Cargill unveils first personal care application lab in Shanghai to meet China demand

Tony Jaillot, global general manager of Cargill Beauty highlighted that China was an important strategic market for the firm.

“In the past 40 years, the economic and social development in China has made huge progress, which improved people’s living standards and also drove global development and prosperity,”​ he said.

He added: “Cargill has never stopped investing in China ever since it entered the market in the 1970s. The investment focuses on many aspects to better serve Chinese consumers and customers.”​

Ma Zheng, vice president of Cargill China added that with the rapid economic development and consumption upgrade trend, consumers were demanding more from their personal care products. “Consumers need more quality, high value, and support environmentally sustainable products.”​

“Cargill will continue increasing its investment in China by introducing more international leading technologies and sustainable products to China to better serve local consumers and customers.”​

Cargill One

The firm’s first regional personal care lab was set up in Cargill’s research and development food hub, Cargill One.

The new application lab will have the support of Cargill’s expertise and technology in food research.

“Learning and sharing the expertise from the food industry, the new application lab aims to better meet Asian customer’s needs with Cargill’s sustainable, label-friendly and nature-derived portfolio,” ​said Jaillot.

The Shanghai lab will work with the company’s various beauty labs globally by sharing formulation expertise and consumer insights from an Asian perspective.

Cargill Beauty established its APAC headquarters in Shanghai in September 2017. Over the past year, Cargill beauty has expanded its team rapidly by building its marketing, sales, product management and applications in China.

“The rapid development seen in Cargill’s beauty portfolio in the past year is another example of Cargill’s investment in China,” said Ma. “This will also help us provide more comprehensive products for customers and consumers.”​

Natural and ethical beauty

The company expects growing demand for more natural, ethical products in China, said Jaillot.

“In recent years, environmental pressures in Asian countries have increased, so consumers will prefer environmentally friendly, naturally sustainable products,” ​he said.

Jaillot elaborated that Chinese consumers had an affinity for natural and sustainable products because of its history with traditional herbal medicine.

“Chinese herbal medicine culture is profound and profound, and deeply affects Chinese consumers. In terms of personal care products, Chinese consumers advocate natural raw materials and formulas.”​

In response, the company has developed a minimalist skin care system, System 1.0, which was showcased at PCHi 2019 (Personal Care and Home Care Ingredients).

“Cargill Beauty Care launched a minimalist, natural skin care system that will help Chinese consumers to bloom naturally while helping the environment to grow,"​ said Jaillot.