#consumer-demand
India’s GDP growth quickens to 8.2% in Q2 on strong demand and pre-festival production
India’s economy recorded a faster pace of expansion in the July–September quarter, with official data showing that gross domestic product rose 8.2% year-on-year. The acceleration reflects a combination of stronger consumer demand, a revival in manufacturing activity, and accelerated production schedules ahead of India’s major festive season. Economists had widely expected the quarter to deliver robust growth, but the latest figure surpassed the projected 7.3% expansion for the period, e
India’s GDP growth quickens to 8.2% in Q2 on strong demand and pre-festival production
India’s economy recorded a faster pace of expansion in the July–September quarter, with official data showing that gross domestic product rose 8.2% year-on-year. The acceleration reflects a combination of stronger consumer demand, a revival in manufacturing activity, and accelerated production schedules ahead of India’s major festive season. Economists had widely expected the quarter to deliver robust growth, but the latest figure surpassed the projected 7.3% expansion for the period, e
How Will the Ukraine War End? Two Possible Futures After the Trump-Putin Summit
Summary The Trump-Putin summit in Alaska ended without solving the Ukraine war. Two possible outcomes have emerged: Ukraine could become a smaller but sovereign nation with Western protection, or it could lose both land and indepen
How Will the Ukraine War End? Two Possible Futures After the Trump-Putin Summit
Summary The Trump-Putin summit in Alaska ended without solving the Ukraine war. Two possible outcomes have emerged: Ukraine could become a smaller but sovereign nation with Western protection, or it could lose both land and indepen
Multiple tomato brands pulled from shelves across U.S.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a significant recall of tomatoes across 14 states due to potential salmonella contamination. This recall involves products from two separate companies: Ray & Mascari Inc. and Williams Farms Repack LLC. Ray & Mascari Inc., based in Indiana, has recalled its 4-count Vine Ripe Tomatoes packaged in plastic clamshell containers. These tomatoes were distributed through Gordon Food Service Stores in the following states
Multiple tomato brands pulled from shelves across U.S.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a significant recall of tomatoes across 14 states due to potential salmonella contamination. This recall involves products from two separate companies: Ray & Mascari Inc. and Williams Farms Repack LLC. Ray & Mascari Inc., based in Indiana, has recalled its 4-count Vine Ripe Tomatoes packaged in plastic clamshell containers. These tomatoes were distributed through Gordon Food Service Stores in the following states
Tariffs Drive Shoppers to Secondhand Stores as Clothing Prices Soar
The imposition of steep tariffs on Chinese imports has triggered a noticeable change in consumer habits, particularly in the apparel sector. With the cost of imported clothing climbing, more consumers are now turning to secondhand and consignment shops for affordable and sustainable alternatives. As new clothing becomes less accessible due to price hikes, the secondhand retail market is benefiting from increased foot traffic and a surge in supply. Brittany Burton, co-owner of a co
Tariffs Drive Shoppers to Secondhand Stores as Clothing Prices Soar
The imposition of steep tariffs on Chinese imports has triggered a noticeable change in consumer habits, particularly in the apparel sector. With the cost of imported clothing climbing, more consumers are now turning to secondhand and consignment shops for affordable and sustainable alternatives. As new clothing becomes less accessible due to price hikes, the secondhand retail market is benefiting from increased foot traffic and a surge in supply. Brittany Burton, co-owner of a co
India’s Organic Food Exports Surge 35% to $665.96 Million in FY2024-25
