Consumer goods market up 27%

The consumer goods market (FMCG) experienced something of a boom in the first six months of this year compared to the corresponding period of last year, according to a study drawn up MEMRB, a market research company. The market posted a 27.1% rise in volume (units sold), as compared to the modest rises over the last two years (an increase in volume of 2.3% in 2002 over 2001, and 0.8% in 2003 over 2002). In value terms, growth in the market was similar to that for volume (27.5%).

Last year, the market saw a 5.9% drop in value compared to 2002, while the value in 2002 represented an increase of 4% on 2001.

“The recorded increases are most probably due to the reorientation of customers toward monitored distribution channels. For instance, we are not monitoring open markets. Even though the overall market increase was not what was indicated in the study, it is quite clear that modern trade forms are gaining in importance,” said Marius Caluian, Deputy General Manager of MEMRB.

The study does not include sales from hypermarkets – Carrefour and Cora – cash&carry stores – Metro and Selgros – or wholesale points.

The development of modern retail networks has triggered a change in purchasing habits. One of the most obvious changes is in how consumers now dedicate less of their time to shopping.

Those who do their shopping on a weekly basis, or even less frequently, prefer larger stores where they find all the products they are looking for.

According to the market research company’s analysis, FMCG is divided into three main categories: food products, non-food products and beverages.