Bleach in Bolivia

2020 IMPACT

Bleach sees surging current value sales due to hygiene concerns and economising trend

Prior to the pandemic, bleach was a popular product used by many Bolivian households as a surface cleaner due to its high level of disinfection alongside convenient prices, especially amongst low-income consumers. In response to the pandemic, bleach will perform exceptionally well in 2020 overall, as current value sales rocket.

The collapse of the customs office leads unit prices to surge

In response to the international travel bans and border closures, the national customs office has collapsed which has impacted many domestic manufacturers within Bolivia that heavily rely on importations for certain ingredients used in bleach. Likewise, disruptions have been reported within the supply chain, due to the ongoing restrictions and outbreaks of the virus amongst factory workers.

Counterfeit trade comes to a halt due to border closures, thus boosting the performance of bleach further

Prior to the pandemic, illicit trade posed a great threat to current value sales of bleach. Counterfeit bleach was often smuggled into Bolivia from neighbouring countries such as Argentina and sold at a much lower price, leading it to be highly popular amongst lower-income consumers.

RECOVERY AND OPPORTUNITIES

Normalisation, ongoing supply chain issues and illicit trade pose a threat to bleach at the beginning of the forecast period

After performing well in response to the pandemic in 2020, bleach is expected to see declining current value growth rates, largely as sales normalise back to what they were prior to the pandemic. However, some consequences of the pandemic will continue to limit growth also.

Bleach records higher per-capita consumption compared to 2019

Despite recording current value decline at the start of the forecast period, bleach is expected to see higher per-capita consumption in 2021 than that seen in 2019. The main reason for this will be due to the ongoing anxieties surrounding the virus as many consumers will maintain a certain level of hygiene in their homes as to prevent the spread and contagion of the virus.

New product development focus on size and fragrance

Over the forecast period, domestic players of bleach are expected to introduce smaller pack sizes of bleach. This will therefore attract more consumers due to their lower price points and convenience, being particularly attractive to lower-income consumers who continue to suffer as a result of the pandemic and worsening economy.