Top Euro Brands to enter Indian Beauty market

New Delhi, Feb 11: Beauty might be ''more than skin-deep'' but enthused by the burgeoning number of spas and gyms across the country, international players in the field of beauty and healthcare are venturing into the growing beauty and healthcare market in the country.

The latest to join the bandwagon are top European companies like Klapp (Germany), FlorMar and Germaine De Capuccini (Spain) who plan to enter the Indian cosmetics market in a big way.

Products from Klapp, FlorMar and Germaine De Capuccini will be soon available in the Indian retail and professional outlets, the official representatives' of these companies announced at the India Beauty Expo 2007 that concluded here on Thursday night.

Klapp, the leading brand from Germany that develops, produces and markets face and body care products for treatment in the beauty salons, wellness therapy, spa's and skin care range for home, has already firmed up plans with their Indian partner.

''We will be ready with the infrastructure and products by April,''revealed Mohit Narang of Klapp India.

The 30 million Euro company will be bringing products aimed at the professional beauty sector. The Indian line will include Caviar treatment, Extreme Range , GK4 machine and exclusive range of skin cleaning, polishing and peeling treatment.

Another company with plans to enter the Indian beauty products market in a big way is the 35 year old cosmetic company FlorMar.

Having established their lead in Europe, Flormar will be bringing to India their range of colour cosmetics for make up.

''We are looking at positioning our products nationwide in shopping malls, retail chain of stores,''revealed Mustafa Cem, Export Specialist, FlorMer.

''We have been studying the Indian market and with the economy growing at fast pace and poised to be one of the leading one's in the world, we want to enter early to get the advantage. We should be in the Indian market in two to three months time,''added Mr Mustafa.

Keeping in view the changing concept of beauty in India, in line with world trends, many international brands are also targeting the niche sector of spa and wellness. Germaine De Capuccini from Spain with a turnover of 35 million Euros and already a leading brand in Europe and Asia Pacific, will be introducing their products in India targeted towards Spa treatment.

''The market is moving and there is a boom in the anti wrinkle and anti agening products,''said Mauro Bonotto, International Area Manager, Germaine De Caouccini.

The company has nearly 200 professional and retail products and add 50 new ones each year.

That the companies plan to enetr the Indian market in a huge way is evident from the fact that they are not just looking at launching their products but also backing it up by sustained professional training.

''We are looking at a sustained, conscious training along with introducing our products in India,''Mr Narang of Klapp India said.

In the near future, Klapp plans to also include opening training schools in beauty treatment.

The companies, however, feel that the procedures could be smoother.

''There are a few problems in the high custom barriers and MRP pricing. If these could be made simpler many more international brands will be here in india,'' said Mr Mustafa of FlorMer.

That the market for beauty and healthcare products offers a huge potential and scope for International players is evidenced by the fact that the nearly 200 participants from 20 countries who participated in the three - day Expo received a good response for their products.

''The companies have already booked a business worth one million US dollars for the next one year,''said Kendra Lee, official spokesperson of CitiExpo Asia Pacific Pte Ltd, organisers of the Expo.

The first of its kind exhibition, the 'Indian Beauty Expo 2007' began at Delhi's Pragati Maidan on February 6.

Showcased at the exhibition, organised by the Singapore-based CityExpo Asia Pacific Pvt Ltd, were the latest products of nearly 200 beauty, herbal and spa companies from nearly 20 countries across the world, including India.

The expo, with special focus on the spa and wellness industry, had on display the latest technologies and products to enhance beauty such as 4U cosmetics - a non-surgical alternative to liposuction, a multi-application LHE device, 24 kt treatment for revitalisation and the latest oxygen therapy to name a few. CitiExpo official spokesperson Ms Lee said the expo provided the ideal gateway for industry players to venture into Indian beauty and health market tapping the growing demand in India and in neighbouring countries.

''India is an important new market to be explored. Many international companies believe that the demand for their products is increasing in India,''Ms Lee said.

The expo also offered a platform to companies from several participant countries to exchange business ideas as well as learn about new developments in the market and industry through seminars.

Some of the leading beauty experts like beauty therapist Metro-Dora Clifford deom Australia, leading hair expert from India Blossom Kocchar and India's latest fashion and make-up artist Clint Fernandez held seminars and workshops at the expo.

Looking at the immense response and potential that India offers "we will be taking the expo to Mumbai next year", Ms Lee said.

UNI