Content about SymphonyIRI Group

August 24, 2011
‘Biggest Loser’ battle royale

“Biggest Loser” trainer Bob Harper is featured on a diet aid launched earlier this year by Iovate Health Sciences that will go head-to-head against former “Biggest Loser” trainer Jillian Michaels.

NEW YORK — “Biggest Loser” trainer Bob Harper is featured on a diet aid launched earlier this year by Iovate Health Sciences that will go head-to-head against former “Biggest Loser” trainer Jillian Michaels. The Jillian Michaels brand generated $11.9 million for the 52 weeks ended July 10, according to SymphonyIRI Group data across food, drug and mass (excluding Walmart).

July 25, 2011
At-home trend helps color grow

It is no secret that consumers have changed their mindset and shopping behavior in the wake of the weakened economy. Today’s shoppers continue to have a greater focus on more cost-effective at-home beauty solutions, and hair coloring is no exception.


It is no secret that consumers have changed their mindset and shopping behavior in the wake of the weakened economy. Today’s shoppers continue to have a greater focus on more cost-effective at-home beauty solutions, and hair coloring is no exception.


Sales of hair coloring rose more than 5% to $1.08 billion at food, drug and mass (excluding Walmart) for the 52 weeks ended June 12, according to SymphonyIRI Group.


During that period, women’s hair coloring rose close to 6% to $943.7 million, while men’s hair coloring rose 1.4% to $140.7 million.


July 25, 2011
Biting into social media

Hyland’s will be bringing its Hyland’s Teething Tablets back to the market after a one-year hiatus with a few changes to the product, one of which is a child-resistant cap.

LOS ANGELES — Hyland’s will be bringing its Hyland’s Teething Tablets back to the market after a one-year hiatus with a few changes to the product, one of which is a child-resistant cap. As part of the relaunch, the company is tapping into its enthusiastic mommy blogger fan base on Facebook. That kind of fervent brand fan base should help Hyland’s grow from the $4.1 million in annual sales it had for the 52 weeks ended June 12 across food, drug and mass, excluding Walmart, according to SymphonyIRI Group.

July 25, 2011
Health claims drive growth

Health still is a priority for Americans, as sugary cereals are declining and cereals with health benefits, like whole grains, vitamins and minerals, are experiencing slow but steady growth.


Health still is a priority for Americans, as sugary cereals are declining and cereals with health benefits, like whole grains, vitamins and minerals, are experiencing slow but steady growth.


Overall, sales of ready-to-eat cereals were flat, up 0.2% in the 12 weeks ended June 12 to $1.5 billion. Of the top 10 cereals tracked by SymphonyIRI Group, only six brands experienced single-digit gains, and most were up less than 4%. The reason: rising prices, popularity of cereal bars and the convenience of bagels and toaster pastries.

 

July 25, 2011
On-the-go ease drives growth

As expected, consumers’ desire for products that make oral care easier — not to mention ones that help battle such oral conditions as dry mouth — helped drive strong growth of portable oral care.


As expected, consumers’ desire for products that make oral care easier — not to mention ones that help battle such oral conditions as dry mouth — helped drive strong growth of portable oral care.


For the 12 weeks ended June 12, portable oral care proved to be the shining star, with sales rising nearly 29% to $3.25 million, according to SymphonyIRI Group. Among the top 10 brands, dry mouth treatment Biotene topped the list with $1.2 million in sales, a boost of nearly 83%.

 

July 25, 2011
Study: Fiber intake reduces risk of death


According to a study published online June 27 on the site of the Archives of Internal Medicine, the more dietary fiber you consume, the less likely you are to die from any cause. And that’s good news for retailers.


According to a study published online June 27 on the site of the Archives of Internal Medicine, the more dietary fiber you consume, the less likely you are to die from any cause. And that’s good news for retailers. Already the annual sales of the two leading fiber supplements — captured with laxative and stimulants by SymphonyIRI Group — total more than $105 million and are growing at a modest pace of some 2%. 


July 25, 2011
Suppliers target growing adult acne segment


With more than half of women in the United States between the ages of 25 and 58 years battling some form of acne and the average age for acne patients on the rise, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, it is no surprise that sales of acne treatments have experienced an uptick at food, drug and mass.


With more than half of women in the United States between the ages of 25 and 58 years battling some form of acne and the average age for acne patients on the rise, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, it is no surprise that sales of acne treatments have experienced an uptick at food, drug and mass. The sales trend is likely to continue as manufacturers continue to develop formulas to battle adult acne.


July 25, 2011
Walmart, SymphonyIRI to introduce Customer Advantage platform

Just days after announcing a cooperation agreement with Nielsen, Walmart has entered a new relationship with SymphonyIRI Group, through which the two will develop a solution that supports the retailer's customer-centric initiatives.

