03.25.10
According to Mintel's latest report on green living, the environment remains a concern for the majority of Americans. More than one-third (35%) of survey respondents say they would pay more for ‘environmentally friendly’ products, and the good news is, that includes personal care items.
"Given this increased interest in the environment over the past few years, nearly every segment of consumer products now offers a ‘green’ option for shoppers,” commented Chris Haack, senior analyst. "Food and beverage and personal care are the two most mature categories and account for the majority of green products in the marketplace."
After rapid sales growth of more than 24% from 2006-08, the natural and organic food and beverage category saw only slight growth in 2009 (1.8%) as the recession took its toll on nearly every sector of the consumer goods marketplace.
When it comes to personal care, sales of green products increased by 18% from 2006-08 and similar to food and beverage, saw only a slight incline in 2009 (1.2%). This segment is poised to resume rapid growth once consumer spending begins to recover from the current downturn. One-third of all consumers have never tried organic or natural personal care products, suggesting that there is plenty of room for growth in this market, accoriding to the Chicago-based market research firm.
According to Mintel’s Global New Product Database (GNPD), new products with an organic or natural claim only encompassed 5% of all beauty and personal care product launches in 2006, but increased to nearly 10% in 2008 and held steady through 2009.
Mintel expects “to see a growing trend toward upscale green personal care products targeted to spas, salons and other high-end retail outlets in the coming years," said Hudack.
"Given this increased interest in the environment over the past few years, nearly every segment of consumer products now offers a ‘green’ option for shoppers,” commented Chris Haack, senior analyst. "Food and beverage and personal care are the two most mature categories and account for the majority of green products in the marketplace."
After rapid sales growth of more than 24% from 2006-08, the natural and organic food and beverage category saw only slight growth in 2009 (1.8%) as the recession took its toll on nearly every sector of the consumer goods marketplace.
When it comes to personal care, sales of green products increased by 18% from 2006-08 and similar to food and beverage, saw only a slight incline in 2009 (1.2%). This segment is poised to resume rapid growth once consumer spending begins to recover from the current downturn. One-third of all consumers have never tried organic or natural personal care products, suggesting that there is plenty of room for growth in this market, accoriding to the Chicago-based market research firm.
According to Mintel’s Global New Product Database (GNPD), new products with an organic or natural claim only encompassed 5% of all beauty and personal care product launches in 2006, but increased to nearly 10% in 2008 and held steady through 2009.
Mintel expects “to see a growing trend toward upscale green personal care products targeted to spas, salons and other high-end retail outlets in the coming years," said Hudack.