rch has published its June analysis of Global Consumer indicators, which suggests mixed results, globally and by region.Consumer indicators in the US and Canada were good in part. Germany improved on most measures, while the UK, France, and Russia were mixed. Indicators in Mexico were also mixed, albeit soft, while indicators were mainly negative in Brazil.
While the US remains the single largest market for most of the restaurant, food, HPP, and beverage companies under Bernstein Researches's coverage, they are increasingly pinning their fortunes to international growth.
That food inflation is on the rebound in the US is very important for Ahold. A return of normal levels of food inflation (2%) matters both for investor sentiment and Ahold’s ability to manage the cost inflation.
Consumer sentiment in Germany also demonstrated improvement, though there is no rebound in sight yet for the nation, or for the other major European markets, France and the UK.