CHICAGO — Just days after announcing a cooperation agreement with Nielsen, Walmart has entered a new relationship with SymphonyIRI Group, through which the two will develop a solution that supports the retailer's customer-centric initiatives.

July 25, 2011
Women still looking for anti-aging magic in a jar


Research has shown that many consumers believe how you age is mostly tied to genetics, diet and exercise, but many women still are purchasing anti-aging products — and will continue to do so — with the hope they’ll find magic in a jar.



Research has shown that many consumers believe how you age is mostly tied to genetics, diet and exercise, but many women still are purchasing anti-aging products — and will continue to do so — with the hope they’ll find magic in a jar.


July 15, 2011
Prestige Imports launches Penthouse-branded libido, sexual wellness supplement

Prestige Imports recently announced the upcoming launch of a Penthouse-branded libido and sexual wellness supplement in shot format: Per4mance Shots by Penthouse for men and Pleasure Shots by Penthouse for women.

ST. CLAIR SHORES, Mich. — Prestige Imports recently announced the upcoming launch of a Penthouse-branded libido and sexual wellness supplement in shot format: Per4mance Shots by Penthouse for men and Pleasure Shots by Penthouse for women. 

July 5, 2011
At-home hair removal falls short

Despite the do-it-yourself trend within beauty, depilatories experienced a slight dip in sales, according to data provided by SymphonyIRI Group.


NEW YORK — Despite the do-it-yourself trend within beauty, depilatories experienced a slight dip in sales, according to data provided by SymphonyIRI Group.


Depilatories slipped 3.4% to $26.4 million during the 12 weeks ended May 15 across food, drug and mass (excluding Walmart), according to SymphonyIRI.


July 5, 2011
Hairstyling products shaping up in sales

Whether it’s soft, sexy waves, an elegant updo or frizz-free straight locks, hair is a woman’s greatest accessory, and many of the hottest looks are hard to achieve without the help of styling aids.


CHICAGO — Whether it’s soft, sexy waves, an elegant updo or frizz-free straight locks, hair is a woman’s greatest accessory, and many of the hottest looks are hard to achieve without the help of styling aids.


According to data provided by SymphonyIRI Group, a Chicago-based market research firm, sales of hairspray totaled $416.5 million, up 0.52%, at food, drug and mass (excluding Walmart) for the 52 weeks ended May 15. Sales of hairstyling gel and mousse rose 1.78% to $636.2 million during that same period.


July 5, 2011
New niches fuel multivitamins


Findings from the past year show that vitamin sales have been stronger than most other health and beauty categories. The recent emphasis placed by vitamin and nutritional supplement manufacturers on new multivitamin brands has delivered positive results.


Findings from the past year show that vitamin sales have been stronger than most other health and beauty categories. The recent emphasis placed by vitamin and nutritional supplement manufacturers on new multivitamin brands has delivered positive results. SymphonyIRI Group reported that, in the 24 weeks ended May 15, multivitamins outperformed the total vitamin category. 


June 28, 2011
SymphonyIRI: Gas prices limit trips to stores

Looming gas prices are taking a toll on consumers' shopping habits, according to a special report by SymphonyIRI Group.

CHICAGO — Looming gas prices are taking a toll on consumers' shopping habits, according to a special report by SymphonyIRI Group.

June 20, 2011
Adults thirsty for weight-loss/nutrition drinks

The overall weight-loss/nutritional shake category spans ready-to-drink diet aids (Slim Fast), pediatric nutrition needs (PediaSure) and adult nutrition needs (Ensure and Boost). Out of all of these, it’s adult nutrition that creates the most synergy with the backbench; seniors need protein and supplementation to ensure a healthy life free of broken hips and fractured elbows. But that isn’t the only prescription-heavy demographic checking out the latest Ensure and Boost flavors.


The overall weight-loss/nutritional shake category spans ready-to-drink diet aids (Slim Fast), pediatric nutrition needs (PediaSure) and adult nutrition needs (Ensure and Boost). Out of all of these, it’s adult nutrition that creates the most synergy with the backbench; seniors need protein and supplementation to ensure a healthy life free of broken hips and fractured elbows. But that isn’t the only prescription-heavy demographic checking out the latest Ensure and Boost flavors.

June 20, 2011
Allegra tackles allergies, 
OTC rivals this spring

In the year leading up to the switch of Allegra, Sanofi generated $214.2 million in U.S. prescription sales of Allegra, largely due to the generic competition against its Allegra D formulation. Now Sanofi is looking to virtually match those annual sales figures within the much more profitable nonprescription venue with the company’s successful switch from prescription to OTC this spring. 


In the year leading up to the switch of Allegra, Sanofi generated $214.2 million in U.S. prescription sales of Allegra, largely due to the generic competition against its Allegra D formulation. Now Sanofi is looking to virtually match those annual sales figures within the much more profitable nonprescription venue with the company’s successful switch from prescription to OTC this spring. 


