| The economic backdrop for the consumer staples sector remained more or less weak in 2013 due to a difficult consumer spending environment. Middle-class consumers struggled to cope with rising gas prices, delayed income tax refunds and higher payroll taxes. In addition, difficult operating conditions in Europe and a slowdown in some major emerging countries threatened growth.
Consumer staple companies have been witnessing sluggish growth in the developed markets, due to market saturation, which along with lower disposable incomes and increased competitive activities have added to their woes. As a result, many of them have been looking at faster growing emerging markets...............................................Full Article: Source
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