LONDON—Natural and organic cosmetic sales continue to increase at a healthy rate in Europe, with revenues projected to increase by 13 percent to € 1.7 billion this year. Organic Monitor forecasts sales revenues to approach € 2 billion in 2010.
Organic Monitor’s 2009 edition of The European Natural Cosmetics Market report found natural and organic cosmetic sales have been affected by the financial crisis. However, healthy growth is continuing because of increasing distribution and high consumer demand for “chemically clean” and ethical cosmetics.
The U.K. market has been the most adversely affected by the economic recession. The market growth rate has dropped from 16 percent in 2008 to 8 percent in 2009 because sales have been hit in organic food shops and health food retailers. However, natural and organic cosmetic sales continue to expand at double-digit rates in other European countries.
The French and German markets are the fastest growing in Europe. High growth rates are occurring as product penetration increases in mainstream retailers. Both countries have observed a large number of retailer private label launches in recent years. Certified natural and organic cosmetics have been introduced under private labels of supermarkets, drugstores, perfumeries, organic food shops and discounters in these countries. Private labels are so successful in Germany that they comprise more than 10 percent of total sales. Alverde has become the leading retailer private label of natural cosmetics in the world, having more than 100 certified products across categories.
Natural and organic products now comprise 3 percent of total cosmetic sales in Europe. The market share is above 4 percent in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. High growth in the German market is projected to raise the market share of natural and organic cosmetics to 10 percent in the coming years.
Apart from private labels, a major retailing trend is the growing number of concept stores for natural & organic beauty products. Dedicated stores are being opened by leading natural cosmetic brands, large retail groups as well as private investors. Most developments are in Paris where highly established brands such as Dr. Hauschka as well as large retailers like Monoprix are opening concept stores.