Newly appointed CEO of Australian retail giant, Woolworths Limited, Grant O’Brien today warned of subdued Christmas trading in Australia this year. Addressing shareholders at Woolworths’ Annual General Meeting in Sydney, Mr O’Brien said he believes trading in Australia will “remain subdued – most probably through to the next financial year”. His warning comes days after market research organisation, IBISWorld, forecasted a flat Christmas for food retailers in Australia. Mr O’Brien... ...Read more »

Market research organisation IBISWorld has predicted that A$9.8 billion will be spent on food in Australia this Christmas – a timid 3.4 per cent increase spending in 2010. According to IBISWorld, with annual inflation of around 3.3 per cent in Australia, this means that most food retailers will simply be treading water. IBISWorld General Manager (Australia), Ms Karen Dobie said that in 2011, Australian shoppers have been savvy, seeking out the best value for money, the best range and the best... ...Read more »

Research published today by market research organisation, IBISWorld, predicts that Australians will spend A$25.4 Billion on alcoholic beverages in 2011-12. According to the research, Australians are increasingly choosing premium alcoholic drinks over traditional beers. The report predicts that alcohol spending in Australia will increase by 15.3% over the next five years, reaching A$29.3 Billion in 2016/17. IBISWorld General Manager (Australia) Karen Dobie said that while Australia’s alcohol consumption... ...Read more »

As Woolworth’s foray into the hardware sector draws nearer, and US giant Costco’s second Australian store approaches, new battle lines are being drawn across the big box retailing sector, with business information analysts IBISWorld predicting we will have more than 300 retail superstores by 2015, generating $24 billion a year. The new generation of retail superstores span hardware, homewares, groceries, cosmetics, automotive goods, apparel and more, and with Woolworths’ big box... ...Read more »

With the new financial year upon us, business information research and analysis group IBISWorld has compiled its annual list of Australian industries set to fly and fall in the next 12 months. According to IBISWorld, organic farming will be the biggest winner in 2010-2011 as Australians consider the health benefits and environmental impacts of their food choices.Whereas most of the world’s developed nations remain bogged down by the fallout from the ongoing global financial crisis, Australia’s... ...Read more »

While Australian’s are spoilt for choice when it comes to the abundance of quality local produce available at our supermarkets and specialty stores, figures from business information analysts IBISWorld reveal that in some fresh and processed food sectors we are increasingly selecting imports over those home grown.In 2010, IBISWorld is estimating a significant 30% of our total seafood consumption will be made up of imports – equating to close to $1.05 billion in dollar terms, and 20.4%... ...Read more »

The possibility of conservative festive season spending will not have an impact on the food industry, according to market researchers IBISWorld, with supermarkets expected to be among the biggest winners. IBISWorld (Australia) General Manager, Robert Bryant, said his firm has forecast total retail spending during the month of December to reach $20.5 billion – softer growth of 5% when compared to Christmas sales of the past two years. “Christmas 2007 was perhaps the best performing period... ...Read more »

Supermarkets are likely to buoy the advertising industry in the year ahead, according to a new industry report released yesterday. Advertising from supermarkets in Australia is expected to soar a further 13.8% in the 2009/10 financial year to $774 million amid a stagnant advertising market, according to IBISWorld. ”The relatively recession-proof grocery and supermarket sector are buoying the advertising industry somewhat, as people eating out less translates into more entertaining and eating... ...Read more »