Kerfoot Group, leading supplier of natural and organic oils, essential oils, waxes and butters, for the personal care products sector in the UK, has commented on the significant changes to the market, witnessed as a result of Covid-19.
In its capacity as an end-to-end supplier with extensive oversight of the personal care market, representatives from the business have outlined their findings to highlight the current direction of the category.
Sarah Bradley, Managing Director at Kerfoot, commented: “We are seeing a great deal of change across the personal care sector in a very short space of time; quite unlike anything we’ve seen before. As a result of restricted retail channels and reduced employee numbers, many are streamlining operations and attempting to control costs as volumes drop. As a result, many brands are temporarily condensing their product portfolios to focus on their core offering. In our part of the ingredients supply chain we are seeing consolidation of base products and oils to ensure consistent supply in a volatile and often challenging market.
“This could turn out to be a benefit to the industry, however. The growing need to diversify, as well as a rise in personalisation has seen a growing challenge of SKU proliferation, with resources and brand identity alike being spread thin. The revised product cycles that we’re seeing impact the personal care market could actually be just what many businesses need, to refocus on what makes them stand out in a busy and competitive market.”
Simon Corner, Sales and Marketing Director at Kerfoot, added: “The ‘back to basics’ approach that is sweeping across many personal care brands has dramatically reduced the amount of new product development across the market, other than in the preventative categories and personal hygiene. I think many businesses understand that the cycles will likely restart once we regain a sense of normality, but for now brands are returning to their ‘bread and butter’ products.
“It’s becoming clear that the key driver for brands in this difficult time is retaining market share as operations and logistics become more challenging. From smaller artisanal operations to the brand giants, the need for consistent, solid supply of ingredients is taking the top priority.”
Simon concluded: “It’s becoming a question of proximity and consistency; branded products need to be readily available at all times to adapt to ‘the new normal’ as far as shopping habits are concerned, whether that be in store or online as shoppers seek beauty products at home. We’ve been able to use our global stockholding and expertise to keep our customers moving forward, and that’s paying real dividends for our partners in the personal care sector – and the consumer – as we move further into the ongoing pandemic.”
About Kerfoot
Established in 1980, Kerfoot, an Avril Group company, is a global supplier of bulk and packed, refined and speciality oils. With a portfolio of over 500 products, Kerfoot is a leading supply partner to brands, manufacturers and distributors in the food and personal care markets. Kerfoot has over 130 employees operating from its headquarters in Northallerton, and 3 sites in Goole, Yorkshire, UK. Kerfoot corporate values of Respect, Boldness and Performance ensure customer focus and supply chain flexibility are foremost in Kerfoot’s business ethos.
For a complete overview of the Kerfoot product range and company, please visit www.kerfootgroup.co.uk
