Unwrapping FMCG Sales Trends: Christmas and Black Friday Forecasts

The holiday season is not only a time for festive cheer but also a crucial period for businesses around the world. As a leading wholesaler of Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG), Intamarque plays a pivotal role in meeting the increased demand during the Christmas and Black Friday shopping frenzies. In this post, we'll dive into the sales data from previous years and provide informed forecasts for this year, with a spotlight on FMCG sales, on a global scale.

Christmas Sales Trends 

1. Global FMCG Sales Surge: Christmas is traditionally a time for indulgence and celebration, making FMCG products highly sought-after. Notably, health and beauty products see a significant uptick in sales as people prepare for festive gatherings. In 2020, global FMCG sales during the Christmas season showed an impressive increase of 7% compared to the previous year.
2. Health and Beauty Boom: During the Christmas season, health and beauty products like skincare, cosmetics, and fragrances experience a substantial sales boost. The trend of self-care and gifting in this category has been on the rise, driving sales growth.
3. E-commerce Dominance: The convenience of online shopping has been steadily increasing, and this trend was especially evident during Christmas. Consumers are turning to e-commerce channels to purchase their favourite FMCG products, including health and beauty items. E-commerce sales during the holiday season surged by 30%, underlining the importance of having a strong online presence.

Black Friday Sales Trends

1. Black Friday Global Impact: Black Friday, traditionally a U.S. shopping event, has gained international prominence. It marks the beginning of the holiday shopping season and is known for jaw-dropping discounts and deals. In recent years, it has expanded beyond the U.S. borders, with many countries participating in this shopping extravaganza.
2. FMCG's Role: While Black Friday is synonymous with electronics and apparel sales, the FMCG sector, including health and beauty products and food, has also carved a niche for itself. Special Black Friday promotions and bundled deals on FMCG products have become increasingly popular. FMCG sales during Black Friday witnessed a significant surge of 12% globally.

Forecasts for 2023

Now, let's peer into the crystal ball and make some informed forecasts for this year's Christmas and Black Friday sales, emphasising the FMCG sector, which includes health and beauty products and food:

1. Christmas 2023: With the global economy showing signs of recovery, we anticipate a healthy 8% increase in global FMCG sales during the Christmas season. Health and beauty products, driven by the trend of self-care and gifting, are expected to see a notable surge of 10%. Additionally, food products, a cornerstone of festive celebrations, will also experience growth, with sales expected to increase by 7%. The convenience of e-commerce will continue to drive growth, with online FMCG sales expected to grow by 15%.
2. Black Friday 2023: Black Friday is expected to maintain its international appeal, with a projected 10% increase in global FMCG sales. Health and beauty products are anticipated to be a significant contributor, with a 12% sales increase, as consumers seek deals on cosmetics, skincare, and fragrances. Food products will also see a boost, with sales expected to rise by 8% during Black Friday. Both in-store and online promotions will be essential for retailers to meet consumer demands for discounts and bundle deals.

As the holiday season approaches, we have an exciting period ahead. Christmas and Black Friday continue to be key milestones in the retail calendar, and the FMCG sector, encompassing health and beauty products as well as food, is poised to benefit from increased consumer spending. Staying attuned to global trends, consumer preferences, and e-commerce dynamics will be essential for businesses looking to thrive during these festive periods. Here's to a successful holiday season to all our customers worldwide!