Strategic Analysis of the European Surgical Gloves Markets

SUMMARY

Market Experiences Product Shift

Due to decreasing budgets in the European healthcare industry, almost allhospitals and medical organisations ? including state-run facilities - arelooking for ways to cut costs while attempting to retain quality standards.These budgets cuts have affected many healthcare markets including the one forsurgical gloves, which is experiencing a drop in prices. At the same time,growing allergy issues are causing a shift in the market from the dominantnatural latex powdered gloves to the more expensive natural latex powder-freegloves and synthetic alternatives. The surgical gloves market is, therefore, ina state of flux, with each of the new segments eating into another\'s revenue.

This new research from Frost & Sullivan examines the current state of theEuropean surgical gloves market. It covers key market restraints, drivers,challenges, market metrics and forecasts. It also offers strategies to overcomethe challenges and tracks major market and pricing trends.

Replacement Trend Likely to Drive Revenue

"The key driver of revenue in the European surgical gloves market is thereplacement of cheaper natural latex powdered gloves with higher-priced latexpowder-free gloves," notes the analyst of this research service. "Theconversion is not complete in Europe, and hence, it presents an area ofmarket/revenue growth."

Synthetic alternatives manufactured with materials such as Neoprene andPolyisoprene have made an impact on the market and they hold the potential forrevenue growth since they are more expensive than latex gloves. Conversely, thefact that they cost more may lead to more judicious usage.

Further Innovation Expected in the Market

Despite the strong price pressures and near-total market saturation, theEuropean surgical gloves market is expected to remain stable until at least2010. Innovation and differentiation are anticipated to encourage product shift."Conversion due to innovation that, in turn, depends on allergy issues willensure that there is research and investment in this field," remarks theanalyst. "Ancillary expenditure on branding, market consciousness,awareness and public relations is likely to increase as companies vie formind-space."

Frost & Sullivan Growth Partnership Service

Based on extensive and in-depth research, real-world consulting work, and newtheories tested in hundreds of companies across many industries, Frost &Sullivan has evolved its Growth Partnership Services (GPS) programme thatprovides established and emerging firms with powerful growth visions. Movingbeyond token mission statements, GPS provides an actionable vision to growthconsulting partners by illustrating how key intelligence and strategic researchbased on defined goals can guide day-to-day behaviour and overall companydirection. The foundation of Frost & Sullivan's GPS includes:

• Assisting companies to reach their full potential in the core business
• Providing growth strategies to help companies expand into relatedbusinesses
• Preemptively redefining the core business during market turbulence
• Applying the Frost & Sullivan framework to identify and address commonmistakes resulting from misaligned corporate strategies
• Recommending growth management strategies through continuous partnership

To maximise the potential for growth within a firm\'s internal and externalenvironment, Frost & Sullivan consultants can facilitate the creation ofstrategic programmes that deliver improved market success. Frost &Sullivan\'s strengths lie in combining strategic understanding with marketexpertise and applying these with absolute commitment to its clients\' growth.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 THE STRATEGIC ANALYSIS OF THE EUROPEAN SURGICAL GLOVES MARKETS

• Introduction
  • Overview
• Research Scope and Methodology
  • Research Scope and Methodology
• Introduction and Background
  • Background
  • European Surgical Gloves Market: Segmentation by Product
• Market Dynamics
  • European Surgical Gloves Market: Market Dynamics
  • Market Challanges
  • Market Drivers
  • Market Restraints
• Market Forecasts
  • Surgical Gloves Market: Market Engineering Measurements (Europe)
  • Revenue Forecasts
  • Competitive Analysis
  • Revenue by Geographical Region
  • Revenue by Segmentation
  • Geographical Distribution of Revenue by Segments
  • Key Geographic Trends and Strategies
  • Segmentation Forecast
  • Market Share by Revenue
  • Price Range
  • Prices Trends
  • CEO Quote
• Strategic Analysis and Recommendations
  • European Surgical Gloves Market: Strategic Analysis andRecommendations
  • Major Challenges and Strategies
  • Competitive Framework
  • Customer Focus
  • Macro-Climate: Possible Effects on the European Surgical Gloves Market
  • A Look into the Future
  • Focus on Asia
• Future Outlook
  • E-marketing of Surgical Gloves
  • Allergies: The Issue
• Frost & Sullivan Awards
  • Introduction to Frost & Sullivan Awards
  • Entrepreneurial Company Award
  • Technology Innovation Award
  • Market Penetration Leadership Award
  • Product Differentiation Innovation Award
  • Market Leadership Award
• Key Industry Participants
  • Key Industry Participants
• Decision Support Databases
  • Number of Hospital Beds (Europe)
  • Government Healthcare Expenditure (Europe)
  • Private Healthcare Expenditure (Europe)
  • Healthcare Expenditure as Percentage of GDP (Europe)
  • Number of Specialised Medical Practitioners (Europe)
• About Frost & Sullivan
  • Our Team
  • Consulting Capabilities