Asia, which had generally led the global growth rate until the recent inventory glut hit China, is showing signs of improvement but remains the weakest region overall. Sales rose 5.4% in weighted currency but fell in US$ to $12,593 million from $13,172 million on the weaker yen as Japanese chains still dominate this list.
However, in the past rapid growth in China compensated for the sluggish Japanese market but that was not the case in 2013 as growth at Belle was largely offset by a decline at Pou Sheng.
Source:
