories at the end of the review period.

This report is the result of Timetric's extensive market research covering the industrial construction industry in Argentina. It contains detailed historic and forecast market value data for the industrial construction industry, including a breakdown of the data by construction activity (new construction, repair and maintenance, refurbishment and demolition). 'Industrial Construction in Argentina to 2016: Market Databook' provides a top-level overview and detailed insight into the operating environment of the industrial construction industry in Argentina. It is an essential tool for companies active across the Argentine construction value chain and for new players considering to enter the market.

ICD Research's "The Belgian Defense Industry - Market Attractiveness and Emerging Opportunities to 2016: Market Profile" is an essential source of information covering the market attractiveness and emerging opportunities of the defense industry in Belgium

The Romania Insurance Report considers the prospects for both life and non-life insurers in that country. The latest data from the regulator and the insurers' trade association confirm that non-life premiums contracted quite sharply during 2011. The general problem was the overall softness of the economy. In particular, the slump in premiums for motor-related lines - both compulsory motorists' third-party liability (CMTPL) and voluntary motor (CASCO) insurance - has been much larger than the growth in other lines (such as fire and all risks insurance). The insurers have suffered from the downturn in the number of cars being sold and leased. Vienna Insurance Group (VIG), whose subsidiaries account for about 29% of the non-life segment, suffered operating losses in Romania in 2011: this was in part due to a surge in motor-related claims. VIG is in the process of merging two of its non-life subsidiaries. It has introduced a number of innovative products and services over the last year or so and is actively working to reduce costs. The limited information available as of May 2012, in relation to other insurance companies, suggests that fortunes last year were mixed.

Overseas keys: With imports dominating the market, performance for US firms was muted