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Although difficult economic conditions continued to discourage many Irish consumers from expensive dental visits, which can cost from EUR70 for a standard checkup, and to practice better dental hygiene, it also had the effect of encouraging consumers to purchase less expensive products which were perceived to be better value for money. Many of these products fell outside the scope of adult mouth care in consumer health such as mouthwashes, etc.

Whilst there has been nothing noteworthy occurring within South African bottled water in 2011, the category has shown some recovery in growth after the recent economic downturn. Consumers have slowly resumed their spending within the category.

RTD coffee increased in off-trade value by 3% and in off-trade volume by 6% during 2011 as value sales increased EUR14 million. The main factor behind this growth was the increasing scope of the distribution of RTD coffee, which stimulated growth in RTD coffee, although this growth was from a very low consumer base. In addition, there were some significant new product launches in RTD coffee during 2011, which served to increase the visibility to this products and led to higher consumer awareness...

Growth in constant value terms declined by 12% in 2011. Norwegians tend to prioritise alternative techniques for rest and relaxation before seeking advice from a doctor. The most sought-after remedies to resolve relaxation and sleeping problems are available on prescription.

"CEO Opinions on Buyer Spend Activity in the Global Construction Industry: Survey Brief" is a new report by Timetric that analyzes C-level executives responses to understand how buyer spend activity in the construction industry are set to change in 2012-2013. This report gives you access to the annual procurement budgets, planned change in procurement expenditure, procurement expenditure by products and services, expected changes in regional supplier prices. This report not only grants access to the opinions and strategies of business decision makers and competitors, but also examines their actions surrounding business priorities. The report also provides access to information categorized by company type and sizes.

2011 saw the emergence of BB (beauty balm) creams in the Irish market, with Laboratories Garnier launching the first blemish balm cream in the country - Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector daily all-in-one BB cream. It is available in 50ml size and comes in two shades, priced at EUR14.99. The product differs from BB creams in other markets in that whitening or brightening claims are not made, which is hardly surprising given the typically fair complexion of Irish people. The manufacturers have opted...

In 2011, retail sales of depilatories realised growth of 4% in current value terms to reach a total of C$199 million (compared to a CAGR during the review period of 7%). In terms of unit volumes, growth in 2011 was just 1%. As the growth in current value was somewhat greater than unit volume growth, this indicates that price increases drove the market in 2011. Product development and marketing (marketing support is strong for leading brands, particularly Venus from P&G and Schick from...

The skin care category in 2011 consisted mainly of facial care (77% of value sales), followed by body care (20%) and then hand care (3%). These ratios have remained relatively stable throughout the review period. The market grew by 5% in current value terms to reach a size of C$1,597 million, comparing favourably to the value CAGR of 5% during the review period. Growth during the review period however has been declining since 2005 (11%) to a low of 3% in 2009. The downturn in the economy...

Weight management saw a positive performance in 2011, driven by consumers' desire to lose weight in order to reach their goal of having an attractive, slim body, and also because the correct weight is increasingly associated with health and wellness in the long term. Moreover, consumer demand was supported by a wide offer of high-quality products, as manufacturers are required to meet the standards imposed by the relevant European law (Direttiva Europea 2002/46) for product quality and safety.