Annual sales approaching HUF 40 billion

Retail sales of household paper products were up by 8 percent in terms of value in the March 2008-February 2009 period, compared to the previous year. Retail sales totalled more than HUF 41 billion in the above period. The market share of hyper markets dropped somewhat, but is still 31-41 percent in different segments. Drugstores increased their market share by 1-2 percent in all categories, but only managed to exceed 10 percent in paper tissue. 401-2,500 square meter stores improved their position in three categories, except paper napkins. Toilet paper is the largest category. Sales were up by 9 percent, exceeding HUF 21 billion. Demand in this category is shifting towards higher quality. Sales of paper tissue were up by 6 percent, exceeding HUF 10 billion. As a result of an 11 percent increase in sales, the market of kitchen towels have approached HUF 6 billion. Retail sales of napkins were up by 3 percent, with the total market exceeding HUF 3 billion. The market share of private labels is high in all categories. Private labels accounted for 46 percent of sales in the kitchen towel category, 45 percent in the toilet paper category and 39 percent in the paper tissue category last year.