Hand Sanitizer Market - Growth, Trends, COVID-19 Impact, and Forecasts (2022 - 2027)
The hand sanitizer market was valued at USD 2078.80 million in 2020, and it is expected to register a CAGR of 4.20% during the forecast period, 2021-2026.
The hit of COVID-19 has tremendously affected the operations of several key players. Due to the sudden spike in COVID-19 cases, the World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended self prevention using hand sanitizers and regular practice of handwashing. Therefore, these efforts have increased the demand for hand sanitizers due to their convenience and growing awareness regarding sanitization. Moreover, due to the sudden increase in demand for hand sanitizers from April to July (2020), most retailers and pharmacies/drug stores ran out of stock. To counter such situations, government bodies of various countries and companies have struggled hard to meet consumer demand.
For instance, in India, more than 45 distilleries and 564 other manufacturers have been granted permission by the Indian government to produce hand sanitizers. Additionally, more than 55 distilleries are likely to be permitted in one or two days, and many more are being motivated to manufacture sanitizers in this scenario.
Rising awareness among consumers regarding the importance and significance of hand hygiene to prevent transmissible diseases is expected to boost the market growth. The portability and convenience served by hand sanitizers over handwashes are drawing a substantial consumer base, majorly augmenting the sales of gel-type sanitizers. The major companies operating in the market are adopting various strategies, such as promotional campaigns and media coverage, to increase their market shares.
By distribution channel, hypermarkets/supermarkets and pharmaceutical stores lead the industry, owing to consumers’ attitude toward the conventional way of shopping and the channels’ ability to attract maximum consumers seeking expediency and a wider variety of product ranges to choose from.
Key Market TrendsIncreased Attention toward Hand Hygiene due to Rising COVID-19 CasesThe global outbreak of coronavirus, which was declared a pandemic in March 2020 due to its rapid transmissibility, has majorly impacted consumer behavior and led consumers to take more preventive measures regarding personal hygiene, especially hand hygiene. According to Worldometer, as of March 4, 2021, the coronavirus had infected almost 116 million people globally, and the number of deaths had reached almost 2.6 million. The most severely affected countries include the United States, India, Russia, and the United Kingdom. Thus, the increasing number of deaths caused by the virus triggered an alarming response from consumers, with increased attention regarding hand hygiene as a preventive measure from contracting the infection. Moreover, the usage of hand sanitizers is recommended by the World Health Organization, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and doctors worldwide, claiming that the use of alcohol-based hand rub is one of the most effective precautions observed against the virus. This factor is currently driving the market growth.
North America Holds the Largest Market ShareOwing to the high awareness among consumers about hand hygiene, regulatory authorities like the FDA and WHO initiated awareness campaigns to support the usage of hand sanitizers in the North American region. Acknowledging the market potential, giant manufacturers in the United States are branching out to launch production lines for hand sanitizers to supplement their segments’ sales. The local players in the country are also introducing new products to fulfill the growing current demand, owing to the spread of COVID-19 across the region. For instance, in March 2020, the vegan beauty brand, Sparitual, pledged to produce 75% alcohol-based hand sanitizers from its Los Angeles-based factory to help fight the spread of COVID-19. Additionally, due to high price sensitivity, a large number of private-label players are introducing hand sanitizers at lower prices, thereby gaining considerable market shares. Purell is one of the leading brands holding a significant market share across the country.
Competitive LandscapeThe major players in the market include Reckitt Benckiser Group, Unilever PLC, and GOJO Industries Inc., among others. The majority of the emerging market players are focusing on strategic acquisitions with leaders in mature and sophisticated markets. In the case of emerging market players, the expansion of product portfolios enables diversification and provides access to stable cash flow and further growth opportunities. The consumer shift toward hand sanitizers formulated using natural substances is resulting in the expansion of product lines by the major companies. For instance, Dr. Bronner’s launched a Peppermint-scented Organic Hand Sanitizer, a certified organic and fair-trade product containing organic glycerin.
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