Avon's ongoing restructuring program has led to the loss of 184
jobs in Northamptonshire, UK, as the company continues to trim its
operations worldwide to increase profitability.
Maesa (previously Parfum d'image) has announced plans to create a
Shanghai subsidiary to expand the company's business in China after
successful first quarter results.
Givaudan has entered into ethical sustainability partnerships with
Australian and Venezuelan producers as part of a move towards
sustainable ingredients sourcing.
Despite Clarins announcing solid quarterly results last week
there is still speculation over who might try and bid for one
of the last remaining major independent companies in the business.
Despite the tough retail conditions in the US Estee Lauder has
recorded particularly strong sales and net profits for its second
quarter thanks to solid international sales boosted by a weak
dollar.
Although the Asia Pacific region continues to be the main launch
pad for new nutricosmetics products, latest market movements show
that the UK and US are catching up.
Procter and Gamble (P&G) claimed today to have made a hair
coloring breakthrough that will transform the future of the
category and persuade more women to color their hair at home.
US consumers are becoming increasingly concerned over social and
environmental implications when choosing packaged food and beverage
brands, according to a new report by Information Resources, Inc
(IRI).
Avon takes a new direction with healthcare foods in China, Swiss
Arabian Perfumes Group announces expansion plans in the Gulf and
Ineke perfume expands European distribution.
Despite significant growth in the Indian cosmetics and toiletries
market in recent years, per capita cosmetics consumption still
remains the lowest in Asia, according to the Associated Chambers of
Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM).
The highlights of 2007's anti-ageing market include an increase in
natural active ingredients, tapping into the ever growing trend for
natural and organic products.
The merger and acquisition highlights for 2007 include
consolidation in the natural and organics market, further
acquisitions by the biggest players and rumors concerning the
future ownership of Clarins and Estee Lauder.
Natural and organic Peter Rabbit baby care products are coming to
Europe as concern over the impact of certain synthetic chemicals on
children's health grows.
Mary Kay has opened a new distribution centre and
headquarters in Mexico after twenty years of trading in the country
- a move that celebrates the success of direct selling in the
emerging market.
Launched in 'Chloe's apartment' the luxury brand's new fragrance
seeks to push boundaries of expectation in order to reach out to
customers with a clear product concept.
In answer to growing consumer pressure over sustainable and
ethically sourced personal care products, Lush has teamed up with a
small soap specialist in the UK to develop what is
claimed to be the world's first palm oil-free...
The Union for Ethical BioTrade could help cosmetics companies
negotiate the regulatory 'minefield' of trading with local
producers in Africa, South America and Asia, whilst ensuring
ethical trade that benefits small scale...
With the season for buying fragrances well upon us, market experts
say that cultural differences will continue to define the type of
fragrance launched around the world during the course of next year.
Evonik Goldschmidt, previously known as Degussa Personal Care, has
released a range of plant extracts in an attempt to cash in on the
growing trend for natural cosmetics.
Industry expert Didier Rase has launched a new men's anti-ageing
skin care range, claimed to be the first to feature a plant derived
ingredient that inhibits testosterone deficiency.
The Chinese government has acted on promises to improve product
standards 'blacklisting' 10 domestically manufactured cosmetics,
according to press reports.
Wal-Mart's sustainability programme, which is forcing manufacturers
worldwide to reduce their environmental impact, has come under
heavy criticism from a coalition of international labour and
civic organisations for being "unsustainable".
Symrise is combining its plant extracts under the new product line
'Actipone', with the intention of expanding the range of natural
active ingredients designed for use in cosmetics.
Demand is growing for natural cosmetics in China, driven by a
traditional preference for natural ingredients and the fear of
toxic chemicals in consumer goods.
Kiwi fruit extract combines high essential fatty acids with
impressive antioxidant properties, representing a perfect
anti-aging ingredient both through topical application and oral
use, according to a New Zealand company.
First quarter sales made significant progress at Elizabeth Arden,
which the company said was largely attributable to the successful
international launch of its new Mariah Carey fragrance.
New Jersey-based International Flavors and Fragrances has reported
a strong increase in its third quarter sales driven by its flavors
division, but profits are hit by administration charges.
Emerging markets, particularly Brazil and Russia, are becoming
increasingly open towards natural and organic cosmetics, with both
domestic and international players getting involved in the trend.
Hawaii's Cyanotech Corporation has obtained four new
structure/function claims for its Bioastin following FDA review, as
it looks to make consumers more familiar with the benefits of
astaxanthin.
Despite Estee Lauder reporting a healthy increase for its first
quarter sales, profits have been hit by lower operating income as a
result of increased marketing expenses and falling US sales.
L'Oreal overcame the stagnant US market and met high sales
expectations for the third quarter with the help of several product
releases including the launch of Diesel's first fragrance.
Leading UK toothpaste packaging manufacturer Betts Global has been
bought out by private equity specialist Gresham in a move that aims
to better position the company for future global growth.
The International Cooperation on Cosmetic Regulation (ICCR) is
calling for increased international cooperation within the
industry, in areas such as nanotechnology and alternatives to
animal testing.
Business development company Allied Capital has pledged $51m
towards the buyout of hotels personal care and amenities supplier
Gilchrist & Soames by private equity group Swander Pace
Capital.
Eco-friendly packaging specialist Plantic will soon be entering the
US market as part of a development, marketing and branding
agreement with chemical firm DuPont.
There are 383 cosmetic products on the US market that contain
ingredients banned in other countries, according to a new survey by
the Environmental Working Group (EWG).
The Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) says it is on the
cusp of delivering on its promise to put sustainable oil on the
market, and will be unveiling its certification system at its next
meeting in November.
Global direct sales player Mary Kay is making a $20m investment in
the Indian market for cosmetics and personal care products in an
attempt to tap into fast-growing sales in this rapidly evolving
market.