Rabobank Outlook for Global Beverage Industry - "Best of Times, Worst of Times"

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Feb 13, 2012, 11:20 ET

NEW YORK, Feb. 13, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- A new report from Rabobank's global Food & Agribusiness Research and Advisory department provides an overview of the five key megatrends which will shape the outlook for the global beverage industry in 2012, and highlights issues which are making this both the "best of times" and "worst of times" for industry players.

Rabobank's report says that industry consolidation will be driven by the five megatrends:

Volatility
Emerging market demand
Bifurcation of value
Convergence in distribution
Sustainable sourcing

Rabobank says that growth expectations contrast sharply across product segments and global regions, and explores the data which shows that developing markets such as India are seeing dramatic growth in spirits.

Another major element discussed in the report is the emergence of new global players in the convergence between soft drinks and beer.

Equally significant, Rabobank looks at how tighter global wine inventories and weaker currencies in Europe and North America are bringing shifts in competitive sourcing.

Rabobank concludes, "Beverage companies that have the vision and resources to take advantage of the five key megatrends are likely to see brighter days ahead in 2012."

Rabobank is a global financial services leader providing wholesale and retail banking for the food and agricultural industry, asset and investment management, leasing, real estate services, and renewable energy project financing. Founded over a century ago, Rabobank today is one of the largest and safest banks in the world, with more than $850 billion in assets and operations in over 40 countries. In North America, Rabobank is a premier financial services provider to the corporate food, beverage, agriculture and agribusiness industries. www.Rabobank.com

SOURCE Rabobank