What does it take to successfully launch a new product in Germany? Investigating some common perceptions that German consumers do not like innovations and are only concerned about price, that the retail landscape does not support new innovations, or that keeping an innovation alive is more difficult in Germany than in other established markets, Nielsen reveals the key factors for success with new product innovation at the Consumer 360 conference in Frankfurt, Germany.

Nielsen has joined other global companies in Hunger Action Month, an awareness and action campaign led by Feeding America.

While the majority of consumers around the world (83%) say that it is important that companies implement programs to improve the environment, only 22 percent say they will pay more for an eco-friendly product.

In Southeast Asia, recent Nielsen research indicates that consumers are highly influenced by online advertising, much higher than the global average.

Global concern about climate change has taken a back-seat to other environmental issues such as air and water pollution, water shortages, packaging waste and use of pesticides, according to a new Nielsen report.

Ramadan, the month-long period where Muslims pray and engage in reflection, started August 1st, and in Indonesia – the world’s largest Muslim country – a majority of consumers will abstain from eating during the day. But that hardly means Indonesians will spend less on food and beverages; in fact, Nielsen research shows that households actually spend more during the festive season. After sundown, families and friends gather to break the fast at Iftar time, the traditional eating of three dates or sweet snacks and then celebrate with joyous banquets and dinners.

As inflationary concerns continue to mount across Asia Pacific, more shoppers are turning to promotional offers for some respite from the rising prices of fast-moving consumer goods (FMCGs), according to a Nielsen study on shopper trends. Shoppers in Vietnam and Malaysia were particularly motivated by promotions, followed by shoppers in China.

The Cricket World Cup (CWC) was held this past spring, and much like the Super Bowl in the U.S., it is a must-do event for global advertisers. In addition to its popularity in England, cricket is popular in many parts of Caribbean, Australia and New Zealand, South Africa, India and Pakistan. It draws sponsors from a range of multinational and local companies, from the auto industry to fast moving consumer goods. And for good reason: it is estimated that 1 billion people in 180 territories tuned in to the tournament …

It is undoubtedly a challenging time for Australia’s grocers. Consumer confidence is down due largely to concerns about the economy and rising food prices and utility bills. As a result, shoppers are tightening their belts and looking for ways to make their dollars go further.

Increasing utility bills and rising costs are driving Russian shoppers to watch their grocery budgets more than ever. Fast-moving consumer goods retailers and manufacturers need to recalibrate strategies to adjust to a more price-conscious consumer.