|
France: Natural Cosmetics Market Captures
International Attention
The French market for
natural cosmetics is the fastest growing in Europe. High market growth
rates are attracting international companies looking to get a slice of
the expanding pie.
Demand for natural
cosmetics has soared since March 2005 when a television documentary
highlighted the possible dangers of substances like parabens in
cosmetics & toiletries. Although industry groups have distanced
themselves from the documentary’s claims, the controversy has elevated
consumer awareness of natural cosmetics.
Pressure groups and
NGOs are stimulating consumer demand by raising awareness of the
possible dangers of chemicals in personal care products. Greenpeace
distributed 50,000 leaflets of its Cosmetox Guide on Mother’s Day last
year. French consumers groups are also campaigning against cosmetic
companies that make misleading health claims when marketing products.
The surge in consumer
demand for natural cosmetics led sales to increase by 40% in 2005 and
high sales growth is continuing in 2006. Sanoflore, a leading French
producer, expects sales to double this year. Retailers have increased
shelf-space for natural cosmetics to meet surging consumer demand.
Within a year, some natural food retailers reported that the share of
natural cosmetic sales increased from 5% to 15%.
The French market is
getting international attention with a number of manufacturers and raw
material suppliers coming into the market. Ecocert, the leading
certification body in France, has been receiving record levels of
enquiries for natural & organic cosmetics since spring 2005. Its number
of licensees almost doubled in 2005 and is projected to reach 200 this
year. Interest is coming from producers and raw material suppliers in
Latin America, Africa as well as in Europe.
Cosmebio, the
association of French natural and organic cosmetic companies, is
reporting similar growth with new members joining every month. The
association is launching a new website to educate consumers on natural
cosmetics and the Cosmebio logos.
High growth potential
was a factor behind the Swiss company Weleda opening it’s first-ever
retailer in
Paris
a few weeks ago. The Weleda institute comprises a retail store,
treatment cabins and training rooms. Based on the
success of its French store, Weleda plans to open similar retail institutes across the globe.
France
is the described as the spiritual home of cosmetics & perfumes. With
such developments, it could also become so for natural
cosmetics.
News
Feeds Service
Our News Feeds service gives news updates
on the natural cosmetics industry direct to
your mail box. For more details, please complete
an
enquiry form and
request details on 'Natural Cosmetics Newsfeeds'.
Related Report:
#1301-60
The French Market for
Natural Cosmetics
Posted: June 15th 2006
For permission to publish our research articles, please contact our
Press Department
|
