Sales of Israeli perfumes were up 10-12% this Passover, compared with 2003, and double the monthly average, reaching NIS 45 million, says Manufacturers Association cosmetics division chairman and Intercosma general manager Yehuda Braun.
Average per family spending on perfume, cosmetics, and body care products rose by 10% to NIS 160.
Braun said sales, including imports, of body care products, perfumes, and gift packages were 20% this Passover, compared with last year, to NIS 240 million.
Braun added that prices were discounted up to 60% this Passover, compared with 25-40% in 2003, boosting sales. The run-ups to Passover and Rosh Hashana account for 60% of total annual sales of expensive perfumes and 30% of all perfumes.
Israel's perfume industry has 5,000 employees at 20 factories, which control over 90% of the domestic market. The main manufacturers are Alpa Cosmetic Co., Careline, Dead Sea Laboratories (DSL), makers of Ahava products, DPL Disposable Products Industries, Dr. Fischer (Fischer Pharmaceuticals), Interbeauty Cosmetics Israel, and Intercosma (TASE:INCS).
Published by Globes [online] - www.globes.co.il - on April 7, 2004