According to the industry association IKW, the German beauty and home care sector saw moderate growth in the first half of this year: total turnover stood at 19.1 billion euros, 2.2 per cent higher than in the same period last year. Turnover in the cosmetics sector rose by as much as 2.7 per cent to 14.4 billion euros. The key growth driver was international business: following declines last year, exports have regained momentum and increased by 3.8 per cent – significantly more than the domestic market, the German Cosmetic, Toiletry, Perfumery and Detergent Association (IKW) reported today in Frankfurt am Main.

Beauty care is growing particularly strongly

According to the latest figures, the sector’s export turnover rose to 6.2 billion euros in the first half of the year. Beauty care recorded particularly strong growth of 4.5 per cent, whilst home care grew by 1.9 per cent. Fragrances and hair care products each recorded an increase of 11 per cent. At the same time, domestic turnover climbed by 1.4 per cent to 12.9 billion euros. Beauty care, in particular, grew by 1.8 per cent. Skin and facial care products recorded the largest increase at seven per cent – whilst household care products merely maintained the previous year’s level.

Call for reliable conditions

“The rise in exports is a positive sign for our industry,” said IKW Managing Director Thomas Keiser. For companies, he added, reliable and competitive framework conditions are crucial. Only in this way can companies capitalise on their opportunities in international markets and strengthen Germany as a business location. According to the IKW, the figures for domestic turnover are based on YouGov’s Consumer Panel and the IKW’s own surveys, whilst those for export turnover are based on data from the Federal Statistical Office.

Source: IKW