Food & drink experience mixed results
Changing consumer habits, ongoing health concerns and economic pressure on core customers moderated results. Brands emphasized value, added healthier menu options, and remodeled locations.
Beer improved 36 percent, the greatest percentage brand value rise of all categories. Beer brands showed strength in most markets, particularly the BRICs.
Fast food increased 5 percent. Flat customer traffic in the US, along with economic pressure in Europe and slower growth in the BRICs, reduced the rate of increase from 15 percent a year ago.
Soft drinks rose 5 percent, following a rise of only 1 percent a year ago. The change in value reflects effective brand marketing and the ongoing popularity of energy and sports drinks. But because the category was redefined to be more inclusive this year, results are not completely comparable.
