German beauty industry eyes a larger share of the expanding Middle East beauty market

Over 35 leading German beauty firms have confirmed participation in Gulf Beauty 2003, the 8th international trade fair for perfumes, cosmetics and body care, being held at the Dubai World Trade Center from June 2 to 4, 2003.

The German beauty care companies will be among 350 exhibitors from 30 countries that will enhance the prestige of the annual show, which is now held under the expertise of Epoc Messe Frankfurt, the regional affiliate of Messe Frankfurt. As a leading global trade fair organizers, Messe Frankfurt conducts two of the world's biggest beauty fairs: Beauty World in Frankfurt and Beauty World in Japan.

'The global beauty industry's eyes are turned towards the Middle East, because of the exponential growth witnessed in the region for beauty and body care products,' said Daniela Rose, Project Manager Gulf Beauty, Epoc Messe Frankfurt. 'The strong participation from German companies reflects this global interest in this region. The interest generated by Gulf Beauty 2003 is guaranteed to make the show bigger and better than last year's event. Also, the show will feature a wider range of exhibitors, with some new categories being introduced this year.'

'Demand for beauty products from the Middle East and surrounding countries continues to rise, fuelled by changing lifestyles where personal grooming has become a necessity not only for women but for men as well,' said Rose. 'Consumers in the region have become extremely quality conscious and display strong attachments to major brands, attracting several leading names from the global industry. Most of these names will be present at Gulf Beauty 2003, reinforcing Dubai's status as the showcase for the world's best and latest beauty products.'

Gulf Beauty 2003 will, for the first time, see the introduction of natural beauty and health products and packaging solutions. 'Natural beauty products have been in demand among discerning consumers for the long time but we felt the time has come to give them their due place at the show because of the growing realization that natural ingredients products are gaining a significant following results,' said Rose. 'It is appropriate that the natural solutions are displayed alongside the conventional products to allow visitors to compare both.'

Udo Frenzel, Director Economic Affairs of The German Cosmetic, Toiletry, Perfumery and Detergent Association (IKW) and information officer of the German Pavilion, says: 'Gulf Beauty is an excellent springboard to penetrate the booming beauty market in the Gulf. German beauty and body care products are widely appreciated by consumers in the Middle East, the GCC countries, Iran, Africa, the Indian sub-continent and C.I.S. In GCC, exports of German beauty products have more than doubled in five years to US$ 148 million in 2002.'

'Germany boasts the biggest national market for beauty and personal care products in Europe and is third in size (US$ 11 billion) globally, behind the USA and Japan,' said Frenzel. 'German manufacturers and distributors of beauty products have a long tradition in innovation and quality to meet consumers' needs, wants and expectations. For many years, cosmetics made in Germany have not been tested on animals. They are widely based on natural biodegradable ingredients and the innovative packaging materials do not harm the environment.'

The German exhibitors in Gulf Beauty 2003 will be offering a variety of products that will cover most of the beauty industry such as Women's care, Men's care, special sea products, cosmetics packaging, quality steel products and a variety of cosmetic instruments. The national pavilion will be sponsored by the German Ministry of Economics and Labour and supported by the German Cosmetics, Toiletry, Perfumery and Detergent Association (IKW).

Some of the famous names displaying in the exhibition will be: Alcina Cosmetic-Dr. Kurt Wolff GmbH & Co.Kg, Biomaris GmbH & Co.Kg, Etre Belle Cosmetics GmbH, Ionto-Comed GmbH, Janssen Cosmeceutical care, Malu Wilz Beaute GmbH, Raphael Rosalee Cosmetics and Reviderm AG.

Gulf Beauty 2003 will also witness the launch of several new products, including a German multifunctional instrument with several clip-on pedicure implements that won the Red Dot Design Award in 2003 and a new range of active-ingredient cosmetics for skin treatment, apart from an array of oriental and designer perfumes.