## 4.4.3 Alternative sources

If all the available databases cannot provide you with the industry & market research you are looking for, it is time to get creative. Below we provide you with some alternative sources for your research.

Industry Associations

Industry associations clearly benefit from collecting data about their industry. Many industry associations collect industry statistics, maintain directories, publish white papers and research reports, and organize conferences and trade shows. Industry experts may be identified through these organisations. Industry associations are also more likely to provide more detailed product & consumption information, even for niche markets.

Search the Internet for your industry or product in combination with association.

Example(s):

confectionery AND association

This search will show you results for:

- The National Confectioners Association – NCA
- International Confectionery Association – UIA
- Professional Manufacturing Confectioners Association
- The Bakers and Confectioners Association (UK)
- CAOBISCO (Association of Chocolate, Biscuit and Confectionery Industries of Europe)
- Etc.

Look for sections called: "news," "research," "resources," "library," or "data".

Consultancy firms

Use Google to find reports from consultancy firms and/or banks, both for industry and market information.

Example(s):

- McKinsey: https://www.mckinsey.com/mgi/our-research/all-research
  Featured topics: Productivity, Competitiveness, and Growth; Labor Markets; Financial Markets; Urbanization and infrastructure; Technology and Innovation; Natural Resources

- KPMG: https://home.kpmg/xx/en/home/insights.html
  Industries: Asset Management; Automotive; Banking and Capital Markets; Chemicals; Consumer & Retail; Energy; Financial Services; Government & Public Sector; Healthcare; Life Sciences; Industrial Manufacturing; Infrastructure; Insurance; Media; Mining; Private Equity; Real estate; Sport; Technology; Telecoms; Transport & Leisure

- BCG: https://www.bcg.com/en-nl/
  Industries: Aerospace and Defense; Automotive Industry; Consumer Products; Education; Financial Institutions; Health Care; Industrial Goods; Insurance; Oil and Gas; Power and Utilities; Principal Investors and Private Equity; Public Sector; Retail; Technology, Media, and Telecommunications; Transportation and Logistics; Travel and Tourism Industry

Governmental data and reports

Governments provide a wealth of industry information. Look for the regulatory agencies for your industry, as they may provide detailed statistics and figures on their websites. E.g.: USDA-FAS; USDA Agricultural Marketing Service; CBI - Centre for the Promotion of Imports from developing countries (Europe)