Boston, MA -- (SBWIRE) -- 08/29/2014 -- Retail value sales of NRT smoking cessation aids increased by 1% in current terms in 2013. The smoking population has been falling for decades. According to the Euromonitor's countries and consumers' data, there were about 24.9 million smokers in Japan in 2013, equivalent to 20% of the population. The smoking population in Japan is shrinking due to the growing number of health-orientated consumers and tax increases on all tobacco products in 2010. In addition, more smoking bans came into effect in public spaces such as train stations, restaurants, shopping centres, workplaces and on the street. Even though smoking areas are usually available, smokers sometimes need to walk around for a while to find a smoking area. In condominiums, smokers often smoke on the balcony to protect their family members from second hand smoke. In the past few years, however, troubles between neighbours increased. In 2012, a woman sued a man living in the same condominium in Nagoya city for second hand smoke and the Naogya district court ordered him to pay compensation. Such adverse social conditions and public sentiment against smokers also motivated consumers to quit smoking, which contributed to the expansion of NRT smoking cessation aids in 2013.

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Competitive Landscape

There are only three brands owned by three players in NRT smoking cessation aids. Nicorette by Johnson & Johnson KK remained the top brand in 2013 with a retail value share of 81%. Nicorette used to offer both NRT gum and patches although the former accounted for the majority of sales. With the constant popularity of Nicorette NRT gum, the company decided to focus all resources on its NRT gum and stopped the production of Nicorette NRT patches in June 2012. At the end of the review period Nicorette NRT gum offered five flavours and textures. The brand established its leading position from its launch in 2001. As Nicorette was the first OTC brand launched, it is widely recognised and trusted among consumers.

Industry Prospects

NRT smoking cessation aids is expected to register a CAGR of 1% at constant 2013 prices over the forecast period. Given the expansion of smoking bans in public places and shrinking smoking areas, demand for smoking cessation aids is expected to rise. NRT gum will continue to drive sales while NRT patches is estimated to fall further. However, growth is estimated to be modest due to the consumers' preference for smoking cessation programmes in outpatient clinics over OTC NRT smoking cessation aids.

Retail value sales of dermatologicals in Japan increased by 1% in current terms in 2013. Hair loss treatments remained the largest category in terms of retail value sales. The category's steady growth turned negative in 2012 due to the negative growth of RiUP by Taisho Pharmaceutical Co Ltd, the largest brand in hair loss treatments compared to the significant sales increase of the brand in 2011. The remarkable performance was because of research findings by the Japanese Dermatological Association that certified the effectiveness of the key active ingredient in RiUP. Therefore, compared to 2012, sales of hair loss treatments recovered in 2013. While men's hair loss treatments accounted for the majority of the total sales, women's hair loss treatments expanded its value share in 2013 with several new products launches. In addition to women in middle-age and above, an increasing number of young women in their 30s are using hair loss treatment products for prevention purposes.

Competitive Landscape

Taisho Pharmaceutical Co Ltd remained the top player in dermatologicals. Its brand RiUP continued to dominate hair loss treatments, with a retail value share of 48% in 2013. The company launched an aerosol version of RiUP in December 2012 to meet the needs of young consumers in their 20s and 30s. Kao Corp's Success ranked second. Compared to RiUP, Success is popular among younger consumers because of its affordable pricing. Other players actively promoted women's hair loss treatments in 2013. Bathclin Corp launched three scalp care sprays for women from its hair loss treatments brand Mouga in February 2013. Lion Corp launched its first women's hair loss treatments product, Fleuria, in June 2013, which is only available online. RiUP also offers a hair loss treatments product for women, RiUP Regenne, although its retail value sales remained low in 2013.

Industry Prospects

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