At a time when Indian toothpaste industry is growing at about 15 per cent annually and many big corporate houses are planning to foray into the segment, coutry’s prominent leader in the segment Hindustan Unilever witnesses a slowdown in growth. While smaller players such as Dabur India have gained marketshare, HUL has grown slower than the industry average due to lesser brands compared to its competitors, according to AC Nielsen figures for the January-October period.
As per the figures, the Rs 39.76 billion oral care category, comprising of toothpaste and toothpowder together, grew 14.5 per cent, with Dabur’s oral care brands recording a combined on-year value growth of 19.2 per cent. While Colgate rose 14.5 per cent and Hindustan Unilever registered only 13.8 per cent.
Within the toothpaste segment, Dabur brands—Dabur Red and Babool —have shown 19.1 per cent and 19 per cent value growth, respectively. By market share, however, Colgate remains the clear leader with a share of about 33.1 per cent, followed by Hindustan Unilever with 29.8 per cent, and Dabur (9.4 per cent).
— IndiaRetailing Bureau
