MEDIA RELEASE PR37106
GfK Asia Reports: Malaysian Contact Lens Market Sees Strong Recovery in Second Half of 2009
SINGAPORE, Nov. 16 /PRNewswire-Asia-AsiaNet/ --
GfK Asia retail audit of Contact Lens shows market growth of 14% in Malaysia January 2009 to end August
2009
Retail sales of contact lenses within the West Coast of Malaysia grew steadily in the first half of 2009 with
total consumption peaking in June, driven by improving consumer sentiment and aggressive promotions from
major Contact Lens manufacturers. Positive sales data showing a growth of 14% from January 2009 ending
August further cemented the view of an economic recovery that is being led by consumers spending.
Among all disposable categories, daily disposable contact lenses, which accounts for 20% of total Contact
Lens retail sales has recorded the highest sales growth in the past few months. This growth is being driven by
a shift in new consumers opting for daily lenses as well as entry of new daily lens models into this dailies
segment. The performance further underlines the growing importance of the dailies segment in Malaysia.
"Although still largely under development in Malaysia, the Daily segment will probably be the next big growth
area as manufacturers and retailers help boost consumer awareness and provide education on benefits of
daily disposable lens", said Jennifer Chan, GfK Malaysia General Manager.
The Silicone Hydrogel segment is also the latest emerging trend to take the Retail Contact Lens market in
Malaysia by storm in 2009. In the last quarter ending August 2009, there has been double digit growth of this
lens type driven by increased awareness of this new lens material coupled with aggressive advertising and
promotions by top manufacturers. The premium price of Silicone Hydrogel lens has not been a deterrent thus
far and the segment has outperformed market average growth. "Currently, there are limited players in the
Silicon Hydrogel segment and it is dominated by 2 key brands, given the rate of growth in this area, we now
expect to see many more brands enter this high end segment in second half of 2009 and beyond", added
Anthony Tan, GfK Asia Regional Account Manager.
Distribution growth of the Contact lens is driven strongly by the Chain stores which account for 60% share
of sales, versus the independent retailers. West Coast Malaysia has an estimated 2,100 optical retailers and
optometrist, of which 50% are chain stores.
GfK Malaysia started the Optic's panel from January 2009 with an audit of Contact Lens. Lens Care
Solutions audit will start in 2010, followed by Ophthalmic Lenses, Frames and Sunglasses.
About GfK Asia Pte Ltd
GfK Asia Pte Ltd (GfK Asia), part of the global GfK Group, is a leading research company with over 20
years experience in providing reliable Asian retail and technology market data. Our analysts track a broad
range of consumer technology markets, including: consumer electronics, telecommunications, IT, household
electrical appliances (large and small), optics, entertainment, automotive, gaming as well as digital imaging.
GfK Asia covers more than 55 product groups and over 350,000 models, collecting monthly data from over
6,000 specialist / independent shops as well as over 170 organized retailers with approximately 15,000
outlets. This disciplined methodology, together with tight field operational control in every country, allows GfK
Asia to produce high quality reports containing reliable information that our clients can use with confidence.
Based in Singapore, with other offices in China, India and Japan, GfK Asia offers extensive coverage of the
following countries: Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Vietnam, and
The GfK Group
The GfK Group is the No. 4 market research organization worldwide. Its activities cover the three business
sectors of Custom Research, Retail and Technology and Media. In financial year 2008, the GfK Group
achieved sales of 1,220.4 million Euros. The Group has 120 companies operating in more than 100 countries.
Of a total of approximately 10,000 employees (as at December 31, 2008) more than 80% are based outside
Media Contact:
Lisa Williamson
Bryant Williamson Communications
Tel: +65-9100-4097
Email: Lisa@bryantwilliamson.com
SOURCE: GfK Asia Pte Ltd
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