“Need-Specific” Products and Hygiene Consciousness to Boost Feminine Hygiene Market to $3.15 Billion in 2010

New York, July 20, 2006 — Catering to the specific feminine needs of more upscale-minded, health conscious women open to discussing intimate issues, such as vaginal dryness and yeast infections, looks to be the ticket out of a floundering feminine hygiene market, according to Feminine Hygiene Products in the U.S., a new report from Packaged Facts.

Packaged Facts projects that the feminine hygiene market will reach $3.15 billion in 2010, just shy of sales figures at the turn of the century. Sales have seen a downward trend since 2001, hitting a low point in 2004 at $3.02 billion. 2005 saw some attempts to meet the changing and unmet needs of female consumers, particularly in the intimate care category where the personal lubricant segment witnessed the highest growth rate—14.7% over 2004.

A major factor affecting growth has been the female baby boomer population entering menopause, leading to a decline in the use of feminine protection products, which accounts for 76% of the feminine hygiene market. Yet it’s this same demographic that looks to be fueling growth due to their willingness to be frank about the issues they are facing in this new phase of life.

“There’s a new openness both in advertising and promotion that is responding to Boomer women’s willingness to discuss once taboo issues such as light incontinence, dryness, and greater risk of vaginal infections,” said Don Montuori, the publisher of Packaged Facts. “Forward thinking products—such as washes, deodorant suppositories, and intimate feminine lotion—that delve further into meeting the intimate needs of women, will help to stabilize and grow this market.”

Providing a comprehensive look at the market for feminine protection and intimate care products, Feminine Hygiene Products in the U.S. examines growth opportunities and new product trends, offers competitive profiles of industry leaders and up-and-coming niche marketers, and looks at consumer trends and behaviors surrounding feminine hygiene purchases. Priced at $3,000, this report can be purchased directly from Packaged Facts by visiting: http://www.packagedfacts.com/pub/1209578.html. It is also available at MarketResearch.com.

About Packaged Facts
Packaged Facts, a division of MarketResearch.com, 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.