Recession Proof Businesses

If frozen credit, failed car manufacturers, and dying newspapers come to mind, you’re on the mark. But how about books, beef, doctors, iPhones and candy? Surprisingly enough, these products and services reflect the Great Recession just as much as the refunding of the economy.

Below, we’ve listed five industries that are bucking economic trends. Unlike gambling and alcohol, the markets for most of these products aren’t predictably recession-proof. In fact, some, like beef, theoretically shouldn’t be thriving. But they are, and we’ll tell you why.

Health care

Already it is estimated that half of women and a third of men over 65 will need long-term care at some point. And the number of people aged 85 and over is predicted to double over the next 20 years. At present, there are four people earning for each one who is retired, but in 40 years that ratio will fall to just two to one. They all need care; aftercare and medical support. Nationwide resources to solve your staffing problems will have to be created, with access to probably the largest bank of quality, reliable professionals – from specialist nurses to home helps manned 24 hours 365 days a year.

Books

The print media may be dying, but the market for books is alive and well. Book sales have dropped only slightlyare up on the European continent. Books’ status as a “cheap treat” makes them downturn-friendly.

Meat

We continue to devour meat, but only if we buy it ourselves. Overall national meat consumption is down, mainly due to lower restaurant sales. But beef, chicken, and pork supermarket sales are holding up well. Quarter4 2008 saw 3% more beef, 9% more chicken, and 5% more pork being sold in supermarkets.

Telecommunications

While sales in some sectors in the mobile industry soften network infrastructure and chipsets for mobile devices continue to boost industry growth. The net result is a robust industry. The £700 billion industry will also fuel its growth by expanding both in developed and developing nations.

Candy

When the economy recesses, people self satisfy. And what easier way to do that than through candy? This year’s National Confectioners Association Expo revealed a recession resilient industry. Top trends in the industry include nostalgic packaging of chocolate ‘comfort classics.’

Seemingly that when we indulge in candy, we indulge in the past, too.