June 20, 2011
Consumers make a move toward fresh breath

Consumers’ desire for convenient, value-added solutions — not to mention their battle with more oral care issues as they age or take certain prescribed medications — likely has been the catalyst for the strong growth in 
portable oral care products.


Consumers’ desire for convenient, value-added solutions — not to mention their battle with more oral care issues as they age or take certain prescribed medications — likely has been the catalyst for the strong growth in 
portable oral care products.


June 20, 2011
Digital coupon wave: Clipping to surfing

Couponing is digitizing.


Although printed circulars remain the workhorse of the nation’s coupon distribution system, a growing share of the coupons consumers are handing cashiers are emerging from online distribution sources and are being printed out at home. A smaller but growing segment also is being handled exclusively through electronic means via smartphones and mobile technology.


June 20, 2011
Hit me with your best shot

The energy shot market is dominated by Living Essentials, which fields the most recognized shot — 5-Hour Energy, the shot you take to avoid that “2:30 feeling.”

NEW YORK — The energy shot market is dominated by Living Essentials, which fields the most recognized shot — 5-Hour Energy, the shot you take to avoid that “2:30 feeling.” With an annualized $58.3 million in incremental sales across food, drug and mass (excluding Walmart), retail sales are certainly feeling a little caffeinated. 


June 20, 2011
Innovation, added benefits color lipstick sales growth

Judging by many makeup looks on the runways of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Spring 2011 in New York, it was evident that lipstick was going to be in the shopping basket of many beauty mavens. That has proven to be the case.


Judging by many makeup looks on the runways of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Spring 2011 in New York, it was evident that lipstick was going to be in the shopping basket of many beauty mavens. That has proven to be the case.


According to SymphonyIRI Group, lipstick sales have experienced strong double-digit growth in the 12 weeks ended April 17. Topping the list, according to SymphonyIRI, were lip products that offer such innovation as long-wearing color like CoverGirl Outlast, Maybelline SuperStay and L’Oréal Paris 
Infallible Le Rouge.


June 20, 2011
Low-calorie options 
energize sports drinks


Sports drinks and energy beverages remain the driving forces behind the beverage category. Dollar volume across all three channels for both segments spiked nearly 15% for the 12-week period ended April 17, according to SymphonyIRI Group data.



Sports drinks and energy beverages remain the driving forces behind the beverage category. Dollar volume across all three channels for both segments spiked nearly 15% for the 12-week period ended April 17, according to SymphonyIRI Group data.


June 20, 2011
Raising the bar in 
nutritional snacking


The snack is back! Judging from the amount of growth within the 
nutritional bar category in the past year, snacking is definitely en vogue.


The snack is back! Judging from the amount of growth within the 
nutritional bar category in the past year, snacking is definitely en vogue. 
Incremental annual sales totaled $117.5 million across food, drug and mass retailers, with the exception of Walmart, according to SymphonyIRI Group. Out of all over-the-counter growth categories for the 52 weeks ended April 17, nutritional bars as a category took in more dollars on top of what they had generated the year before than any other category, bar none. 


June 20, 2011
Shampoos, conditioners a winning combo

When it comes to hair care, consumers clearly continue to seek value as the sales of shampoo and conditioner combo packs remain on the rise, soaring triple digits during the 12 weeks ended April 17, according to data from SymphonyIRI Group.


When it comes to hair care, consumers clearly continue to seek value as the sales of shampoo and conditioner combo packs remain on the rise, soaring triple digits during the 12 weeks ended April 17, according to data from SymphonyIRI Group.


The continued growth in this segment comes as no surprise, as industry observers have suggested that the shift in consumer shopping behavior would impact the hair care segment in 2011.


May 31, 2011
V8 enters energy market

Campbell Soup on Tuesday announced the company is expanding its V8 franchise into the fast-growing energy drink category with two new products: V8 V-Fusion + Energy drinks and V8 Energy Shots.

CAMDEN, N.J. — Campbell Soup on Tuesday announced the company is expanding its V8 franchise into the fast-growing energy drink category with two new products: V8 V-Fusion + Energy drinks and V8 Energy Shots.

Sales of energy shots reached $173.9 million across food, drug and mass (minus Walmart) for the 52 weeks ended April 17, representing growth of 43.5% compared with the prior year, according to SymphonyIRI Group data.

May 24, 2011
Men's shopping habits mirror women's, SymphonyIRI finds

Men shop, too, SymphonyIRI Group asserted in the release of its latest demographic shopper study titled “Men are From Mars, Women are From Venus…Or Maybe Not?” on Monday.

CHICAGO — Men shop, too, SymphonyIRI Group asserted in the release of its latest demographic shopper study titled “Men are From Mars, Women are From Venus … Or Maybe Not?” on Monday.