Cosmetics and Toiletries: An Introduction to Western European and French Markets

9:45am. Euromonitor’s Clare Lees speaks slowly and clearly for a primarily French audience, though there is also a live translation provided via headset. Her purpose was clear: to assure us that these markets are still healthy and growing, despite the overpowering blast of growth in the emerging markets of Brazil, China, Russia, etc. Her handy dandy charts were well-researched and presented, showing that though these markets do have the numbers and high percentage points like 12.6 and 12.5 % (Latin America and Eastern Europe) they still represent a healthy sector of the overall market share, holding on at 29% of the global total. In terms of sales, though the US, Japan, and Brazil are rolling in the most dough, France, Germany, the UK, and Italy are really not far behind, and quite even, at around 14 billion.

Saturation was another fear she attempted to alleviate. Sure, there are a lot of brands here in France, she said. But the French also have the highest per capita spend topping out at $233, compared to the rest of Western Europe which is only $165. And let’s not forget the increasing birth rate. They’re churning out more future consumers.

What does all this mean for skin care? Well, skin care and sun care are by far the biggest sector of the industry. She projected that “skin care will remain the most buoyant in growth and value terms” in the future, averaging a 6% growth rate. In addition, with global trends such as social responsibility, natural & organics, and technological innovation, we’re happy to report that we’ve already established these main ingredients for success. So that’s one thing we’re on top of – even if our stand décor may have started drooping!