Global Lubricants Industry: A review of 2009
The global lubricants industry entered 2009 with significant negative momentum. The last quarter of 2008 was very bad in terms of sales growth, and worse was to come. In the first quarter of 2009, sales volumes dropped 20% to 40% depending on the end-use industry, product, and region. The second quarter was flat. Recovery seems to have started sometime in the third quarter of 2009 in Asia – particularly in China and India, as well as Indonesia and South America. In Europe, Germany and France seem to have weathered the recession quite well and are on the road to recovery. On the other hand, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Spain continue to struggle due to their own housing bubbles. The United States is recovering, but high unemployment will continue to be an enduring problem. More…
written by Milind Phadke, Industry Manager, Energy
Consumer Products Poised for a Rebound in 2010
No doubt 2009 will likely go on record as one of the toughest years in the world’s economic history, leveling a serious blow to the consumer products industry. Struggling with declining sales and profits, many retailers have shuttered doors or closed down completely. However, if history teaches us anything it is that “This too shall pass.” New U.S. GDP figures already show a promising 3.5% growth rate for the third quarter, and we’re seeing signs of a slow (and hopefully steady) recovery. As we look ahead to 2010 in this issue, we’ll examine the burning question: what can consumer product companies do to get a jump on the recovery and get ahead in the coming year? More…
What Will Happen to the Detergent Industry with the New Technologies on the Market?
Advanced Washer Technologies:
Although laundry care remains the leading product class with nearly half of total market sales during 2008, according to Kline’s Household Cleaning Products USA report, in the future it might be different. The science of cleaning our clothes has advanced rapidly in the last few decades, with new technologies entering the market, and the speed this market is developing laundry care may witness some changes in its leadership.Continue reading
Changing shape of the biocide industry
Water withdrawal and consumption is experiencing a time of change as a result of population increase, changing food consumption habits and climate change. Along with increased demand for meat products in countries which typically had a vegetable based diet, new industries such as biofuels are developing in response to need for reduction on reliance of fossil fuels. Increased meat consumption, requires greater livestock headcount and biofuels require growth of additional volumes of crops, such as wheat and maize – both trends adding to the squeeze on water supply.Continue reading
Polyphenols: Innovation booming
The subject of polyphenols when initially tackled by the industry several years ago used the French paradox as the marketing tool and focused by and large on grape seed and skin extracts, or red wine powder. However, science and innovation have created a thriving market segment now dominated by serious contenders for market share such as DSM and Seppic.Continue reading
Future Growth of OTC Market Linked Closely to Rx-to-OTC Switch Activity
The years 2008 and 2009 have posed considerable challenges for branded OTC marketers caused by global recession, price-conscious consumers, and strong competition from private labels. However, Rx-to-OTC switch remains a strong prospect for future growth of the industry.Continue reading
Total’s Acquisition of ExxonMobil’s Vietnam Lube Business – Brief Analysis.
TOTAL announced on October 1 that it has signed a deal to buy 100% of the shares in ExxonMobil Vietnam Holding Co. Ltd. for its lubricants and specialties business in Vietnam. The purchase includes a lubricant blending plant in the southern Vietnamese province of Dong Nai and Exxon’s base oil distribution network throughout the country. (source OEM/Lube News)Continue reading
Key Lesson #7 – As retailers pave the way into these markets, it will be easier for marketers to follow.
Around the world and especially in the BRICs, we are seeing leading retailers expand beyond their domestic markets. As retailers gain penetration, it will provide a means of entry for marketers of personal care products, especially in countries like India where independent kirana shops currently rule the roost.Continue reading
Dynamics of the Post Recession Period for the Chemicals Sector – Plus ça change, plus c’est la même chose…
At least, that’s what Jean-Baptiste Alphonse Karr thought in 1849. Last night I saw something that might suggest he was right but when I thought a little harder about it, well, I’m not so sure.
I was watching a TV broadcast about the celebration in Beijing of 60 years of communist government. It gave me a sense of déja vu as I watched the missiles and tanks parade through Tiananmen Square under the gaze of the key political figures of today’s China. It took me back to the early 60s, when, as a small boy, I would sit in front of our black & white valve TV as the BBC broadcast the Mayday parades from Red Square, Moscow. The ICBMs, the tanks, the politburo sternly arrayed on their balcony – how similar it all seemed. But then, how different China’s relationship is with the rest of the world, compared to the USSR of the 60’s.Continue reading
Key Lesson #6– Companies that adapt to local needs and preferences will be most successful.
The old adage, “Think global, act local” holds truer than ever. Yes, the BRICs are in many ways homogenizing with the rest of the world, and consumers in these markets are embracing Western products and concepts, but they each still have unique histories, cultures, and characteristics that must be understood and appreciated.Continue reading
