More paper products sold in the first third of the year

According to data from the ConsumerScan of Gfk Hungária, sales of toilet paper, paper tissue and paper towels were up in the first third of 2008, compared to the same period last year. Private labels account for a substantial part of the market in all segments and hold an outstanding market share in the paper towel segment. Sales of toilet paper were up by 25 per cent in terms of value in the first third of 2008. This is due to a 13 per cent price rise and a 10 per cent increase in the quantity sold. Private labels hold a stable market share of over 40 per cent in terms of value in this segment. Hyper markets and discounts stores are the two most important distribution channels. Sales of paper tissue have increased by 12 per cent in terms of value, as a result of a 3 per cent increase in the quantity sold and a 10 per cent rise in average price. Private labels hold a 44 per cent market share in this segment. Discount stores and hyper markets are the leading distribution channels in this segment as well, but hyper markets account for a smaller part of the market than in the toilet paper segment. Drugstores and Cash&Carry stores have increased their market shares since the first third of 2007. Sales of paper towels were up by 11 per cent in terms of quantity in the first third of 2008, compared to the same period in 2007. As a result of an 8 per cent price increase, sales were up by 20 per cent in terms of value. The paper towel segment is where private labels hold an outstanding market share (well over 50 per cent). Discount stores and hyper markets are the primary distribution channels in this segment as well, accounting for 70 per cent of the total market. However, the market shares of supermarkets and chains of small stores have also increased since 2007.