Adult toys are gradually entering the international market
High-value-for-money products in the adult health and adult toy industries are gradually being introduced to the international market, and the stigma associated with purchasing adult products in traditional stores is gradually disappearing. This change is speculated to be driven by a shift in demographic structure, as millennials have different views on sexual health compared to the baby boomer generation. The shame associated with using masturbators is gradually dissipating, even among married couples, which will greatly contribute to the growth of the adult toy market.
The current development status of sexual toys
Vibrating wand is one of the submarkets in the adult sex toys industry, and it is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.2% based on past market development data. However, after a thorough analysis of the business impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting economic crisis, the growth of the masturbator segment has been re-adjusted to a CAGR of 7.1% over the next seven years. This segment currently holds a 24.3% share of the global adult toy market.
Consumers place great emphasis on self-care and sexual health, leading to an increasing demand for women’s care products and sex toys for both genders. Manufacturers are focusing on health, beauty, and self-care and introducing new products and devices such as mini massagers, penis pumps, personal lubricants, and sex toys cleaning wipes. With the backdrop of economic development, improving living standards, and pandemic-induced lockdowns, overseas consumers’ demand for adult products is growing. Additionally, the online retail sector is gaining favor among sellers due to its privacy and convenience advantages, making adult products a category of choice for many.
According to the data, although there was a slight decline in market size last year, a recovery growth trajectory has been observed by mid-2022. It is projected that the global adult products market will reach 619.8 billion yuan by 2026. Under the circumstances of pandemic lockdowns, there has been an increase in sexual activities among individuals, leading to a continuous growth in demand for adult products such as penis pumps vibrators, dildos, and massage products. At the same time, With the increasing number of the LGBTQ+ community and changes in regulatory environments, this has resulted in a higher frequency of usage for anal toys and vibrators.
The demand and usage of these products are also growing among single women, such as vibrating massagers, suction vibrators, and others. The increasing LGBTQ+ community is also another major factor driving the demand for adult toys. In addition, there is a steady rise in the demand for male sex toys, increased online sales, the development of technologically advanced diverse products, and population growth, all of which contribute to market growth.
In 2021, the adult toys market in the US was approximately $12.6 billion, holding a 33% share in the global market. As the world’s second-largest economy, China is expected to reach a market size of $8 billion by 2026, with a compound annual growth rate of 10.4% during the forecast period.Other noteworthy geographical markets include Japan and Canada, with expected growth rates of 6.1% and 7.3% respectively during the forecast period. In Europe, Germany is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of approximately 6.4%, while the rest of Europe is expected to reach a market size of $4 billion by the end of the analysis period.
Sales of adult toys
According to statistics, North America, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region are the main sales areas for adult toys, with the adult toy market in North America alone accounting for over 33% of the global market share, ranking first. Compared to the US market, consumers in Europe have stronger purchasing power. 70% of surveyed consumers in Italy stated that they would purchase and use adult toys to enhance sexual pleasure. By 2026, the market size for erection rings is projected to reach $7.8 billion.
In the global market for erection rings, the US, Canada, Japan, China, and Europe will drive a compound annual growth rate of 8.7% in this sector. These regional markets had a total market size of $4 billion in 2020, which is expected to reach $7.1 billion by the end of the analysis period. The Asia-Pacific market is forecasted to reach $753.7 million by 2026, driven by countries such as Australia, India, and South Korea.
After nearly 50 years since the first batch of sex toys entered the market, the adult toy industry is undergoing a sexual revolution. The vibrator market alone is worth $6.5 billion and growing at a rate of 13% annually. Female customers make up the majority of new users in this industry, but brand awareness for online sex toys vendors is still unbelievably low. This is far from a winner-takes-all market. The female-centric sexual wellness market holds immense potential, especially for products that focus on reputation, customer experience, and incorporate new smart features, It encompasses Bluetooth and remote control capabilities, as well as data collection technologies that track people’s sexual responses.