Suncare under a cloud

The Grocer, April 2013

After a strong performance in 2009 and 2010, the suncare market has been blighted by a series of terrible summers, and the wretched economy (and all those staycations) did nothing to brighten the mood, as value and volume fell 9.7% and 8% respectively [Kantar Worldpanel]. Even the fake tan market caught a cold last summer, with this small but previously fast-growing category recording double-digit value and volume sales declines following a summer of bad press. Skincare, meanwhile, is also finding growth hard to come by. … Continue Reading

Tesco axing of Saucy rings alarm bells for the brands

The Grocer, April 2013

Imitation is said to be the sincerest form of flattery. Try telling that to Seachill, whose brand, The Saucy Fish Co, is set to be axed by Tesco in favour of a new six-strong own-label range called Fish in a Flash.

The shock delisting has left both Seachill and other brand owners scratching their heads in disbelief. Saucy is still in its infancy but, within three years and in recession to boot, it racked up annual sales of £35m in 2012 by creating a new category in pre-packed chilled fish.

… Continue Reading

Softcup targets 5% of UK sanitary protection market with disposables launch

The Grocer, February 2013

A US feminine hygiene brand is hoping to shake up the UK sanitary market with the launch of a disposable menstrual cup.

Pitched as an alternative to sanitary pads and tampons, Softcup is rolling into Sainsbury’s, one other multiple and two pharmacy chains next month (rsp: £4.99/ eight pack) following a trial in selected Boots stores at the end of last year. … Continue Reading

Every Fit Man Wanted for M&S’s retro-style male grooming range

The Grocer, November 2012

Marks & Spencer has joined forces with the Imperial War Museum to bring some retro-styled patriotism to the male grooming aisle.

Rolling out next week, the IWM Rally Round The Flag bath and body range comprises five vintage-themed gift packs. Designed to celebrate patriotic pride — and sold under the strapline ‘Every Fit Man Wanted’ — the collection would exploit the growing trend for retro-inspired products, said M&S. … Continue Reading

Fabric and clay facemask is a beauty first

The Grocer, July 2012

A skincare brand is claiming a market first with an innovative, hybrid face mask that combines the benefits of fabric and clay for quicker and easier use.

The two Montagne Jeunesse Clay Spa products – Dead Sea Mud and Glacial Clay Spa (rsp: £1.49 per sachet) – roll out to Boots in mid-August and Asda in September.

Made from natural bamboo fabric infused with specially sourced clay, they were ‘unlike any other face mask in the market’, claimed marketing manager Kate Johnston, and would appeal to time-pressed consumers by providing a ‘quicker, better and easier’ way to cleanse skin.

… Continue Reading