Welcome to the L Shaped Recovery...

Nielsen analysis is saying that its unlikely that any significant recovery will occur until more people get back to work. Until then as opposed to a V shaped recovery (steep increases in confidence etc) we will get the L shaped recovery.

And its not even an issue of lack of credit anymore. Nielsen believes that credit is available - but its at such a price that no-one is interested - or has the confidence to borrow.

And simultaneously, earnings reports remain strong, and financial services are back in the black in a big way...

It all seems to be out of balance...

Gourmet Soda in New York

There are some really interesting things going in Boheminan NYC - a movement that the New York magazine is calling "Noveau Soda" - but its really a throwback to the days of drugs store prepared soda.

There places in Bed-Stuy, Carrol Gardens and the east village...

Must say that this does look interesting. Anyone up for a tour?

Simple

Interesting report from Mintel that products are getting "simpler" ie fewer ingredients. This is a logical extension of the natural trend (which has just entered its 20h year) and a desire from consumers to avoid highly processed foods.

Alcohol Info

Really interesting information from Gallup on the alcoholic preferences of Americans. Overall we now have the highest penetration of alcoholic beverages in last 15 years.

While Gallup does not go into the causes for this, you would imagine that a combination of the poor state of the economy, the increasing variety and kinds of alcohol and competitive pricing are encouraging consumption even as health and wellness trends may mitigate against them. 

 The additional detail provided is also interesting. While beer remains the dominant beverage, there is an increasing interest in wine across all demos. It is also interesting to see that spirits have an almost uniform interest across the demographics.