Dishwashing in the US

2021 DEVELOPMENTS

Dishwashing declines in 2021 as eating out and food delivery increase

After seeing exceptional growth in 2020, dishwashing reported a decline in current value terms in 2021, as sales could not be maintained at the 2020 level. Even though consumers continued to work from home, they also started to leave their homes more as restrictions started to be lifted.

Hand dishwashing declines as dishwashing tablets continues to gain share

Even though hand dishwashing remained the largest category within dishwashing, with retail sales of almost USD2 billion in 2021, it could not maintain the sales it saw in 2020, with a notable decline seen. However, compared with the pre-pandemic level of sales in 2019, retail sales in hand dishwashing were still higher even in constant terms in 2021, as consumers continued to spend more time at home.

Private label enters the sustainable space with EPA Safer Choice dishwashing pods

Walmart’s private label line Great Value quietly introduced dishwashing tablets that meet EPA Safer Choice standards. The product’s packaging does not include the EPA logo, nor does it display sustainability claims.

PROSPECTS AND OPPORTUNITIES

Home delivery and reopening of restaurants to disrupt eating at home habits and dishwashing

Eating already prepared meals at home significantly reduces the need to do dishes, and this is becoming a long-term trend among consumers. According to the National Restaurant Association, about 70% of adults in the US are more likely to order takeout than they were before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Education on water efficacy of dishwashers versus hand dishwashing could further drive sustainability

US consumers are aware of their impact on the planet and, according to Euromonitor International’s Voice of the Consumer Lifestyles Survey 2021, 41% are trying to use less water in their day-to-day activities. In dishwashing, this means cleaning dishes using a dishwasher versus hand dishwashing, as a full load in a dishwasher can use up to one-sixth of the water compared with hand dishwashing.

Dishwasher growth to positively impact sales of dishwashing tablets

Over eight million dishwashers were purchased in the US in 2021, which helped drive the growth of dishwashing tablets. The extended home seclusion during 2020 led to cleaning exhaustion in 2021, which encouraged consumers to add or replace this appliance in their households to provide a more convenient way to clean dishes.