London – Natural & organic cosmetic sales continue to increase at a healthy rate in Europe, with revenues projected to increase by 13 percent to EUR 1.7 billion this year. Organic Monitor (www.organicmonitor.com) forecasts sales revenues to approach EUR 2 billion in 2010.

Organic Monitor’s 2009 edition of The European Natural Cosmetics Market report finds that natural & 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 UK 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 & 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 & 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 over 10% of total sales. Alverde has become the leading retailer private label of natural cosmetics in the world, having over 100 certified products across categories.

Natural & organic products now comprise 3% of total cosmetic sales in Europe. The market share is above 4% in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. High growth in the German market is projected to raise the market share of natural & organic cosmetics to 10% 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.

The report, produced by continuously tracking the European natural & organic cosmetics market since 2003, finds the competitive landscape has changed significantly. High growth rates have been responsible for mergers, acquisitions and an influx of new entrants. Rising competition is leading natural & organic cosmetic brands to expand distribution outside traditional sales channels. This strategy has enabled the Swiss company Weleda to consolidate its position as market leader.

With competition for retail shelf-space stepping up, Organic Monitor expects market winners to be companies who can successfully differentiate their products from competitors. New entrants and existing participants are advised to consider strategies based on product differentiation and market segmentation; companies should target specific consumer groups or sales channels.

Organic Monitor gives revenue forecasts and growth projections for the natural cosmetics market in 10 European countries in the report. The adoption rate of natural & organic cosmetic standards is expected to rise considerably in 2010. Germany and France currently have the largest number of certified products; the eventual introduction of Cosmos and growing popularity of NaTrue are expected to make standards more widespread in Europe.

The latest figures on the European Natural Cosmetics Market, including market growth projections and business opportunities are highlighted in a dedicated workshop in the upcoming Sustainable Cosmetics Summit. Taking place in Frankfurt (Nov 16-17th), the summit will also have a high-level conference with presentations from leading natural & organic cosmetic companies, certification agencies and ingredient suppliers.

Research Publication
#1002-60 The European Market for Natural Cosmetics (2009 edition)
Publication Date: September 2009
More information on http://www.organicmonitor.com/100260.htm

Sustainable Cosmetics Summit
The inaugural summit will take place in Frankfurt, November 16-17th 2009. The aim of the Sustainable Cosmetics Summit is to cover the major issues the beauty industry faces concerning sustainability, natural, organic, fair trade and ecological products.
More information is available from www.sustainablecosmeticssummit.com

About Organic Monitor
Organic Monitor is a specialist research & consulting company that focuses on the global organic & related product industries. Since our formation in 2001, we have been providing a range of business services to operators in high-growth ethical & sustainable industries. Our services include market research publications, business & technical consulting, summits, seminars & workshops. Visit us at www.organicmonitor.com

For further information, please contact:

Ms. Laurence Impens
Organic Monitor
Tel: (44) 20 8567 0788
Fax: (44) 20 8567 7164
Email: [email protected]