Middle East beauty market still growing fast

Beauty World / Wellness & Spas Middle East, which closes its doors tonight at the Dubai Airport Expo, is proving to be a key event for both suppliers and the professional trade.

Organised by Epoc Messe Frankfurt, the show features 550 exhibitors displaying thousands of new products and services. Many of these are presented on the 20 national pavilions and trade associations. These include countries as diverse as Germany and Turkey, along with new and established international manufacturers from markets like Italy, Spain and France.

France, which features 28 exhibitors at the UBI France stand, exports cosmetics and fragrances to 206 countries worldwide. The UAE ranks very highly at number 14 on the list, just behind Saudi Arabia. Mr Herve Rebollo, Director of Economic and International Affairs, said 'this exhibition is one of the most important exhibitions in the world for us, as the region grows by 20% annually and it gives us access to India and Iran.'

The Thai Department of Export Promotion, Ministry of Commerce, have brought 39 exhibitors to the show. The organization has seen massive growth in exports to the UAE with a rise of 57.4% since 2003 and a value of US $10.80 million in 2004. 'Our main product categories for export to the region are cosmetic and spa products,' stated Arporn Apinyapanich, Senior Policy and Plan Analyst.

The Brazilian Toiletry, Perfumery and Cosmetic Association (ABIHPEC) are expecting beauty exports to the UAE to increase by 40% in 2005, which is currently worth a value of US $2.5 million. 'Hair care is one of a biggest sellers in the Gulf region. We have 26 exhibitors participating in this years show all aiming to take advantage of the expanding business opportunities here in the gulf, a market that has grown tremendously in recent years,' stated Jalo Carlos Da Silva, Chairman of ABIHPEC.

Other trade associations to have major representation at the event include the Barcelona Chamber of Commerce, Birmingham Chamber of Commerce, Cosmexport Italy (Unipro); CAPA Camera Argentina de la Industria de Cosmetica y Parfumeria, Korea Cosmetic Industry Cooperative, NAFED (National Agency for Export Development and South African Cosmetic Export Council.

You will see some of the most extravagant and luscious products the beauty world has to offer at the show. These include; Hydroco from Australia who are launching the first ever head spa, Hydrotone Suzi. This product provides scalp massages with aromatherapy and steam, hydrocolour lighting, washing cycles with shampoo & conditioner, Shirodhara - one of the most sought after spa treatments in Europe and America - which is the application of a continuous stream of warm oil which massages into the hair and scalp. Lady K Distribution are launching a brand new product into the region, the air stocking, which has received worldwide recognition in Japan and America. The air stocking has taken the cosmetics industry by storm, a patented formula that makes the legs appear encased in sheer nylons giving a flawless airbrush finish.