Weight Management and Wellbeing in Switzerland

2020 IMPACT

Home seclusion a blessing and a curse for weight management and wellbeing

Despite the various challenges presented by COVID-19 these seemed to have little impact on overall sales of weight management and wellbeing, which saw similar growth in 2020 to the previous year in current value terms. This was largely due to the balancing out of various trends seen during the year.

Convenience important in driving demand for weight management and wellbeing

Slimming teas remained the most dynamic category in 2020 in current value terms with these products seen as a safe and easy way to support weight loss. While the effectiveness of these products is questionable, they can still be enjoyed as a refreshing drink and as a substitute to sugary soft drinks.

Shape of competitive landscape reflects overall trends within the category

Weight management and wellbeing has a highly fragmented competitive landscape with a large number of players specialising in different areas through a wide range of products. Leading player Biomed AG held onto its share in 2020 with it benefiting from an established supply and distribution chain and a strong presence in weight loss supplements and meal replacement, the two largest categories of weight management and wellbeing.

RECOVERY AND OPPORTUNITIES

Consumers looking to shift weight gained during home seclusion should inspire sales

Home seclusion has resulted in many Swiss consumers putting on weight during 2020 due to home seclusion and this could benefit sales of weight management and wellbeing moving into the forecast period. While a more holistic approach to health is likely to limit the effects of this, there are still likely to remain a large number of consumers who lack the time and energy to invest in preparing healthy meals or visiting the gym.

OTC obesity and weight loss supplements continue to suffer from negative perceptions as to their safety and efficacy

Busy lifestyles will likely continue to drive future growth of meal replacement products with flavourful and high-quality ingredients which should appeal to Swiss consumers looking to maintain or manage their weight while juggling busy work schedules. However, this is not expected to have such a significant impact on other areas of weight management and wellbeing.

Competitive landscape expected to remain fragmented but with e-commerce offering scope for development

Fragmentation is expected to remain a feature of the competitive landscape for weight management and wellbeing over the forecast period as the category attracts small- and medium-sized companies due to the low entry barriers. Future trends are likely to be increasingly influenced by social media and tabloid media as consumers increasingly derive advice and recommendations from these sources to solve their weight issues.