Group 1 - Europe's food and drink manufacturers are increasingly pessimistic about the region's business prospects, with the region now ranked third in investment attractiveness, behind Asia and North America [1][2] - Only 31% of surveyed executives view Europe as an attractive investment option, although 51% still plan to increase investment, up from 46% in 2025 [2] - The survey indicates a broad softening in confidence across the sector, with only 13% of companies reporting improved business conditions over the past year [3] Group 2 - Smaller companies are particularly affected, with 61% of SMEs expressing low confidence in their growth prospects for the next year [3] - The survey highlights the need for a comprehensive action plan for the food and drink industry, emphasizing the importance of reducing regulatory burdens [4] - CEOs cited economic challenges such as input cost inflation, weaker consumer purchasing power, and geopolitical conflicts as factors contributing to the decline in confidence [4][6] Group 3 - Nearly two-thirds (62%) of respondents reported that unfair trading practices have intensified over the past five years, impacting operating stability [5] - Despite challenges, 82% of firms are reformulating products to promote healthier diets, although efforts are hindered by consumer preferences and cost pressures [5]

South African business confidence softened in January after reaching its highest annual average in more than a decade last year https://t.co/I5ULyiNhJX ...

UK business confidence leaped to its highest in eight months, adding to evidence that the economy may be gaining momentum after the budget https://t.co/ABECoCDiCG ...

Hungarian business confidence dropped sharply at the start of the year, reversing recent gains in another blow to Prime Minister Viktor Orban before parliamentary elections https://t.co/zwyYj9yHJ7 ...

New Zealand business confidence soared to a three-decade high in December and the mood of consumers also surged, adding to signs of further economic expansion in the fourth quarter and into 2026 https://t.co/9g6vgSh4Ib ...

German business confidence dipped in December, underscoring the challenges for Europe’s largest economy to overcome years of weakness https://t.co/4heLjo4o1C ...

Australian business confidence declined further in November ahead of the Reserve Bank’s final policy meeting of the year, when it is widely expected to keep its key interest rate unchanged https://t.co/dBAk716OLM ...

Business Confidence - German business confidence unexpectedly dipped in November [1] Economic Outlook - Fresh sign of the challenge to overcome stagnation [1] Government Policy - Government ramps up spending [1]

Anger at the government has seeped into measures of business confidence. Yet such surveys don’t tell the full story about what is happening in the economy https://t.co/14lXAOBvBy ...

German business confidence improved to its highest level since 2022 at the start of the fourth quarter https://t.co/f6JV7kpccA ...