Slideshows

Here’s the Rub

A look at the leading brands in the rising topical analgesics category.

Rub-a-Dub-Dub

For the 52 weeks ended Dec. 25, 2016, retail sales of external analgesic rubs rose 12.88% to $617.5 million at total US Multi-Outlets (supermarkets, drugstores, mass market retailers, military commissaries and select club and dollar retail chains), according to IRI, a Chicago-based market research firm.

Icy Hot

Icy Hot, part of Sanofi, leads the way, with sales $131.9 million, up 13.84%, according to IRI.

Salonpas

Owned by Hisamtisu, Salonpas reported a 20.41% sales gain, reaching $76.2 million.

Aspercreme

Aspercreme tallied an impressive 59.70% rise, topping $72.7 million.

Private Label

It appears consumer want a brand name when it comes to topical pain relief. Private label external analgesic rubs dropped 6.51% to $48.8 million, representing one of just a few declines recorded in the top 10 offerings.

Bengay

While well-known by consumers, Bengay also recorded a dip; sales fell 4.86% to $40.1 million.

Blue Emu

A sales gain of 22.51% pushed NFI Products’ Blue Emu’s retail sales to $30.9 million, according to IRI.

Tiger Balm

At $25.5 million, Tiger Balm enjoyed a 7.53% rise in retail sales.

Australian Dream

Another brand with Down Under flair, Australian Dream, external analgesic rub sales rose 13.14% to $23.6 million

Biofreeze

Performance Health’s Biofreeze saw the biggest gain, representing a whopping 156.97% rise, topping $18.0 million, according to IRI.

03.20.17

For the 52 weeks ended Dec. 25, 2016, retail sales of external analgesic rubs rose 12.88% to $617.5 million at total US multi-outlets (supermarkets, drugstores, mass market retailers, military commissaries and select club and dollar retail chains), according to IRI, a Chicago-based market research firm. The $3.8 billion internal analgesics category eked out a 1.12% gain.