Air fresheners are suitable for creating a fragmented smell in homes or other places to maintain a better environment. They are becoming decorative products over recent years because they provide ways to gain more advantages. The demand for air fresheners is increasing in India because they are not only used in buildings but also for transportation such as cars, buses, trains, etc. Therefore, the growth rate is expected to increase further in Indian markets. On the other hand, the air freshener market in India is also facing some challenges and they require proper solutions. 

An Overview of the air freshener market in India 

The air freshener market is primarily driven by the increasing demand for air care products worldwide. The growing concern about indoor air quality, coupled with the rising disposable income of consumers, has been driving the demand for air fresheners globally. In addition, the rise in urbanization and the growing trend of home decor are further propelling the demand for air fresheners.

The air freshener market in India offers products for residential, automotive, and commercial applications. Sprays, gels, electric diffusers, and candles are some forms of air fresheners available for customers. Several brands focus more on launching different types of products to satisfy the needs of buyers. According to CAGR and other reports, the growth rate of the air freshener market will increase by more than 7 % in future markets. Among all, sprays represent the largest product type segment among consumers.  Moreover, air freshener manufacturers will implement the latest technologies that can attract more customers. 

The global air freshener market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.8% during the forecast period from 2021 to 2026.

Market Segmentation

The air freshener market can be segmented based on product type, distribution channel, and region. Based on product type, the market is categorized into sprays, electric air fresheners, gels, candles, and others. The electric air freshener segment is expected to witness significant growth due to the convenience it offers. Based on the distribution channel, the market is segmented into supermarkets/hypermarkets, online stores, convenience stores, and others. Supermarkets/hypermarkets account for the largest share of the air freshener market.

The global air freshener market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.8% during the forecast period from 2021 to 2026. The increasing demand for air care products, the growing trend of home decor, and the rising concern about indoor air quality are the major factors driving the growth of the market. The electric air freshener segment is expected to witness significant growth during the forecast period due to its convenience and ease of use.

What are the distribution channels for air freshener products?

Air freshener products are sold through supermarkets, convenience stores, hypermarkets, retail shops, and online stores. The air freshener is segmented based on product type, geography, buying patterns, distribution channels, etc. 

Market trends to watch out for in the air freshener market in India 

1. The use of essential oils in air fresheners is becoming popular 

Nowadays, air fresheners use various types of essential oils in the manufacturing process to provide therapeutic benefits to users. For instance, tea tree oil is a popular essential oil that offers solutions for stress, pains, headaches, migraines, and other problems. Some other oils such as rosemary and lavender also offer several benefits. This is because they contain active chemical components allowing users to minimize health risks. 

2. Online channels can register significant growth during the forecast period

Although the offline segment is having the largest market share, the online channel can register significant growth during the forecast period. This is because the online purchase is increasing and online stores will benefit large-scale manufacturers. Furthermore, many online stores aim at providing an engaging retail experience for customers. 

3. The residential segment is on an upward trend   

The residential segment is an upward trend because many homeowners prefer buying air fresheners due to environmental changes and other factors. Since air fresheners help improve air quality, they are becoming popular among homeowners to ensure a positive and clean environment. 

4. Automotive segment has the second-highest market share 

The automotive segment has the second highest market share in India due to high sales and other vehicles. It can grow in future markets and air freshener manufacturers will target this segment for product modifications. 

5. Innovative packaging techniques may attract customers

Automatic air fresheners are gaining popularity in commercial spaces these days to create a fresh air atmosphere. Besides, customers prefer some innovative products for the modern lifestyle. Stickers, hangings, and other conventional packing techniques may attract customers because they are easily installable. 

6. Increasing urbanization will increase the growth rate in India 

Urbanization in India is increasing every year due to better jobs, infrastructure facilities, and other factors. Also, the rising concern for air quality and increasing demand can drive the growth of air freshener markets. Furthermore, the increasing investments in R& D activities may propel the growth rates significantly. 

7. Manufacturers have to refine their marketing strategies 

With competition increasing, air freshener manufacturers have to refine their marketing strategies to increase sales. Moreover, they will implement the best ideas in the marketing process to reach more customers.

8. The candle segment can see a huge growth 

The candle segment will see huge growth due to its aesthetic scent and other factors. Apart from this, it is the most consumed gift item liked by many people including women. 

What are the key challenges faced by air freshener markets?

1. Impacts on air quality 

Air fresheners emit hazardous substances in buildings and cars that can lead to various health issues. They are hard to detect and users may face irritation in the eyes, nose, throat, etc. It becomes difficult to know the ingredients because most manufacturers don’t provide the details to consumers. 

2. Affects human health 

The use of air fresheners in buildings and vehicles can increase air pollutants that can affect health to a large extent. Some of them include asthma, migraines, respiratory problems, breathing difficulties, skin disorders, etc. Prolonged exposure to air fresheners can impact a person’s life causing several discomforts.

The presence of high chemical compounds can hamper the growth of the air freshener market in India and manufacturers should know how to reduce them during the forecasting period.

The air freshener market is expected to continue its growth trajectory in the coming years. The increasing demand for air care products, rising disposable income, and growing urbanization are some of the key factors driving the growth of the market. The electric air freshener segment is expected to witness significant growth due to its convenience and ease of use. The market is expected to witness a significant shift towards online channels due to the increasing popularity of e-commerce platforms.