Essity, the global hygiene and health company behind leading brands such as Bodyform, TENA and Modibodi, has introduced its menopause care brand Issviva to Tesco’s store shelves.
Starting with a one-year trial across 100 Tesco stores and online, the Issviva product line includes food supplements, intimate care products and targeted wellness solutions, all co-created with more than 40,000 UK women and healthcare experts. Rather than pushing redefined products, Issviva develops solutions based on what menopausal women say they need most.
The launch is underpinned by consumer research from Essity, revealing that women expect up to 20 symptoms during menopause, yet over half still feel uninformed about their bodies during this stage of life.
“At Essity, we’ve always broken new ground in health and hygiene – and this is no exception,” said Nicola Conway, Commercial Director at Essity. “Working closely with Tesco, there is a huge growth potential in this area, driven by insight, unmet need and changing consumer expectations.”
The Issviva Menopause brand was first launched by Essity in 2022 as a direct-to-consumer platform. Alongside product innovation, it offers educational resources and community support, including a closed Facebook group of around 4,500 women offering a safe space for open conversation, supported by a dedicated community manager.
On the educational side, Issviva features an online academy with clinical studies, alongside a lifestyle magazine with practical advice on topics like fashion for hot flushes or rebuilding confidence. Issviva’s team engages with healthcare professionals, conducting research with GPs to understand what women discuss during appointments and where they are on their menopause journey – insight that informs both product development and educational content.
“Women’s health can’t be an afterthought – and through Issviva, we’re giving menopause the visibility and credibility it deserves,” added Nicola Conway. “Working with Tesco is a major milestone, and together we’re laying the foundations for a dynamic, high-growth category with the power to transform lives.”
Essity’s launch into Tesco aims to normalise conversations around menopause and improve the experience. It comes as part of a broader mission to champion women’s health through inclusive product development, responsible innovation and social impact. Further range development and retail expansion are already planned for later in 2025.
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