2014 European cosmetics industry tops 72.5 billion euros

The European cosmetics and personal care market remained resilient in 2014, showing signs of recovery, despite a tough economic climate, according to the figures released by the Cosmetics Europe General Assembly last week.

During the periond, sales of cosmetics in the region rose 0.5 percent in value from 2013, which saw revenue drop by 1.4 percent. The increase is equivalent to 72.5 billion euros total European market retail size. The European export market accounts for a third of the global market, generating 16.4 billion euros in sales in 2014.

Germany continues to be the top cosmetics market in Europe, with sales valued at 13.1 billion euros. France follows with 10.6 billion euros, then the UK and Italy generating 10.4 billion and 9.4 billion euros, respectively.

Almost all product categories have increased in value, with color cosmetics and toiletries as the top risers at 1.2 and 1.3 percent. Skin care products and toiletries remain the most popular categories in the region, followed by hair care items and fragrances.

Data from Cosmetics Europe also indicate that the European cosmetics and personal care industry has a manpower pool of approximately 1.7 million employees, including 25,000 scientists. SMEs are now close to 4,500, a 10 percent increase since 2009.

In the past five years, the industry has been able to grow direct and indirect employment by 2.3 percent or more than 39,000 workplaces.

View a comparison table of makeup and cosmetic suppliers on GlobalSources.com