Karen McIntyre, editor07.27.17
Two of the world’s largest manufacturers of disposable diapers reported softness in their baby diaper markets this earnings season. Citing various reasons for the softness, both Kimberly-Clark and Procter & Gamble say they will focus on category innovation to help their businesses rebound.
“We are focused on innovation,” says K-C CEO Tom Falk. “As a consumer preferred brand it is our job to focus on category innovation."
Innovation will help the company return sales of its diapers and other products to high levels in upcoming quarters. Earlier this week, K-C reported that lower sales volumes in the infant and childcare business were largely responsible for slight decreases in the company’s personal care division. Sales of Huggies diapers were reportedly down in the mid single digits during the second quarter. Sales of Huggies baby wipes grew in the mid single digits.
Executives blame the softness on two major economic trends—increased compeittion in the category as well as lower category demographics, caused by a
“We are focused on innovation,” says K-C CEO Tom Falk. “As a consumer preferred brand it is our job to focus on category innovation."
Innovation will help the company return sales of its diapers and other products to high levels in upcoming quarters. Earlier this week, K-C reported that lower sales volumes in the infant and childcare business were largely responsible for slight decreases in the company’s personal care division. Sales of Huggies diapers were reportedly down in the mid single digits during the second quarter. Sales of Huggies baby wipes grew in the mid single digits.
Executives blame the softness on two major economic trends—increased compeittion in the category as well as lower category demographics, caused by a
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