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The trends that will change Asia

1- Urbanisation and a growing elderly population are clear global trends. These two demographic swings are also apparent across most Asian countries, along with the polarisation between the new middle class and the poor. 

2- Projections indicate that more than 500,000,000 Asians will move to cities in the next 25 years-almost 2,000,000 people per month. This movement is placing a huge strain on already inadequate transport, electricity, water and sanitation system. 

3- Improved health care is resulting in the elderly living longer. The increase in the elderly population is particularly significant in Japan, where more than 20% of the population is over 65.

4- In Japan, unlike many other markets including much of the West, Japanese pensioners have economic security and considerable buying power. They also command a great deal of respect from society. 

5- This growing demographic group presents unique physical and emotional needs and requires different product design, packaging, marketing and retail distribution. Over the next ten years this group will trigger a surge in products that focus on the elderly, from preserving health and wellness to spicier foods to stimulate aged palates. But these Japanese senior citizens of the future will also be spending money on their grand and great grandchildren, creating a market for premium children's products.

6- In most Asian countries, average household incomes are increasing significantly. This is particularly so in cities: urban households in China have over three tomes more disposal income that rural households, according to the National Bureau of Statistics of China.

7- India, in particular, has experienced dramatic income growth for a large segment of the population in the last two decades. This prosperity has revolutionised consumer aspiration. 

8- At the same time as average income is rising, there is still a vast segment of Asians households that live in over low income, particularly in India but also in rural China too. This income disparity has implications for the the grocery industry, which needs to rise to the challenge of serving the needs of low-income consumers. To deliver this, our industry will need to work together and with governments and communities to develop  innovative products and services. 

p.s: 1- please have a copy of this article while you are coming to the class on Monday. 

2- please read it once and if there is any vocabulary that you don't know, find the meaning before the class.

see you on Monday,