Big is beautiful for Beauty World

With nearly 8,000 professional and trade visitors from all around the region meeting 570 exhibitors from over 40 countries, the numbers speak for themselves. Not least of all because many of the exhibitors have already signed up to return in 2006.

According to Diana Taylor, exhibition manager for organisers Epoc Messe Frankfurt, 'I am overwhelmed with the response that we had, it was most certainly a record breaking show for us both in terms of exhibitors and visitor numbers.' She went on to explain that double digit category growth in a market that offers little potential elsewhere in the world was another major contributing factor for success. 'With Europe offering value growth of less than 2%, it's not surprising that our figures in the Gulf of ten times that are so attractive to international suppliers,' she said.

This sentiment was borne out by one of the largest trade groups at the fair, UBI France. Herve Rebollo, director of economic and international affairs, said 'this exhibition is one of the most important in the world for us, as the region is growing by 20% annually and it gives us access to India and Iran.' UBI France have been bringing French suppliers to the show for five years with this year's stand attracting 28 exhibitors, more are anticipated in 2006.

A further 20 national pavilions and trade associations took part featuring new and established countries. These included Argentina, Brazil, the UK, Thailand, Japan, Korea and China. Long time supporters such as Germany and Turkey were there, in addition to Italy, Spain and the Far East - all eager to develop business opportunities in the gulf region.

Commenting on behalf of the Thai Department of Export, Arporn Apinyapanich, senior policy and planning analyst, said 'Thailand has enjoyed a 57.4% increase in exports since 2003. We have 39 exhibitors taking part this year, mainly supplying cosmetic and spa products.'

Independent exhibitors too did exceptionally well. Ultratone's Jorge Centofanti said that 'Beauty World is an excellent platform to launch new products. We have had a lot of traffic on our stand, all of which has been high quality contacts from all over the Middle East, Pakistan, India and Iran. We already have two potential distributors in Dubai as well as two from Saudi Arabia.'

Beauty World is all about new and innovative products. Another exhibitor, Imdad, used the show to introduce a speciality head spa from Australia, the Hydrotone Suzi.

Delicious chocolate and grape body wraps from Germaine De Capuccini proved highly popular as did the 'Air Stocking' by Lady K Distribution. This is a spray on system that makes the legs appear encased in sheer nylons.

Beauty World's 10th anniversary was brought to life through an extensive programme of demonstrations and live events. From hair cutting, body art and makeovers to spa and facial treatments, all presented by true professionals from around the world.

The anniversary show also saw the introduction of the Oasis Café, created especially for the event. It attracted a massive response everyday from visitors, providing them with a variety of beauty treatments including facials and massages, all courtesy of spa solutions specialists, Beauty Leaders, and the Willow Stream Spa at the Fairmont Hotel. The café offered weary visitors a unique opportunity to relax and revive, amidst a landscaped and tranquil environment accompanied by soothing music.