India's organic food exports have witnessed a significant surge, registering a 35% increase to reach $665.96 million (approximately ₹5,700 crore) in the financial year ending March 31, 2025. This growth underscores the rising global demand for Indian organic products and the country's expanding footprint in the organic food sector. In terms of volume, exports grew by 41%, totaling 0.37 million tonnes in 2024-25, up from 0.26 million tonnes in the previous fiscal year. The
India’s Organic Food Exports Surge 35% to $665.96 Million in FY2024-25
India's organic food exports have witnessed a significant surge, registering a 35% increase to reach $665.96 million (approximately ₹5,700 crore) in the financial year ending March 31, 2025. This growth underscores the rising global demand for Indian organic products and the country's expanding footprint in the organic food sector. In terms of volume, exports grew by 41%, totaling 0.37 million tonnes in 2024-25, up from 0.26 million tonnes in the previous fiscal year. The
Modere Shuts Down After 23 Years: Health and Wellness Brand Bids Farewell to Loyal Customers
After over two decades in the health and wellness industry, Modere has officially announced it is closing its operations. The direct-to-consumer brand, which once had a significant presence in markets across North America, Europe, Asia, and Oceania, shared a heartfelt farewell with its community, expressing gratitude for the support and loyalty of its customer base throughout the years. Founded 23 years ago, Modere built its identity around offering clean-label
Modere Shuts Down After 23 Years: Health and Wellness Brand Bids Farewell to Loyal Customers
After over two decades in the health and wellness industry, Modere has officially announced it is closing its operations. The direct-to-consumer brand, which once had a significant presence in markets across North America, Europe, Asia, and Oceania, shared a heartfelt farewell with its community, expressing gratitude for the support and loyalty of its customer base throughout the years. Founded 23 years ago, Modere built its identity around offering clean-label
U.S. Consumer Spending on Travel Drops in 2025 Amid Economic Uncertainty
In the early months of 2025, U.S. consumer spending on air travel, hotels, and restaurants saw a notable decline, signaling a shift in spending habits amid economic uncertainty. According to data from Bloomberg Second Measure, U.S. consumer spending on air travel dropped by 10% in February 2025, while spending on hotels decreased by 6%, compared to the same time last year. In addition, restaurant spending saw a 3.5% decrease, further highlighting
U.S. Consumer Spending on Travel Drops in 2025 Amid Economic Uncertainty
In the early months of 2025, U.S. consumer spending on air travel, hotels, and restaurants saw a notable decline, signaling a shift in spending habits amid economic uncertainty. According to data from Bloomberg Second Measure, U.S. consumer spending on air travel dropped by 10% in February 2025, while spending on hotels decreased by 6%, compared to the same time last year. In addition, restaurant spending saw a 3.5% decrease, further highlighting
Stock Market Tumbles as Inflation, AI Uncertainty, and Consumer Worries Weigh on Investors
The stock market suffered a sharp sell-off on Friday as fears over inflation, declining consumer confidence, and doubts about artificial intelligence investments combined to push major indexes lower. The S&P 500 dropped 2%, making it the second-worst trading day of 2025 for the broad-based index, while the Nasdaq Composite tumbled 2.7%, breaching its lowest point for the year. The Dow Jones Industrial Average also slumped, losing 1.7% as investors reacted to concerning economic signals.
Stock Market Tumbles as Inflation, AI Uncertainty, and Consumer Worries Weigh on Investors
The stock market suffered a sharp sell-off on Friday as fears over inflation, declining consumer confidence, and doubts about artificial intelligence investments combined to push major indexes lower. The S&P 500 dropped 2%, making it the second-worst trading day of 2025 for the broad-based index, while the Nasdaq Composite tumbled 2.7%, breaching its lowest point for the year. The Dow Jones Industrial Average also slumped, losing 1.7% as investors reacted to concerning economic signals.
