Nielsen, the research firm, reported that FMCG sales in Europe rose by just 0.8% in value terms in the second quarter, the first time this figure has fallen below 1% since it starting publishing data in 2007. This marks a decline from totals of over 6% recorded in 2007 and 2008, 3.2% in 2009 and 2.5% in Q1 2010.

In all, 15 of the 21 countries assessed generated weaker growth in volume sales in Q2 than Q1. Nielsen expects this trend to continue until the European consumer is convinced that reco...
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