CIAA Economic Bulletin - Issue 2   Printer friendly version

At a glance: The economic performance of the EU food and drink industry during the first quarter of 2010, in the context of overall industrial production in the EU.

* Due to irregular availability of official trade data, imports and exports represent the evolution within Q4 of 2009 year-on-year.

SUMMARY
  • Q1 highlights: Surge in industrial production; fall in retail trade and consumption
  • EU food and drink industry output recovers growth in Q1 of 2010
  • Food producer prices regain mild growth in Q1 of 2010 after 18-month decline
  • Employment in the EU food and drink sector falls in Q1 of 2010 amid depressing economic climate
  • Trade: Imports plummet while exports remain constant during Q4 of 2009 (year-on-year)
 
OTHER TOPICS
  • Evolution of agricultural raw material prices during Q1 of 2010
  • Gas and electricity prices plummet for industrial consumers
  • Imported food prices rise due to relative decline of the Euro
  • Trade partner profile: MERCOSUR

 

Q1 highlights: Surge in industrial production; fall in retail trade and consumption

Industrial production increase by 1.9% during the first 3 months of 2010 both in EU 27 and the euro area. This was due to the resurgence of industrial orders during the last quarter of 2009.

Industrial orders aggregated at EU level were stable during Q1 of 2010, providing good prospects for an increase in industrial output during Q2 of 2010.

Source: Eurostat

 

Decline in retail trade volumes during Q1 of 2010 in EU 27. Some retailers are counting on branded goods to boost consumption by offering more choice to consumers. Others are increasing their product offering of Private Labels (own brands) expecting higher returns from this category. In some cases, Private Labels can account for an average of up to 40% of the market share, with a much larger share for fresh meats (on average up to 70%).

Source: Eurostat, Planet Retail

 

Few EU countries experience a sudden decline in consumption during Q1 of 2010. Their positive performance during the last quarter of 2009 took a new turn during the first quarter of this year since both food output and food consumption decreased. The lowest figures came from Romania, Greece and the Czech Republic for the second month of the year (February). In these countries, the entire Fast Moving Consumer Goods sector (FMCG) followed a downward trend during the first trimester of 2010.

Source: Eurostat

 

 
CIAA
Confédération des industries Agro-Alimentaires de l'UE - Confederation of the food and drink industries of the EU

CIAA represents the European food and drink industry - the leading industrial sector and major EU employer and exporter. CIAA's role is to represent the food and drink industries' interests, at the level of both European and international institutions. Membership of CIAA is made up of 26 national federations, including 3 observers, 26 European sector associations and 20 major food and drink companies.

For further information, please contact:
Lisa McCooey, CIAA Communications Director
Tel: + 32 2 508 10 28
[email protected]