Pepper Sprays Market

Market Overview

The global pepper spray market size was valued at USD 25.47 million in 2021, which is envisioned to reach USD 69 million by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 13.21% during the forecast period. It is anticipated that the increase in the number of cases of intolerable eve-teasing, rape, human trafficking, riots, and protests will be a factor that will favor the growth of the pepper spray market during the forecast period. People are increasingly encountering dangerous animals on forest safaris and mountain treks; as a result, they have been advised to carry pepper spray, increasing the demand for pepper spray. Although a variety of devices and weapons are used for self-protection, including pocket knives, self-vigilant alarms, aluminum baseball bats, and silver self-defense key cases, pepper spray is the weapon of choice for women because it is one of the most popular and effective defense weapons. The pepper spray bottle is compact and fits easily into a handbag. In addition, innovations and technological advances in pepper sprays are anticipated to contribute to market growth over the forecast period.

Pepper spray, also called OC spray, is a lachrymatory agent used during self-defense, riot control, and crowd control. Both individuals and law enforcement agencies use it. The product irritates the assailant's eyes, which results in a hacking cough, a runny nose, and shortness of breath. Pepper spray is a nonlethal personal safety weapon used for self-defense and crowd and criminal control. Around one or more attackers are stopped by a blast of pepper spray.

Additionally, pepper spray protects against dangerous animals like rhinos, beer, and tigers. It is a highly efficient deterrent that produces immediate results. The primary purpose of pepper spray is to immobilize the assailant quickly and effectively.

Market Dynamics

Global Pepper Sprays Market Drivers

The Growing Crime Cases to Support Market Growth

As a result of the growing uncertainty of criminal activity in the world, the market for pepper sprays is expected to expand during the forecast period. Pepper sprays are popular among consumers because they are convenient to carry around and have no lethal components. People and law enforcement officers are also allowed to take pepper sprays for self-defense under the law in certain nations like India, Germany, and France. In addition, the demand for pepper sprays among police forces has increased due to political disputes, violence, riots, and general civil unrest.

The use of pepper spray by the police has been on the rise recently, both for the protection of individual officers and for managing potentially violent criminals or groups of criminals. The unfavorable geopolitical situations in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and East Asia have contributed significantly to this global trend. As the number of incidents of political violence, terrorist acts, insurgency, and civil unrest in the Middle East continues to rise, it is anticipated that there will be a significant increase in the demand for weapons that do not cause death or severe injury, such as pepper spray.

Global Pepper Sprays Market Restraints

Strict Government Rules to Hinder Market Growth

Countries that permit pepper sprays, like India and the United States, have imposed stringent distribution and use restrictions. People are only allowed to use pepper spray for protection and must justify. Numerous nations, such as China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Denmark, and Brazil, restrict the use of pepper sprays for military personnel and public and private security personnel. In addition, several nations have outlawed the use of pepper spray by civilians and law enforcement. In the United Kingdom, Canada, China, and Germany, pepper spray is illegal because it is considered a weapon of death and torture.

Additionally, non-lethal weapons are prohibited in warfare. With this provision, the 1997 Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) was formed by the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). Collectively, partial and total bans on the use of pepper sprays are anticipated to impede the pepper spray market growth during the forecast period.

Global Pepper Sprays Market Opportunities

Technological Advances in the Product to Spur Market Opportunities

The rapid expansion of the pepper spray market is anticipated to be fueled by technological advancements in pepper spray. Technological developments, like pepper spray with laser and flash-light, are expected to increase the popularity of pepper spray among the general public. SABRE - Security Equipment Corporation has created a smart pepper spray that can be linked to the SABRE Personal Safety App and features GPS tracking and third-party tracking. In addition, the shrinking size of pepper spray bottles and the rising efficiency of operations is anticipated to boost the market for pepper sprays and create new opportunities.

Regional Analysis

The region-wise segmentation of the global pepper spray market includes North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the rest of the world.

North America and Europe Will Dominate the Regional Market

North America will command the market with the largest share and grow at a CAGR of 12.25% during the forecast period. Due to technological advancements in pepper spray and the presence of global players in the region, the pepper spray market in North America has undergone a transition in terms of sales. The U.S. pepper spray market has been gaining significant traction, which is anticipated to continue throughout the forecast period. Rapidly rising investments in the research & development activities of less-lethal self-defense weapons for citizens are expected to stimulate market expansion. In addition, rising crime rates in Canada lead to significant changes in government regulations, which are anticipated to expand the pepper sprays market. The U.S. and Mexico have legalized the use of pepper spray by individuals and law enforcement agencies. In contrast, the Canadian government has only authorized the use of pepper spray by law enforcement agencies for self-defense and crowd control, which is expected to boost the growth of the North American pepper spray market.

