Tamás Ács ask Péter Feiner

Question:
‘We keep facing changes every day: another crisis in the eurozone, plummeting sales, the landslide victory of a political party, the new government’s programme promising radical changes in priorities. How do you see the state of play in the food industry? What are your expectations for this year? Will consumption start growing in the short term?’
Answer:
‘The first half of 2010 did not bring any improvement in retail turnover. We expect a moderate progress for the second half of the year. Domestic purchasing power depends on the international economic environment and on government measures. I think that the government should promote the diversity of retail; it is consumers who should decide where to do their shopping, in a small shop or in a hypermarket. As for the relationship between manufacturers and retailers, the presently tense situation is the result of economic recession; retailers’ interest is to be on good terms with suppliers. Brands: retailers should be the mediators between manufacturer brands and shoppers, and they should make sure that the messages of suppliers and brands reach shoppers.’