Boston, MA -- (SBWIRE) -- 09/18/2013 -- Recently released economic data suggest that the slowdown in economic activity in Australia is becoming increasingly evident. We maintain our outlook for real GDP growth to come in at 2.1% in 2013. We believe the job market will remain in a dire shape, while households will continue to struggle. This will weigh on private consumption, in turn negatively affecting food and drink consumption growth. Retail sales also will very likely remain subdued. Even if economic conditions take a turn for the better, the shift of consumption habits towards private labels in Australia is likely to remain firmly entrenched over the coming years as a growing number of consumers acknowledge private labels as a very compelling alternative to proprietary branded goods.

Headline Industry Data (local currency)

- 2013 per capita food consumption = +1.2%; forecast to 2017 = +6.5%.
- 2013 soft drinks sales = +1.6%; forecast to 2017 = +12.1%.
- 2013 alcoholic drinks sales = +1.5%; forecast to 2017 = +11.2%.
- 2013 mass grocery retail sales = +2.6%; forecast to 2017 = +21.1%.

View Full Report Details and Table of Contents

Key Industry Trends And Developments

Improved Outlook Insufficient To Revive Exports: We have revised upward our estimates for Australia's wheat production in the 2013/14 season, after rain in May and June boosted crop prospects. We continue to see output rebounding strongly after 2012/13's dismal crop, reaching 25.3mn tonnes, up 14.6% year-on-year (y-o-y), compared with a previous estimate of 24.8mn tonnes. This compares with 25.4mn tonnes estimated last month by the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences and 25.5mn tonnes by the US Department of Agriculture.

ABH Puts Bottled Water Division On Auction Block: Australia-based bottled water manufacturer Australian Beverage Holdings (ABH) has put its bottled water division, Noble Beverages, on the auction block, reports Just Drinks, citing The Australian. ABH has reportedly hired local private equity firm Hawkesbridge Capital to manage the sale process. ABH, which acquired Noble Beverages in December 2004, expects to sell the division, which owns the Pureau water brand, for at least AUD12mn (US$11mn), according to the report.

Risks To Outlook

China could implement aggressive stimulus measures to support its weakening economy, which would in turn support Australian exports. While we maintain that any Chinese stimulus is likely to be smaller than the previous boost in 2008/2009, this remains a key risk and is something we will be watching closely.

About Fast Market Research
Fast Market Research is an online aggregator and distributor of market research and business information. Representing the world's top research publishers and analysts, we provide quick and easy access to the best competitive intelligence available. Our unbiased, expert staff will help you find the right research to fit your requirements and your budget. For more information about these or related research reports, please visit our website at http://www.fastmr.com or call us at 1.800.844.8156.

Browse all Food research reports at Fast Market Research

You may also be interested in these related reports:

- Ireland Food & Drink Report Q3 2013
- Taiwan Food & Drink Report 2013
- Croatia Food & Drink Report Q4 2013
- Argentina Food & Drink Report 2013
- Philippines Food & Drink Report 2013
- Kuwait Food & Drink Report Q3 2013
- Romania Food & Drink Report Q2 2013
- Brazil Food & Drink Report Q4 2013
- Vietnam Food & Drink Report Q3 2013
- Germany Food & Drink Report Q3 2013