The latest research from GfK has revealed that halogen and LED light bulbs experienced increased share of total volume sales of 63% between October 2012 and January 2013.
During the same period last year the figure was 38% volume share of total sales. The increase coincides with the final phase of the ban on incandescent light bulbs back in September 2012, a measure introduced to reduce the high energy use inherent in this type of lighting.

Halogen and LED bulbs are perceived as the eco-friendly replacement for traditional bulbs, according to GfK, which added: "This sales growth can also be explained by the introduction of additional bulb shapes and fittings within halogen and LED, which fills the voids that were left by the discontinued and lesser available incandescent light bulbs."

Overall, the light bulb experienced 3% value sales growth in 2012, whilst volume sales declined 19%, when compared to 2011. With regards to traditional incandescent light bulbs, higher volume sales were recorded before the ban, due, according to GfK, to its short product lifetime and lower price. The value of sales in halogen and LED saw an increase in value sales despite a volume decline because they warrant less of a replacement cycle and are comparatively more costly, explained GfK.

GfK account manager Jatin Kuckreja said: "Both halogen and LED lightbulbs enjoyed a massive sales boost in 2012, supported by the final phase-out of incandescent technology in September 2012. The result was a 3% overall value growth for lightbulbs comparing 2012 and 2011, despite a 19% volume drop comparing the same periods.

"This was predominantly caused due to the shifts in buying patterns from the more frequently replaceable, cheaper and traditional incandescent bulbs to the longer lasting, smarter and eco-friendly technologies such as halogen and LED."