ReleaseWire

Japan's telecommunications market is saturated , with above 100% mobile penetration and close to 94% of the mobile subscriptions on 3G or 4G services in 2013. The main driver of the saturated market is expected to be in the 4G and big data services, both of which are crucial to operators to help offset the loss of voice and SMS revenues to free messaging service LINE. According to data provided by the regulator the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC), LTE subscriptions grew at 119% in 2013, while 3G subscriptions show modest decline of 2.4% over the same period , s howing strong eviden ce that 4G services are starting to substitute for 3G subscriptions.

Sugar in South Africa is comprised largely of table top sugar, raw sugar and a very small percentage of honey and other sweeteners. Raw and unprocessed sugar is a basic commodity found in almost every South African home, office or institutional setting. Demand for sugar can be accurately assessed as having reached the maturity phase of its product lifecycle, at which point growth tends to stagnate. National consumption of sugar can be linked to demographic trends and population growth.

While the overall growth in volume of alcoholic drinks sales remained weak, value growth maintained positive momentum across most product categories in 2013. Continuing trends towards premium products and products perceived as of higher quality fed growth in value terms in both retail and foodservice. The trend has manifested itself in strong sales of craft beer versus largely flat demand for mainstream beer brands, as well as in the revival of categories like Canadian whisky.

Tourism flows outbound continued to rise in 2013 up 7%, an increase from the 6% growth experienced in 2012. This growth occurred despite a depreciation of the Australian dollar, which had the effect of making outbound travel more expensive. Those destinations that have driven this continued growth are those that continue to be affordable to Australian holidaymakers, whether because of the expansion of low cost carrier airlines (Singapore, Malaysia), because poor economic conditions at the destination have resulted in inexpensive travel packages (Greece, Italy) or because they are an inherently affordable destination regardless of the exchange rate (Cambodia).

The growth potential of fast food in 2013 was characterised by the intensifying competition, both directly and indirectly. On the one hand, players in other channels beefed up their fast food offers in order to satisfy ever-busy consumers avid for quick service. For instance, snacking alternatives from traditional bakeries and retail channels increased significantly, whilst a growing number of traditional full-service restaurants incorporated ?fast-serviced food? alternatives into their menus. About 75% of traditional full-service restaurants in France offered a hamburger item in 2013, generating about 31% of total burger sandwich sales and snatching potential sales away from the conventional burger fast food players. On the other hand, the direct competition from new fast food concepts ? such as bagels, hot dogs, fries, pancakes and kebabs ? positioned at economical prices also slowed down value growth in 2013.

Proper marketing is all about creative branding. Companies need to get their statements across impressively in the target consumer psyche. When it comes to settling a credible impression, excellent creativity is only imperative. Traffic NYC has been at the forefront of the marketing game in the city. The agency is a hotspot for creatives representing all segments of modern marketing from the print to the digital and TV media.

The Kuwaiti government's dominant role in the oil and gas sectors is still the main challenge to private investment, and by extension, greater efficiency in the sectors. Kuwait's overwhelming dependence on oil and natural gas exports, which consistently invites government intervention, has and will continue to create a less competitive investment climate within the country. The government has managed to make measured strides in increasing production , but without more private sector investment, BMI expects that Kuwait will miss its 2020 target of 4mn b/d. On the natural gas front, Kuwait's modest reserves will eventually see it decline in production. This, in turn, will render imports more valuable to its overall domestic energy basket.

In 2013, wine continued to register strong growth, rising by 13% in total volume terms. Increases in consumers? disposable incomes positively impacted sales of wine in 2013. European standards of alcohol consumption are developing in Kazakhstan. The consumption of wine, rather than spirits, is becoming the norm, especially on hot days. Demand for healthier alcoholic drinks (consumption of dry wine is increasing at a higher pace than sweet wine) is also developing in line with the trend towards wellness. As a result, the number of consumers of wine increased, with new customer groups beginning to purchase these products. An increase in the frequency of purchases was also noted, with all of these developments boosted by improving living standards in Kazakhstan.

This report is the result of Timetric's extensive market research covering the roofing products market in Poland. It contains detailed historic and forecast market value data for the roofing products market and its categories (clay roofing products, slate tiles and bitumen roofing felts), including data by domestic production, supply balance, existing stock, imports and exports. 'Roofing Products in Poland to 2018: Market Databook' provides an overview and insight into the operating environment of the roofing products industry in Poland. It is an essential tool for companies active across the Polish construction value chain and for new players who are considering entering the market.

Bottled water maintained its robust growth in 2013 based on an expanded consumer base and diversified product offerings. It was one of the most dynamic categories within the total soft drinks market and players were eager to capitalise on the booming demand. According to an article from chosun.com, the number of brands of bottled water exceeds 210 with varying degrees of prices, as there is no local regulation to control bottled water prices. Among the multitude of brands and choices, Jeju Samdasoo steadily maintained its leading position due to the high quality of the natural water source on Jeju Island that is impossible to imitate. The price of Jeju Samdasoo is slightly above the standard in bottled water due to its premium image and extra distribution costs from the island to the mainland. In 2013, the brand went through a change in its main distributor to Kwang Dong Pharmaceutical, as well as increased production capacity from May to resolve the undersupply issue during the peak summer months.

Colour Cosmetics in Japan by Mintel Market Sizes provides you with annual year-end market size data, most recently updated in 2014. This market covers eye, face, lip and nail colour cosmetics for women. It excludes nail varnish remover, medicated products including lip salves and cosmetics hardware such as false eye lashes and nails. Market value is based on sales through all retail channels including direct to consumer and selective outlets. Market size for Colour Cosmetics in Japan is given in JPY with a minimum of five years' historical data. Market Forecast is provided for five years. Included with this snapshot is socio-economic data for Japan. Population, Consumer Price Index (CPI), Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Exchange Rates.

