SEA’s seafood market: Home of 22% of the world’s fisheries
Southeast Asia (SEA) is a remarkably diverse region, home to eleven distinct countries. This expansive region extends approximately 4,000 miles from its northwest corner to the southeastern tip. Thus, it covered a vast territory of around 5,000,000 square miles which comprised both land and sea. Notably, an extensive portion, approximately 65.28% or 3,264,000 square miles, […]
How country-of-origin effect shapes Chinese consumers’ preferences and perceptions in the luxury industry
While many industries are expanding globally, the origin of brands still matters. Brands from developed countries often have an advantage as they have a positive country-of-origin effect, which positively impacts consumers’ perception and purchase decisions. The 2022 Nation Brands Index measures countries’ global image, including the perceived attractiveness of their products. Through interviews with 60,000 […]
Chuseok unwrapped: A contemporary look at Korea’s Thanksgiving
Chuseok (추석), often known as Korea’s Thanksgiving, is one of the largest celebrations in South Korea. Families gather, express gratitude, and exchange gifts during this significant national holiday. While the festival occurs on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month annually, it is legally recognized as a three-day holiday, including a day before and […]
“Why young people don’t love eating snacks anymore?”: Trending hashtag on Chinese social media
Weilong (卫龙), one of China’s most popular snack brands known for its spicy noodles (辣条), is seeing a decrease of 3.5% in revenue for the first time in the past four years. Although as a snack manufacturer, Weilong mainly targets the younger generation of China, mostly under the age of 25 usually with lower purchasing power and […]
China’s yogurt market: a billion-dollar opportunity for brands
Despite most Chinese people’s lactose intolerance, consumption of yogurt in China is set to increase in the next years. As the demand for healthier choices continues to rise, the yogurt industry is undergoing significant innovation and transformation, presenting ample opportunities for brands to find themselves a spot in this expanding market segment. Download the full […]
“Why are fast fashion brands facing a wave of store closures?”: Trending hashtag on Chinese social media
International fast fashion retail giants such as H&M, Zara, and GAP are finding it difficult to keep up with the ever-changing preferences of Chinese consumers. For example, H&M alone has closed 119 physical stores in China from 479 in 2020 to 445 in 2021, during which the Xinjiang cotton controversy happened, to 360 in 2022. On Weibo, there have […]
The evolving landscape of gift-giving in South Korea
Gift-giving in South Korea helps build and maintain relationships. It is a common practice to exchange gifts during holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, home visits, and other occasions. This cultural tradition not only reflects the value placed on respect and reciprocity but also serves as a tangible expression of connections that are formed through the act of […]
“What are the possible drawbacks of pre-prepared meals?”: Trending hashtag on Chinese social media
In the past few years, many regions in China have adopted centralized kitchens for school meals. Catering companies are tasked to distribute meals to local schools. Concerns have arisen about the health implications of such pre-prepared meal, as parents are worried this could potentially be detrimental to students’ health in the long run. There has […]
Exploring alternatives: Moon Festival gifts beyond mooncakes
The Moon Festival, also known as the Mid-Autumn Festival, is one of China’s most cherished traditions. Celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth month in the lunar calendar, it revolves around the legend of Chang’e, the Moon Goddess, and her companion, the Jade Rabbit. Families reunite to admire the full moon, exchange gifts, and […]
Shifting demographics and safety regulations: China’s baby formula market at a crossroads
China’s baby formula market has faced several challenges over the past two decades, leading to a decline in consumer trust. One of the most significant incidents that rocked the industry occurred in 2008, when melamine was found in contaminated baby formula products. Because the toxin was identified in a Chinese brand, the situation scared families […]
South Korea’s seafood market: What will happen to Korea’s favorite foods after the Fukushima waste release?
South Korea ranks among the world’s largest seafood consumers, with seafood consumption per capita of 68.4 kilograms per person in 2020. In 2023, the revenue for South Korea’s seafood market is estimated to be USD 13.98 billion, with an expected annual growth of 4.2%. However, Japan’s controversial release of Fukushima radioactive water brought split opinions […]
From commuting to craze: China’s billion-dollar bicycle market
Since the introduction of the two-wheel pedal bicycle from France to China in 1868, bicycles have been establishing a significant presence within Chinese society. This enduring popularity of bicycles persists to this day. In 2022, the sales manager of Giant’s bicycle shop in Beijing said that the sales of bicycles increased by about 30%. This […]