Improved C&T Q2 results could be a false dawn

Published: 7-Aug-2009

The end of 2009 may well see a new downturn in the consumer goods sector, including cosmetics, according to the Henkel chairman Kasper Rorsted. Despite improved second quarter results for a number of major groups, he said high unemployment from autumn onwards could affect consumer sentiment especially in Germany.


The end of 2009 may well see a new downturn in the consumer goods sector, including cosmetics, according to the Henkel chairman Kasper Rorsted. Despite improved second quarter results for a number of major groups, he said high unemployment from autumn onwards could affect consumer sentiment especially in Germany.

While both Henkel and Beiersdorf have reported improved second quarters, the luxury end of the market was problematic and Beiersdorf's La Prairie range marked a drop in sales in the quarter.

Companies have been offering discounts and working on innovation. Beiersdorf sent out 15 million Nivea product discount vouchers in July and cut prices on some lower end products.

Henkel has increased spending on marketing of cosmetics though Rorsted said no prices were being cut. Investment in new products is being stepped up.

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