Information regarding the size of Syria's annual defence budget is difficult to locate, since the country erupted into civil war in 2011. It is, however, possible to provide an accurate estimate of the size of the country's annual defence budget. For example, in 2014, we expect Syria's defence budget to reach USD3bn. For the remainder of the forecast period, up to and including 2018, we expect Syria to spend an average of USD4.9bn on defence. We predict Syria's defence spending to reach USD5.7bn by 2018.

This report is the result of Timetric's extensive market research covering the construction industry in Belgium. It contains detailed historic and forecast market value data for the construction industry, including a breakdown of the data by construction activity (new construction, repair and maintenance, refurbishment and demolition). "Construction in Belgium to 2018: Market Forecast" provides a top-level overview and detailed insight into the operating environment of the construction industry in Belgium. It is an essential tool for companies active across the Belgian construction value chain and for new players considering to enter the market.

This report is the result of Timetric's extensive market research covering the windows and doors market in Philippines. It contains detailed historic and forecast market value data for the windows and doors market and its categories (wooden windows & doors, plastic windows & doors, iron & steel windows & doors and aluminum windows & doors), including data by domestic production, supply balance, existing stock, imports and exports. 'Windows and Doors in Philippines to 2018: Market Databook' provides an overview and insight into the operating environment of the windows and doors industry in Philippines. It is an essential tool for companies active across the Philippine construction value chain and for new players who are considering entering the market.

South Africa's tepid economic growth, depreciating currency and current account deficit will limit the market potential over the next decade in real terms. Foreign investment is increasingly subdued and therefore catalysts for economic development are withdrawing. This will weigh on the pharmaceutical market's development.

The trend towards personal appearance, coupled with Portugal?s seaside location and declining disposable incomes, continued to benefit depilatories in 2013; primarily hair removers/bleaches and women?s razors and blades. The Portuguese population regularly goes to the beach for the day, and looks are an important factor in people?s lives; hence the success of such products. Interestingly, the effect of consumers? desire to maintain a youthful appearance was strong enough to withstand the opposing economic environment, which pushed Portuguese consumers to cut back on superfluous expenditure. The growing demand of Portuguese consumers for cheaper ways to maintain their beauty regimes led to a general movement away from the use of beauty salons for professional depilation techniques during the review period.

"Cigars and Cigarillos in the UK" is a new report by ERC that focuses on the extent to which UK Cigars and Cigarillos market has evolved in line with changing smoking habits, the competitive environment and economic developments, as well as analyzing the implications market realignments have had on top multinational companies.

The primary issue in Indian shipping continues to be the state of the nation's ports. Investment in the 12 major state-run facilities has not kept up with the demand engendered by rapid economic growth experienced in India over the past decade. This is leading to repeated issues of congestion in the ports, but investment is now starting to be made. However, this may be a case of too little, too late. Further, Indian ports' troubles have been compounded by a fall in demand in the eurozone, which has contributed to a fall in container throughput at many facilities in recent years . It is hoped that the projected return to growth in the currency bloc in 2014 will result in throughput growth returning to the major Indian ports.

The worsening of the Italian economy has led Italians to reduce their spending on non-essentials and only purchase products when absolutely necessary. This trend does not favour categories which offer more long-term benefits, such as vitamins and dietary supplements. Although more and more consumers became familiar with these products over the review period, many Italians started to forgo buying vitamins and dietary supplements as they could not justify spending on them. With the current economic situation, only a minority of Italians continued to purchase vitamins and dietary supplements in 2013. These consumers have a greater appreciation of innovations and more ad-hoc products targeted at the specific needs of various groups.

Germany will remain the biggest consumer and importer of oil in Western Europe for the next ten years. The country will also be the largest importer of natural gas. Largely due to this demand, the country has been unable to significantly deter Russia from its efforts to disrupt eas tern Ukraine, as its economy remains dependent on Russian supply.

2013 saw an influx of expatriates moving to the United Arab Emirates from Western European countries including France, Italy and Spain in search for better job prospects as well as Arab countries such as Egypt, Syria and Lebanon in search of political and economic stability. The fact that the United Arab Emirates is experiencing an economic boom and has seen the creation of a large number of jobs in recent months has made it a very attractive destination for these expatriates. This, coupled...

In 2014, BMI forecasts an 8.7% increase in vehicle sales on the back of an expected 15% uptick in the passenger car segment and 19.9% jump in commercial vehicle (CV) sales.

Footwear current value sales increased by 4% in 2013 and reached HuF118 billion. In volume terms, sales increased by 2%. Sales of women's footwear increased by 2% in volume terms, just like men's footwear, which rose by 3% and children's footwear by 3%.

Colour cosmetics saw an impressive performance in 2013, with a 12% increase in current value terms. The average Nigerian consumer of colour cosmetics is influenced by Western culture, and the rising trend of global producers using the internet and satellite TV to promote their brands helped to boost value sales in 2013. Again, the number of younger women and professional women who use colour cosmetics as a confidence booster and beauty regimen increased in 2013, orchestrated by a rise in disposable incomes amongst the middle-classes.

Beer in Slovakia stagnated throughout 2013 in terms of volume sales. Consumers were slowly shifting from beer to other types of alcoholic drinks or abandoning their consumption. Consumers switched from standardised economy and mid-range beer brands (offered by major manufacturers, sometimes referred to as "euro-beer") towards more sophisticated products such as artisanal beer brands, beer specialties, flavoured beer or non-alcoholic beer.