The fragrances market, including body sprays, is predicted to decline by 1.7% from £1.53 billion in 2014 to £1.50 billion in 2015, impacted by savvy shopping behaviours seeing shoppers turn to online channels and discount stores to make their purchases. The prestige fragrances segment has shown growth in value in 2014, driven by the popularity of niche and artisan fragrances in addition to improved financial situations, however the body sprays category continues to show decline in value year on year.

Penetration of fragrances and body sprays declines with age, with women showing greater usage than men for both product types. When it comes to the purchase of fragrances, women are more likely than men to buy for themselves, whilst men are more likely to buy for their partners. Special offers are important to buyers of fragrances, with brand name the key consideration when buying for others.

This report examines the UK market for men’s and women’s fragrances, including parfum, eaux de toilettes (EdT), eaux de parfums (EdP) and colognes:

• Parfums or perfume extracts have a 15-40% concentration of essence.

• Eaux de parfums (EdP) have a 10-30% concentration of essence.

• Eaux de toilettes (EdT) have a 5-20% concentration of essence.

• Colognes, often referred to as eaux de colognes (EdC), have a 3-5% concentration of essence.

Also included within this report are body sprays (fragrances in a spray can format) for men and for women.

Throughout this report the term ‘fragrances’ refers exclusively to perfumes (ie eau de toilette, eau de parfum, parfum), eau de colognes and aftershaves. This includes perfumes, eau de colognes and aftershaves in solid, oil and gel formats, but excludes body sprays.

• Line extensions of fragrance brands, including bath and body products, deodorants, shaving products, shower gels and shampoos, conditioners and styling products have been excluded from the market size.

• Duty-free products bought when travelling are not included in the market size data.