Tissue and hygiene in Sri Lanka in 2025 demonstrates steady but slower value growth compared to prior years, as households remain cautious in their spending following a period of economic instability. The overall environment is attractive for brands able to compete on affordability, as aggressive discounting, bundle promotions, and a surge in private label offerings from major retailers such as Cargills Food City, Keells, and Spar have shifted consumer priorities away from brand loyalty towards

Menstrual care in Sri Lanka demonstrated robust performance in 2025, with retail volume reaching 183 million units, up 5% from 2024, and value sales increasing to LKR4,824 million, representing 9% current value growth. The performance was underpinned by government-led interventions such as the allocation of LKR1,440 million in the 2025 budget for free sanitary napkins for schoolgirls, the removal of VAT on imported products, and targeted efforts to address period poverty and normalise product u

Nappies/diapers/pants in Sri Lanka recorded steady performance in 2025, with retail volume reaching 95.4 million units, up 4% from the previous year, and value sales at LKR7.9 billion, reflecting a 6% increase. This growth comes in the context of a declining birth rate and a shrinking population aged 0-4. While regional peers are facing similar demographic challenges, the landscape continues to expand as working parents increasingly favour disposable solutions over traditional cloth, particularl

Retail adult incontinence in Sri Lanka demonstrated robust growth in 2025, recording a retail volume increase of 8% to reach 10.9 million units and a retail value rise of 13% to LKR2846.6 million. This performance is notably strong compared to the volatility and slower growth observed in previous years, as well as relative to many markets in the Asia Pacific region, where price pressures and changing consumer behaviour are more pronounced. Sri Lanka’s growth was underpinned by a clear shift towa

The performance of wipes in 2025 was marked by a clear decline, contrasting with the broader tissue and hygiene landscape across Asia Pacific, where retail tissue continued to expand. Sri Lanka experienced only a marginal increase in retail value sales for wipes, with current value growth at just 1% in 2025, following much stronger growth rates in previous years. This stagnation in value was mirrored in personal wipes retail volume, which rose by only 3%, highlighting a slowdown driven by consum

Retail tissue in 2025 demonstrates resilient growth, recording a retail volume of 6,100 tonnes, up 4% from the previous year, despite a challenging economic context. This volume increase is notable given that value sales, at LKR3,356 million, fell by 10% after a year of strong price-led growth, reflecting a shift towards budget-conscious consumption. Compared to global and regional trends, where price growth typically sustains value expansion, Sri Lanka’s retail tissue performance is increasingl

Away-from-home tissue and hygiene in Sri Lanka experienced stable growth in 2025, supported by increasing demand from the expanding horeca channel and rising hygiene awareness. Value sales increased by 2% in current terms to LKR2.8 million. This performance demonstrates continued momentum and compares favourably to the volatility seen in the regional and global context. Despite a challenging economic environment, strong demand from contemporary trade and foodservice channels, as well as cost adv

The home care market in Sri Lanka demonstrated 13% value growth in 2025, driven by the demand for cost-effective and necessary cleaning supplies. Laundry care remained the dominant category, and toilet care was the fastest-growing. The industry is expected to continue growing at a current value CAGR of 6%, driven by consumer preferences for affordability, convenience and sustainability. To succeed, brands should focus on value-driven promotions, digital marketing and improving their distribution

Laundry care in Sri Lanka recorded strong current value growth in 2025, driven by increased home washing machine penetration and changing consumer tastes. The total market value reached LKR40.2 billion in 2025, representing 10% growth on the previous year. The median disposable income per household increased from LKR2.19 million in 2024 to LKR2.21 million in 2025, and the inflation rate remained relatively stable in 2025, increasing consumer spending power.

In 2025, the dishwashing category in Sri Lanka saw a significant increase in retail value, with sales reaching LKR4.6 billion, representing 15% growth. This growth was driven by consumers seeking reasonably priced and efficient cleaning solutions amidst economic pressures. The median disposable income per household in Sri Lanka increased from LKR2.19 million in 2024 to LKR2.21 million in 2025, and the urban population is growing, indicating an increase in consumer spending power, with urban cons

In 2025, surface care in Sri Lanka experienced strong 23% growth to reach sales of LKR1.7 billion, primarily driven by rising hygiene awareness and the ongoing need for disinfectant cleansers. The median disposable income per household in Sri Lanka increased from LKR2.19 million in 2024 to LKR2.21 million in 2025. This rise in disposable income, coupled with a relatively stable inflation rate and increasing urbanisation, suggests that consumers had more purchasing power, which they utilised to i

