German natural cosmetics market returns to form

There were fears that the market would stagnate following a difficult financial period for Europe in general, so when Elfriede Dambacher of Naturkosmetik Konzepte revealed the good news at the Vivaness personal care trade show this month, it was met with relief from the industry.

According to the expert, the market grew from €815m to approximately €860m and achieved a share of the total cosmetics market of 6.8 per cent.

Distribution​

The overview of the German natural cosmetics market for 2012 compiled by Dambaucher, was done so in cooperation with the Gesellschaft für Konsumforschung GfK and the Symphony IRI Group.

The key distribution channels for the German natural cosmetics market appears to pharmacies, perfume shops and supermarkets, according to Symphony IRI.

According to GfK, customer reach increased with natural cosmetics growing in comparison to natural-based products; whilst traditional organic cosmetics brands were successful competition for private label natural cosmetics brands.

Natural market benefitting​

According to Euromonitor, natural products in general are benefitting from the growing organic trend​ the industry is seeing.

The research group says organic products are noted as increasingly gaining momentum in the beauty and personal care market, infiltrating not only the premium but also the mass market.

This has never been indicated more than in Shiseido's acquisition of Bare Essentials, LVMH's takeover of Nude Skincare and Ole Henriksen and the French organic brand Kibio acquired by Clarins; just some examples of the various mergers and acquisitions taking place in recent years.

However, it is worth noting that natural-based cosmetics ranges without certification are also benefiting from this green trend.