Brazilian fragrances industry set to continue growing quickly, helped by broad consumer base, experience-seeking behavior of consumers, young and increasingly affluent population, Canadean says

Nevin Barich

February 26, 2014 (press release) – The Brazilian fragrances market, already the most valuable in the world, is set to continue growing quickly, helped by a broad consumer base, the experience-seeking behaviour of consumers, and a young and increasingly affluent population.

High per capita volume consumption makes Brazil the most valuable market in the world

By 2013 Brazil was already the most valuable fragrances market in the world, worth more than US$6 billion. This is built on the back of high per capita consumption as Brazilians use, on average, three times more fragrances by volume than consumers in the US, the next most valuable market.

Not only is consumption of fragrances already high, it is also set to grow quickly with both men and women using high volumes of fragrances, and often looking to treat themselves to new and novel experiences. Meanwhile, Brazil’s population is young and increasingly affluent. These three pillars, a broad consumer base, experience-seeking consumers and a young affluent population, will be the basis of the market’s continued rapid growth.

Opportunities exist to target men and women with both mass and premium products

Fragrances consumption in Brazil is broad, meaning manufacturers have a variety of consumer groups and price points they can target. For instance, men play a prominent role in the Brazilian fragrances market, consuming 48.7% of fragrances by volume. Furthermore, consumers in the poorest 50% of households consume almost as many fragrances as those in the richest 50% of households. This means there are opportunities for both mass and premium fragrances to succeed in the market.

Consumers want fragrances that build gender identity and provide new experiences

Canadean tracks the influence of 20 consumption motivations; when Brazilians come to select what fragrance to use, 25.5% of consumption by value is the result of consumers seeking to either affirm particular visions of femininity or masculinity, including the use fragrances to deliberately break gender stereotypes.

Meanwhile consumers’ desire to experience new or novel scents are a key motivation behind the consumption of just under a quarter of all fragrances in Brazil by value, while the desire to treat oneself is also important. These motivations will drive future growth in the market, with Brazilians looking to indulge in new experiences; creating opportunities for new product launches that encourage consumers to treat themselves with novel scent combinations.

Brazil’s population is young and increasingly affluent

Almost 100 million people, half the total Brazilian population, are aged between 16 and 35. In addition to their large numbers, these consumers use fragrances more frequently than consumers in other age groups. Add in their growing spending power, with GDP per capita in Brazil growing by over US$4,000 between 2007 and 2012, and young Brazilians will drive rapid growth in the market.

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