The candle market - United Kingdom

Since 2020, the global candle market has seen significant growth, with particularly impressive figures reported in the UK. In 2021, the UK candle market experienced a remarkable surge. This jump contributed to an estimated market value of £3.11 billion, up from £1.9 billion. The UK market is characterized by a high demand for both scented and aesthetic candles, with the latter gaining traction on social media platforms. Despite the growth in demand, the UK market faces a trade deficit, importing a larger volume of candles than it exports, primarily from China, the Czech Republic, and Poland.

The pandemic appears to have influenced consumer behaviors, with an increase in home decoration and wellness trends driving candle sales, as reflected in a 29% rise in related product sales in October 2020. The market is fragmented with many independent retailers showing rapid growth, sales of these smaller players grew by 127%. Key market players include Yankee Candle, The White Company, and Jo Malone, with Yankee Candle reporting sales of £166.35 million in 2020. Regulation in the UK is guided by general safety directives rather than specific legislation for candles.

The UK Candle Market: A Blending of Aesthetics, Fragrance, and Functionality

In the dynamic UK candle market, consumers are increasingly gravitating towards candles, not just as sources of light but as essential elements of home decor and aroma enhancement. A rich variety of candle types, including tea lights, birthday candles, and cartridge varieties, embody this surge in demand, with men contributing significantly to the market's expansion. The growth trends in the UK market are impressive, with an average purchase of between five and seven candles annually per person, propelling the market value to an estimated between £1.5 and £2 billion in recent years. E-commerce has played a fundamental role in the proliferation of candle sales, alongside traditional brick-and-mortar establishments like specialized decoration stores, supermarkets, and hypermarkets. Shoppers are drawn to the latter for their diverse and affordable offerings. Yet, despite this market diversification, influential players such as Yankee Candle Company, The White Company, and Jo Malone preside over the landscape, holding significant market presence. From an analytic standpoint, the growth of the UK candle market follows an upward trajectory, with an estimated annual increase of between 6% and 10%, before experiencing a staggering rise of nearly 50% in 2021.

This expansion symbolizes the market's robust health and the UK's position not just as a significant consumer of candles but also as an importer, creating a robust trade deficit in the candle market arena. A substantial portion of candle imports originate from China, while exports primarily flow to European neighbors such as Ireland, the Netherlands, and Germany. The COVID-19 crisis introduced an interesting dynamic, where, despite its detrimental impact on different sectors, the candle market enjoyed a boost. The British people, confined to their homes during the pandemic, turned towards scented candles, potpourri, and essential oils, seeking comfort and a pleasant ambiance, leading to a near 30% rise in related sales during October 2020. E-commerce and the wellness trend are pivotal forces molding the candle market in the UK. As the nation has exhibited an affinity for online shopping, an increase in online retail sales has been observed, particularly during the onset of the pandemic, which coincided with a flourish in home renovation and redecoration projects. The production side of the market is equally compelling, with the British Candle Makers Federation documenting over 60 members responsible for more than half of domestic production.

Illuminating the Market: The Finest Wax Visionaries in the Candle Industry

In the world of warmth and fragrance, several luminaries stand out, brightening homes and hearts. These market players are not simply candle makers; they are creators of ambiance, purveyors of comfort, and artisans of scent. They have transformed what once was a simple source of light into an emblem of luxury, self-care, and home aesthetics. Let's take a closer look at these key players that define the candle market's essence.

• Yankee Candle Company : Known for its signature glass-jarred candles, Yankee Candle has become synonymous with the art of perfumed wax. Their vast assortment of over 200 fragrances, ranging from seasonal to timeless classics, appeals to a wide array of olfactory preferences. Yankee Candle's commitment to quality and creating memorable customer experiences has secured their place as a familiar and beloved name in countless homes.
• The White Company : Elegance and simplicity are the foundations of The White Company's ethos. Their line of candles, often presented in minimalist yet chic packaging, exudes a sense of refined taste that elevates any interior. With a focus on interior products, they have carved out a niche for customers who seek both sophistication and a cozy domestic charm.
• Jo Malone London : As a revered name in the perfumery world, Jo Malone London extends its expert nose for fragrance into the realm of candles, offering a collection of scents that are both complex and captivating. Each candle promises to transform the atmosphere, imbuing spaces with a luxurious and tailored scent identity.
• Neom Organics : Prioritizing wellness and self-care, Neom Organics emphasizes the therapeutic aspects of candle use. Their products are designed not just to smell wonderful but also to enhance the well-being of their users, through mood-boosting and stress-alleviating formulations made with essential oils and natural ingredients.
• Rituals Cosmetics : Fusing home fragrance with personal care, Rituals offers candles that complement their body and skincare products. Through this holistic approach, they invite customers to create rituals that nourish both the body and the ambiance of their surroundings.
• Penhaligon's : Steeped in history, Penhaligon's brings its storied heritage in perfumery to the candle market. Their scented candles tell olfactory tales that reflect the brand's rich past and dedication to craftsmanship, appealing to those who appreciate a narrative woven through their sensory experiences.

Inforamtion

• Number of pages : ~ 40 pages
• Format : Digital and PDF versions
• Last update : 01/02/2022

Summary and extracts

List of charts presented in this market study

• Candle market trends
• The candle market in the UK
• Evolution of British candle exports and imports
• Major beneficiaries of British candle exports
• Major beneficiaries of British candle imports
• Impact of the health crisis on the decoration and interior design sector
• Evolution of the online share of UK retail sales
• Candle related searches on Google in the UK
• Consumption habits of British candle buyers
• Candle related searches on Google in the UK
• Size of the producers of the British Candlemakers Federation