2008-06-10 23:40:33 -

www.reports.mintel.com - Mintel International Joanna Peot, 312-628-7946 jpeot@mintel.com More and more people are jumping on the natural bandwagon. Mintel's latest research reveals that the natural and organic personal care products market is valued at $465 million. It has grown 35% since 2005 ($345 million).

The rising popularity of organic products and natural ingredients

has prompted retailers to stock more of these products. "As more people call out for natural alternatives, we're seeing rapid growth in the numbers of natural and organic personal care products on the market," comments Christopher Haack, senior analyst at Mintel.

Mintel Global New Products Database (GNPD) shows a 53% increase in new organic and/or all natural product launches in the past two years (from 554 in 2005 to 846 in 2007). Realizing the success of natural and organic products, large retail chains have begun to partner with natural and organic manufacturers to offer such products under an exclusive and limited time period. Such is the case with Walgreens and the Yes To Carrots brand, as well as Target with the Erbaviva line of products.

Other mainstream companies are utilizing natural ingredients in their brands and opting for certification to differentiate themselves from the competition. Haack goes on to comment that "the recent drive toward healthy and green living has consumers placing a high degree of trust in the 'all natural' claim for personal care products."

The appeal of natural and organic personal care products stretches to both men and women, but women are typically the main users. Mintel also identifies Hispanics as a growing market for natural and organic personal care. Seventy-four percent of their total personal care product purchases were classified as being natural and organic, according to Mintel's research.

About Mintel

Mintel is a leading global supplier of consumer, product and media intelligence. For more than 35 years, Mintel has provided insight into key worldwide trends, offering unique data that directly impacts client success. Mintel Global New Products Database (GNPD), your new product partner, tracks international new product launches, innovations and development trends. With offices in Chicago, London, Belfast, Sydney, Shanghai and Tokyo, Mintel has forged a unique reputation as a world-renowned business brand. For more information on Mintel, please visit www.mintel.com.

More people opt for natural and organic personal care products