The bleach category in Sri Lanka recorded a retail value of LKR99.0 million in 2025, representing a 2% growth compared to the previous year. The bleach category has been experiencing fluctuations in retail volume over the years, with a significant drop in 2023 followed by a recovery in 2024 and 2025. The growth in median disposable income per household is a key driver for the bleach category, as it enables consumers to spend more on household essentials. The urban population growth also contribu

In 2025, toilet care in Sri Lanka experienced strong growth despite economic challenges faced by consumers. Retail value sales reached LKR8.5 billion, representing 26% growth on the previous year. The median disposable income in Sri Lanka increased from LKR2.19 million in 2024 to LKR2.21 million in 2025, while the urban population grew and inflation stabilised, indicating an increase in consumer spending power.

The polishes market in Sri Lanka demonstrated robust growth in 2025, with a 20% increase in retail value to LKR311 million, driven by rising median disposable incomes and urbanisation. This growth trajectory is expected to continue, with median disposable incomes forecast to rise to LKR2,353,443 by 2030. The market's attractiveness is enhanced by the growing demand for premium products, particularly in the shoe polish subcategory, which is expected to remain the largest and fastest-growing segme

In 2025, air care in Sri Lanka experienced moderate growth, driven by the recovery of consumer expenditure and gains in the travel and automotive industries, as well as a stabilising inflation rate. The category grew by 7% in 2025, reaching a retail value of LKR1.6 billion. The median disposable income per household in Sri Lanka increased from LKR2.19 million in 2024 to LKR2.21 million in 2025 and the urban population is growing, indicating that consumers are more willing to spend on non-essenti

In 2025, the home insecticides market in Sri Lanka performed well, with the total retail value reaching LKR2724.3 million, representing a 23% growth from the previous year. This growth is significant when compared to the regional and global context, as it outpaces the average growth rates observed in other countries within the Asia Pacific region. The market's growth can be attributed to the increasing awareness among consumers about the importance of maintaining a pest-free home environment.

Retail volume sales of soft drinks increase in 2025

In Sri Lanka, retail volume sales of hot drinks slowed in 2025, primarily as a result of price increases brought on by taxes, pressures on input costs, and volatile commodities markets. Tea, suffered from price hikes brought on by VAT as well as consumer downtrading into less expensive packs. While other hot drinks, such as malt-based hot drinks, saw a decline in popularity as affordability and health worries over sugar tightened household budgets, coffee showed a moderate increase, helped by yo

Retail sales of staple foods in Sri Lanka grew moderately in current value terms 2025, supported by recovering purchasing power following the 2022-23 crisis. However, consumers sought value through smaller packs, bulk purchases, and lower-cost options, while private label offerings expanded rapidly. Small local grocers remained the primary channel, while supermarkets, hypermarkets and e-commerce gained traction, particularly in urban areas. Moving forward, health-focused trends will accelerate,

Challenges remain for economic freedom and corruption continues to be a major issue, but state finances are on a firmer footing following international assistance. Inflation has returned, but economic growth will be unable to keep up with peers and foreign investment remains subdued. Although incomes are set to grow solidly, poverty and gender disparity will endure. Low internet use is impacting e-commerce, but broadband penetration is rising and the mobile sector maintains its strength.

In 2025, value sales of meals and cooking supplies are set to see moderate growth, with mixed consumer sentiment affecting the marketplace. For instance, while price sensitivity remained high due to ongoing inflation and cost-of-living pressures, demand for essential categories, such as basic sauces, spices, and edible oils remained steady.

Between 2019 and 2024, Sri Lanka’s economic environment weakened, marked by low rankings in Monetary, Investment and Labour Freedom in the Index of Economic Freedom (IEF), and a heavy tax burden. However, reform momentum is building. FDI inflows are strengthening, labour laws are undergoing major reform, and the Asian Development Bank is financing rural road modernisation. The 2026 budget also prioritises nationwide digital transformation to enhance efficiency and competitiveness.

Sri Lanka’s real GDP grew by 5% in 2024, driven by a rebound in tourism, strong spending and higher investment, surpassing the regional average. However, GDP per capita at USD4,284 lagged behind peers, and growth is set to slow to 3.9% in 2025. While fiscal discipline improved with notable progress on debt restructuring, challenges remain, underscoring the need for diversification, productivity gains and inclusive growth.

Value sales of consumer health in Sri Lanka increased in 2025, supported by rising health awareness, a growing culture of self-medication, and an expanding preference for preventive care among Sri Lankan consumers. Demand strengthened across key categories such as vitamins, dietary supplements, and herbal and traditional remedies, as households continued to focus on immune support and everyday wellness.