Financial News

Some people swear by it. Others doubt it. What’s undeniable, however, is that homeopathic medicine sales were up 15.7% in 2011 to $173 million in natural supermarkets (excluding Whole Foods) and food, drug and mass (excluding Walmart), according to SPINSscan Natural. And with media reports of recalls, dangerous and lethal side effects, counterfeiting and contamination, the homeopathic school of medicine founded by Samuel Hahnemann in 1800 is making a comeback.


After strong growth, the cereal/granola bar category is showing slower growth. A report on “Food Bars in the U.S.” by Packaged Facts estimated U.S. sales of 
cereal/granola bars at $3.1 billion in 2011, with flat sales for the overall category, despite some growth in premium granola bars. Experian Simmons data showed that 40% of adults use cereal/granola bar products overall, said David Sprinkle, research director at Packaged Facts.

As of the beginning of February, the cough-cold season had yet to materialize and illness levels were only just beginning to climb. If that’s the case, then an expected illness peak in late February/early March would make the 2011-2012 cough, cold and flu season one of the later-peaking seasons in recent years.


As of Jan. 21, overall incidence of upper respiratory illness this season was down 7.5% according to IMS Health, as compared with the 2010-2011 season.


As of early February, incidence of cough-cold and influenza still was relatively low, but the season has yet to peak and that means there could be demand for symptomatic relief through March.


“Fever is just starting to move,” noted Scott Hanslip, director of sales for IMS Consumer Health, in the first week of February. However, overall incidence of upper respiratory illness was down 7.5% from September through Jan. 21, 
according to IMS Health tracking.


Men’s body grooming has grown in popularity, especially among the younger generation, resulting in growth in the men’s grooming/shaving scissors segment at mass. According to data from SymphonyIRI Group, the category grew nearly 26% 
to more than $103 million for the 12 weeks ended Jan. 22 at food, drug and mass (excluding Walmart). The segment will likely continue to grow as manufacturers develop new innovative products, such as Clio Designs’ Hypergroom Body Groomer, a triple blade, battery-operated body groomer.

NEW YORK — Beauty company Revlon posted a 4.5% sales gain in 2011, driven in part by its acquisition of Sinful Colors and higher sales of Revlon and Almay color cosmetics, and Revlon ColorSilk hair color.

“2011 was a year of many notable achievements. We delivered net sales growth of 4.5% and sustained highly competitive operating income margins. We delivered our fourth consecutive year of positive free cash flow and we improved our capital structure by refinancing and reducing our net debt,” stated Revlon president and CEO Alan T. Ennis.

A wet spring last year made for ideal allergen-
creating conditions heading into summer 2011 — the growth of ragweed and an increase in mold. According to a Quest Diagnostics study published in 2011, sensitization to common ragweed has grown 15% nationally since 2000, while mold grew 12%. IMS Health projected a strong spring allergy season, especially across the north and northeast.


In the United States, beauty sales in both the mass and prestige channels were positive month after month in 2011, but prestige beauty took the spotlight in 2011, according to market research company The NDP Group.


In fact, the total U.S. prestige beauty industry experienced an 11% increase in dollar sales during 2011, with skin care and fragrance sold in U.S. department stores posting double-digit gains.