Fisherman’s Friend has urged retailers to make sure they don’t leave shoppers disappointed this hay fever season, as demand for relief from the annual ailment is predicted to soar.
With the UK hay fever season now in full swing, and warnings that the levels of suffering are shaping up to be more severe than ever, millions of shoppers are already reaching for products to help relieve their symptoms. We’ve also hit grass pollen season – which runs from mid-May to July – when most people suffer.
“Menthol has been associated for centuries with helping ease the discomfort of runny noses and scratchy throats – two of the most common frustrations during allergy season,” noted Jon R White, regional business manager, Fisherman’s Friend UK.
“With 10mg of menthol per lozenge, Fisherman’s Friend Original Extra Strong delivers more menthol than any other non-medicinal lozenge on the market, giving consumers a bold, trusted option to turn to when the sneezing sets in.”
The advice comes as demand for hay fever relief – and Fisherman’s Friend – continues to grow. Sales of the hay fever and allergy relief category soared in value by 23 per cent last summer versus 2023, with units up 13 per cent [Circana, 12w/e 07.09.24]. Fisherman’s Friend more than held its own, with ex-factory value sales up 22 per cent, and units up 12 per cent [June – August 2024].
“Like it or not, hay fever is a part of life for millions of people every year, and it’s not going away anytime soon. Menthol has been trusted for generations to help ease some of those irritating hay fever symptoms, and with Fisherman’s Friend packing more menthol than any other non-medicinal lozenge, plus a range of flavours to suit every taste, it’s an easy, no-nonsense choice shoppers keep coming back to,” White added.
“The sales numbers speak for themselves. Demand is climbing fast – with value and volumes sales on the up. That makes Fisherman’s Friend a clear must-stock for any retailer wanting to tap into this busy season.”
Last year, Fisherman’s Friend shook things up with its ‘Restore in the Great Outdoors’ campaign, teaming up with top UK influencers to firmly position the brand as a summer essential during hay fever season.
This summer the brand is going even bigger, rolling out a fresh consumer PR push that’s set to grab more headlines and attention than ever before. On top of that, a revamped influencer campaign will bring together a mix of macro and micro lifestyle stars to shout loud and clear that Fisherman’s Friend is the must-have hay fever sidekick.
“This renewed focus on authentic engagement is expected to drive even stronger consumer demand – so now’s the time to make sure your shelves are well-stocked to meet shopper needs during the peak pollen period,” White said.
Available in nine strong, minty and fruity flavours – including Original Extra Strong, Sugar-Free Spearmint, Aniseed, Honey & Lemon, Blackcurrant and more – Fisherman’s Friend caters to a wide variety of tastes and preferences. At an RRP of just 99p per 25g pack, and with a high lozenge count in each, it also offers standout value for money.
