Italy picks up in second half 2010
Growth forecast for 2011 despite price and exchange rate uncertainties
The Italian cosmetics industry has reported a dynamic second half of 2010 with business sustained by a significant pickup in exports, the continuation of consumer purchasing through pharmacies and good growth in sales via herbalist enterprises.
Sales at the end of 2010 reached €9.3bn overall after a rise of about 1.3% overall. The pharmacy sales sector grew by an average 2.9% in value and 5% in volume with an end-of-year sales figure of €1.5bn. Sales via herbalist outlets reached €350m. Sales via bulk distribution were worth around €3.8bn in 2010. Perfumery sales recovered after a negative period to increase by 5% to €2.3bn.
Meanwhile, export sales expanded by over 8% to some €2.2bn. Sales invoiced by the Italian cosmetics industry benefited from both the positive internal market and export-led growth, rising by 3.1% last year to €8.3bn.
Growth is forecast for 2011 despite uncertainties over future price trends, exchange rate factors and options for acquisition in the sector.