RBI Bulletin: Union Budget 2025 Tax Cuts to Boost Household Spending and Economic Growth
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), in its latest bulletin released on February 19, stated that the tax cuts in the Union Budget 2025, along with moderating inflation, are expected to provide financial relief to the middle class and boost overall household spending. This announcement comes after the February Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting, where the newly appointed RBI Governor, Sanjay Malhotra, emphasized the positive economic impact of the tax relief measur
RBI Bulletin: Union Budget 2025 Tax Cuts to Boost Household Spending and Economic Growth
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), in its latest bulletin released on February 19, stated that the tax cuts in the Union Budget 2025, along with moderating inflation, are expected to provide financial relief to the middle class and boost overall household spending. This announcement comes after the February Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting, where the newly appointed RBI Governor, Sanjay Malhotra, emphasized the positive economic impact of the tax relief measur
China Expands Trade-In Program to Boost Consumer Spending
Expansion of China's Trade-In Scheme China is extending its consumer trade-in program, originally launched in March 2024, to help stimulate demand in the struggling household sector. The scheme now includes additional home appliances such as microwave ovens, dishwashers, and rice cookers. In an effort to boost the digital goods market, subsidies are also being offered for products like smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches. Consumers who trade in old products can receive subsidies
China Expands Trade-In Program to Boost Consumer Spending
Expansion of China's Trade-In Scheme China is extending its consumer trade-in program, originally launched in March 2024, to help stimulate demand in the struggling household sector. The scheme now includes additional home appliances such as microwave ovens, dishwashers, and rice cookers. In an effort to boost the digital goods market, subsidies are also being offered for products like smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches. Consumers who trade in old products can receive subsidies
Tata Consumer Denies Reports of Starbucks Exiting India
Tata Consumer Products Ltd (TCPL) has officially rejected recent reports claiming that Starbucks is planning to exit the Indian market, calling the rumors "baseless." These reports suggested that the American coffee giant might leave India due to high operating costs, mounting losses, and the growing competition from local, cheaper alternatives. However, TCPL, which operates Starbucks in India
Tata Consumer Denies Reports of Starbucks Exiting India
Tata Consumer Products Ltd (TCPL) has officially rejected recent reports claiming that Starbucks is planning to exit the Indian market, calling the rumors "baseless." These reports suggested that the American coffee giant might leave India due to high operating costs, mounting losses, and the growing competition from local, cheaper alternatives. However, TCPL, which operates Starbucks in India
Gold Hits Record Highs in 2024, Outperforms Global Assets
Gold has experienced a remarkable rise in 2024, reaching 40 new record highs year-to-date and appreciating by over 28%. According to the World Gold Council (WGC), this surge has made gold the best-performing asset class globally, surpassing US stocks, emerging market stocks, US bonds, and even US currency. In the third quarter of 2024, gold demand exceeded $100 billion for the first time, showcasing its robust market position. Looking ahead to 2025, the direction of the US Federal R
Gold Hits Record Highs in 2024, Outperforms Global Assets
Gold has experienced a remarkable rise in 2024, reaching 40 new record highs year-to-date and appreciating by over 28%. According to the World Gold Council (WGC), this surge has made gold the best-performing asset class globally, surpassing US stocks, emerging market stocks, US bonds, and even US currency. In the third quarter of 2024, gold demand exceeded $100 billion for the first time, showcasing its robust market position. Looking ahead to 2025, the direction of the US Federal R
Rising Coffee Prices Impact Indian Companies
Coffee prices have reached record highs, driven by a significant reduction in Brazil’s coffee crop. As the world’s largest coffee producer, Brazil's struggles with adverse weather conditions have created a global supply shortage, pushing Arabica coffee futures up by 73% over the past year and 31% in the last month. Additionally, Robusta prices have also surged due to similar global supply constraints, with prices for Q2 rising 82% year-on-year. This price surge is im
Rising Coffee Prices Impact Indian Companies
Coffee prices have reached record highs, driven by a significant reduction in Brazil’s coffee crop. As the world’s largest coffee producer, Brazil's struggles with adverse weather conditions have created a global supply shortage, pushing Arabica coffee futures up by 73% over the past year and 31% in the last month. Additionally, Robusta prices have also surged due to similar global supply constraints, with prices for Q2 rising 82% year-on-year. This price surge is im
Amazon Appoints Samir Kumar as New Country Manager for India
E-commerce giant Amazon has appointed Samir Kumar as the new Country Manager for India, effective October 1, following the resignation of Manish Tiwary. Kumar, a 25-year veteran of Amazon, will take over operational responsibilities while continuing to lead consumer businesses in the Middle East, South Africa, and Turkey. This leadership transition comes as Amazon emphasizes the significance of the Indian market in its global strategy. Kumar joined Amazon in 1999 and played a pivota
Amazon Appoints Samir Kumar as New Country Manager for India
E-commerce giant Amazon has appointed Samir Kumar as the new Country Manager for India, effective October 1, following the resignation of Manish Tiwary. Kumar, a 25-year veteran of Amazon, will take over operational responsibilities while continuing to lead consumer businesses in the Middle East, South Africa, and Turkey. This leadership transition comes as Amazon emphasizes the significance of the Indian market in its global strategy. Kumar joined Amazon in 1999 and played a pivota









