"Czech Republic Food & Drink Report Q2 2013" now Available at Fast Market Research

New Food research report from Business Monitor International is now available from Fast Market Research

by Bill Thompson

(WireNews+Co) - Boston, MA - 13 March 2013

Although we expect the Czech economy to return to mild 0.5% real growth in 2013 following an estimated 1.2% contraction in 2012, the government's continued commitment to fiscal austerity will preclude a rebound in government and household consumption until 2014. In this context, the Czech consumer outlook continues to remain extremely challenging.

Headline Industry Data

- 2013 per capita food consumption (local currency) = -0.4%; forecast to 2017 = +7.7%
- 2013 beer volume sales = 0.0%; forecast to 2017 = +0.11%
- 2013 confectionery volume sales = +2.6%; forecast to 2017 = +16.6%
- 2013 mass grocery retail sales (local currency) = -2.8%; forecast to 2017 = +26.8%

Key Company Trends

Raisio Acquires Czech Candy Plus: At the end of 2012, Finnish food and ingredients group Raisio announced the acquisition of Czech confectionery manufacturer Candy Plus for EUR20.5mn (US $26mn). Officials said the acquisition will provide Raisio with a trading platform in the region, as well as maximise synergies in its confectionery operations.

View Full Report Details and Table of Contents (http://www.fastmr.com/prod/552288_czech_republic_food_drink_report_q2_2013.aspx?afid=201) (http://www.fastmr.com/prod/552288_czech_republic_food_drink_report_q2_2013.aspx?afid=201)

Budvar Talks Over Brand Name Collapse: At the end of 2012, Czech brewer Budejovicky Budvar stated that settlement talks in the long and ongoing dispute over exclusive rights to the brand name had collapsed. According to Budvar director general Jiri Bocek the company has rejected a proposal for a global settlement by AB InBev, which in turn refused a counteroffer. Boeck said that negotiations on these proposals were over. One of the issues, according to Boeck, is that AB Inbev is not satisfied with sharing the brand name.

Key Risks To Outlook

Debt Crisis: A more pronounced slowdown in eurozone economic growth - in particular in Germany - would have a negative effect on the Czech Republic's economic growth trajectory. Owing to the high degree of trade integration with Germany, the Czech Republic's economic recovery remains highly dependent on external demand remaining relatively receptive to Czech exports.

Political Uncertainty: Intensified political ructions within the ruling coalition and growing public dissatisfaction with the administration could work to topple the government and undermine the fiscal austerity drive more than we are currently factoring in.

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