In 2001-05, spending on health and beauty products increased in the six countries covered in this report series.

Spain and the UK posted the strongest growth at over 25%. In Germany the growth trailed in single digits, pulled down by declining spending on personal care.

Across the six countries, health and beauty maintained or increased its share of all consumer spending.

Health and beauty specialists generate 7-12% of all retail sales in the six countries.

Mintel expects the health and beauty sector to win share in wider retail over the next five years in most markets discussed here.

The health and beauty sector is highly fragmented.

This reflects mainly the lack of multiple chains in the pharmacy sector, which makes up the bulk of all health and beauty retail. In most countries, multiple pharmacy ownership is not permitted.

On the contrary, the unregulated beauty sector is much more concentrated.