Europe will hold a share of USD 26 million, growing at a CAGR of 13.74%. During the forecast period, the increase in rapes, kidnappings, human trafficking, robberies, and petty theft in Europe is anticipated to propel the pepper sprays market growth. Additionally, pepper spray protects against animals like rhinos, elephants, tigers, and even beer. The increasing likelihood of encountering wild animals during forest safari and mountain & forest trekking is anticipated to increase demand for pepper spray. People in Europe are progressively expected to carry lethal and nonlethal weapons while participating in recreational safari, trekking, and trips to forest and hill regions. In most European nations, including Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Ireland, Sweden, and Turkey, carrying pepper spray is strictly prohibited and requires government authorization. During the forecast period, legalization and stringent regulations are anticipated to restrain the expansion of the Europe pepper spray market.

Asia Pacific will expand at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. Asia-Pacific is growing to be one of the fastest-growing pepper spray markets. Global pepper spray companies intend to invest in the emerging economies of Asia-Pacific, such as India, China, and Indonesia, due to the increased awareness of pepper spray's use for self-defense, the rise in disposable income, and the increase in the millennial population. During the forecast period, the development of the Asia-Pacific pepper spray market is primarily attributable to increased violence against women and an awareness of self-defense weapons. Violent acts against women include rape, domestic violence, sexual harassment, and acid attacks. In India, there were 1,483 victims of acid attacks between 2014 and 2018, according to the National Crime Records Bureau. In the Asia-Pacific region, pepper spray demand is anticipated to be driven by a rise in forest safety concerns during forest safari, hill climbing, and mountain climbing. The increase in crimes against children intensifies the demand for nonlethal weapons, such as pepper spray.

Segmental Analysis

The global pepper spray market is classified based on product, distribution channel, and region.

On the Basis of Product

Based on product, the segments include fogger, stream, gel, and others.

The fogger segment will most likely hold the largest market share during the forecast period growing at a CAGR of 11.62%. When sprayed, the range of pepper spray fogger products is between 4 and 8 feet. Due to its spraying distance, this type of pepper spray is prevalent, but it is not very useful in windy conditions due to its very fine droplets. When there is wind, sprayed droplets can be blown back the other way. It is most efficacious when directed directly at the aggressor. It has a broader angle "fog-like" spray that can cover a large area of the target or an attacker, reducing the need for pinpoint aiming precision. In addition, a pepper spray fogger can be sprayed from a considerable distance, allowing the user to escape the attacker quickly. The increasing use of non-lethal devices by law enforcement and civilians for crowd control and self-defense is anticipated to boost the pepper sprays market over the forecast period.

The stream segment will hold the second-largest share. Based on the canister size and the quantity of fuel, a stream type of pepper spray is very effective, as it can cover up to 15 to 20 feet. Unlike droplet-spraying foggers, this spray is effective even in windy conditions because it sprays with greater force. Pepper spray stream is gaining popularity due to its enormous advantages, such as its ability to be sprayed from a great distance and irritate attackers for 30 to 45 minutes. As a result of its double-lock and single-hand draw & fire system, stream pepper spray can be used rapidly and effectively in emergency and extreme situations. The rise in popularity of pepper sprays among different non-lethal devices, like rubber & wax bullets and ring airfoil projectiles, is anticipated to boost the pepper sprays market over the forecast period.

On the Basis of Distribution Channel

The segments of the distribution channel include specialty shops and online stores.

The specialty stores segment will most likely hold the largest market share during the forecast period and grow at a CAGR of 12.64%. A specialty store specializes in a few product categories compared to retailers selling various consumer goods categories. Pepper spray can be purchased at sporting goods stores, gun shops, pharmacies, and other specialty stores. Specialty stores have been gaining significant market share on the global market for pepper sprays. It is anticipated that this segment will maintain its market share throughout the forecast period due to the benefits associated with specialty stores, such as the availability of more brand options for a particular product segment and expert and knowledgeable staff to provide guidance. Before making a purchase, consumers can compare various product parameters in specialty stores, such as price, functionality, and features.

The online stores segment will hold the second-largest share. Purchasing pepper spray through online platforms has made it an attractive option. In addition, the convenience of home delivery and the ability to save time contribute to the expansion of online retailers. Increased adoption of various online portals in developing regions and an increase in the number of offers or discounts these sites offer to encourage consumers to purchase pepper spray from online stores. In addition, the increased accessibility of online stores to consumers has resulted in the emergence of e-commerce as a crucial revenue source for many businesses. In addition, it is anticipated that the online sales segment will expand due to the rapid growth of online and mobile user bases in emerging markets.

Recent Developments

• April 2023: Mace Security International, Inc. has recently disclosed a distribution arrangement with SurgePays, Inc. This facilitates the distribution of pepper spray and various personal safety items via SurgePays extensive network of numerous convenience stores, small groceries, and gas stations.
• May 2022: Byrna Technologies Inc. has acquired Fox Labs International Inc., a renowed producer of potent pepper spray for law enforcement. This acquisition includes Fox Labs'assets and the rights to Sudecon, a pepper and tear gas neutrakizing agent. Byrna plans to keep the Fox Labs brand and use their expertise to develop its own line of powerful sprays. This move expands Bryna's reach beyond the direct-to-consumer market into law enforcement and corrections.