According to the figures published by the federation of perfumery industries, it has been a difficult year for the French perfumery and cosmetics sectors. Although the ex-works turnover, excluding tax, had increased overall by 2.6% to Euros 14.1BN, there were contrasting results between the French domestic market with zero growth and the export market which grew by 4.8% to Euros 7.6BN. Two-thirds of French perfumery and cosmetics are exported within Europe. Leading customers are Germany (13% of exports), the UK (11%), then Spain, Italy and the USA, each with 8%. In France, the performance varied considerably depending on the distribution circuits. Sales through advice given in pharmacies (+5%) and direct sales (+1.9%) continue to grow. Selective distribution grew by +1.3% but sales to major retail chains declined for the first time in 15 years (-1.7%).
