Flying blind?

Don’t get me wrong, I am not trying to contradict the recent statement about the Hungarian economy taking a rolling start, but after talking to so many CEOs I just think that this is how decision-makers in several FMCG companies feel right now. Although you can read a lot of analysis of domestic and international economic forecasts – which are based on actual trends – somehow there is still a great sense of uncertainty in Hungary and on the international stage.

This article is available for reading in Trade magazin 2025/2-3.

We can say that there will be plenty of topics to be covered by our speakers at the Business Meetup&Dinner in May and the Business Days conference in September, but it would be great to be aware of certain things in advance. Let’s see what the researchers and we have to say in our articles:

“…The global economy will continue to face significant challenges in 2025, with Donald Trump’s protectionist policies, trade tensions between China and the US, and the slow growth of the eurozone also affecting Hungary. Inflation is on a downward path, but energy price volatility and the uncertain international environment remain risks…”

“…A dichotomy emerges from predictions outlining food industry trends in 2025. With the easing of economic uncertainty following the pandemic, consumers have made their own health and that of the planet an absolute priority, but they aren’t willing to give up pleasure either when it comes to eating. They are experimenting but also being nostalgic, they are traditionalists but also see the benefits of innovation…”

“…According to a Euromonitor report, quality, functionality, convenience and price will be the main factors influencing purchasing decisions this year. Buying strategies that ease the financial burden now form an integral part of everyday life…”

“…This year the success of the grocery retail sector will very much depend on the harmony of pricing, innovation and personalised technologies, as operators continue to seek new solutions in the face of massive competition. Increasingly rapid and accurate mapping of consumer motivations and behaviour can bring significant competitive advantage…”

“…60% of global CEOs are optimistic about the economic outlook for the next 12 months. This proportion is significantly higher than in previous years, according to PwC’s 28th Global CEO Survey…”

“…The Equilibrium Institute forecasts that Hungary’s GDP will grow by 2% in 2025, highlighting the potential for investment and consumption growth…”

“…Retail Zoom predicts that selective shopping is the new trend and it will continue to determine how and where shoppers spend their money in 2025…”

Best regards, 

Zsuzsanna Hermann, Editor in Chief