Growth Cycles Back Through Laundry Care Market: Sales Expected to Reach $9.7 Billion by 2011

New York, — Despite the market alternately stretching and fading between 2002 and 2006, sales of laundry care products are expected to rebound in the next four years with single-digit increases, steadily building to $9.7 billion in 2011, according to Laundry Care Products in the U.S., a new report from market research publisher Packaged Facts.

Overall, detergent sales are expected to remain flat in 2007, with a 12% decrease in powdered detergents offset by a modest 3% increase in liquid detergents. Liquid laundry detergent, which drove the market through 2006 as marketers introduced new concentrated products requiring less liquid per cycle and less packaging, will continue to carry the load through the forecasted period, posting slow but steady growth.

A continued drop-off in other types of laundry detergent—particularly powdered forms—however, will keep the market from higher growth rates. Increased competition in the bleach category, a renewed interest in dry cleaning services, and an increasing number of telecommuters will also inhibit further growth.

“If the telecommuting trend continues to flourish, people will be washing fewer items and the laundry care industry could be in for a surprise,” notes Cathy Minkler, Associate Editor of Packaged Facts. “Laundry care marketers may want to think about stressing the benefits of personal care as more people enter a day-to-day situation where the pressures to make oneself presentable have been eliminated and all that remains is a heap of old t-shirts with a laptop on top.”

Laundry Care Products in the U.S. provides a comprehensive look at the market for laundry detergent, fabric softener, bleach, and specialty products, including pre-wash, starch, and static control products. The report examines new product trends, offers competitive profiles of industry leaders (and up and comers), and looks at consumer trends and behaviors. The report is available from Packaged Facts by visiting: https://www.packagedfacts.com/Laundry-Care-1487876/.

About Packaged Facts
Packaged Facts publishes market intelligence on a wide range of consumer industries, including consumer goods and retailing, food and beverage, and demographics. For more information visit www.PackagedFacts.com, or contact Tom Ehart at 240-747-3014, or tehart@marketresearch.com.