Polish dermocosmetic market set on high growth path

Changing lifestyles and the shifting retail landscape are set to fuel continued high growth in the dermocosmetic market in Poland, according to a report from PMR Publications.

The specialists in Eastern European markets said the current value of the Polish dermocosmetic market is €151m following 25 per cent growth since 2006.

High growth expected

PMR expects this strong level of expansion to be sustained until at least 2010. In concrete terms the market research firm predicts that by 2010 the market will be worth €290m. This represents growth of over 12 per cent a year.

Higher wages and the changing lifestyle patterns that follow, were cited as key drivers behind current growth rates.

In a survey of managers from companies active in the Polish dermocosmetics market, higher living standards and increased product awareness were considered to be the main reasons for a positive outlook.

Another factor supporting sales growth is increasing numbers of pharmacies and stronger competition from alternative retail outlets.

PMR analyst Monika Stefanczyk said: “Pharmacies will be more and more interested in diversifying their offerings through, for example, dermocosmetics, which yield higher sales margins than, for example, pharmaceuticals.”

Looking within dermocosmetics, PMR identified face care as the largest category in Poland yielding over half of the market value.

Anti-ageing growth potential

As for growth tips, anti-ageing was expected to develop the most strongly over the coming years, according to a PMR survey.

“Anti-wrinkle cosmetics are also a good alternative to cosmetic treatment and aesthetic medicine, which, based on the research conducted, are not very popular among women in Poland because they are costly and painful,” said PMR analyst Agnieszka Stawarska.