Increased Spending On Personal Care Products Reflects Socio-economic Changes In India

Rapidly changing socio-economic conditions in India will lead to a doubling of the cosmetics market by 2014, according to a report from the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM). A key factor is higher income levels, which are giving Indians social mobility and discretionary income. Changes in urban and rural communities, including more sophisticated grooming habits, are translating into growth in personal care spending. New consumer niche markets are emerging, especially teenagers, younger women and women with lower buying power. Big international mass market brands such as Lakme, Maybelline and Color Bar are all targeting younger women and women with lower buying power.