Large number of deals, contracts signed at regional beauty showpiece
High-profile exhibition reflects upbeat sentiment of growing market
After three busy days of closing business deals, lining up new suppliers, inking new contracts and sourcing potentially winning product lines, the three-day Beautyworld Middle East 2012 came to a successful close at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre yesterday (Thursday, May 31st).
Large number of deals, contracts signed at regional beauty showpiece
High-profile exhibition reflects upbeat sentiment of growing market
After three busy days of closing business deals, lining up new suppliers, inking new contracts and sourcing potentially winning product lines, the three-day Beautyworld Middle East 2012 came to a successful close at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre yesterday (Thursday, May 31st).
The overall sentiment among the large number of trade buyers, exhibitors and beauty and wellness professionals was resoundingly positive as the premier trade event of its kind strongly reflected the robust growth being experienced by the beauty and wellness sector in the region.
Beautyworld Middle East 2012, which was 23% bigger than the previous edition in terms of space sold, mirrored the upbeat sentiment in the market with 829 exhibitors from over 50 countries taking up space this year, 10% more than in 2011. The event featured a large number of product launches by leading international beauty houses looking to gain a foothold into the region’s lucrative market.
Traditionally the bellwether event for the regional industry, Beautyworld Middle East also drew attention to growing trends that could shape the industry into the future. Natural and organic products are increasingly in demand among distributors and retailers in the Middle East looking to cater to changing consumer preferences. According to recent figures, the market for natural and organic products expanded by as much as 20% in 2011 alone, with the UAE making up a whopping 50% of the GCC market.*
Colour cosmetics, nail care products, skin care and eye make-up, long the traditional favourites of the industry, made their customary strong showing with a large number of trade visitors constantly milling around exhibitors specialising in these products. Hair care products were also another category attracting considerable attention, as were the live demos staged around the show floor.
Though the regional beauty and wellness industry has traditionally been driven by the fashion-conscious women, the men were not to be left behind. Beautyworld Middle East 2012 saw strong interest in men’s grooming and personal care ranges, reflecting the latest estimates that male-specific skin care generated a retail value of over US$2 bn last year. Over the next five years the global men’s skin care category is forecast to generate a CAGR of 9%.
“Beautyworld Middle East has grown into an immensely influential exhibition for the regional beauty and wellness industry,” said Ahmed Pauwels, CEO of organiser Epoc Messe Frankfurt. “Going by initial impressions, I can confidently state that the 2012 edition was a great success. We look forward to continued relationships with our partners and our exhibitors to deliver even more representative trade events in this field in the future,” he added.
First-time exhibitors Avenue Perfume Factory from the UAE were extremely pleased with their debut at Beautyworld Middle East. “Participating in this event was exciting for us, we have done excellent business so far and look forward to coming back next year,” said owner Abdulla Ali.
Ali Daboul, Financial and Administrative Manager of Pan Medical Company from Saudi Arabia, felt that this year’s event was much better than the previous edition. “We have been participating in Beautyworld Middle for the past three years. This year’s show is definitely better than previous editions and we are impressed with the buyer turnout.”
India-based Gaurav Mittal, Managing Director of Aromatic and Allied Chemicals has been a regular visitor to Beautyworld Middle East over the past three years, scouting for new clients. “It’s much better than previous years this time with far more options available. We have managed to line up quite a few business deals,” he said.
Another trade buyer looking for potential clients was Madiha El Moghrabi, Sales Manager of UAE-based Chemical Ways. “We have succeeded in lining up quite a few prospective clients and are quite pleased with what the exhibition offers us,” she said.
The Spa and Salon Management Summit proved to be a popular attraction for spa and salon owners. Running alongside the main trade exhibition, the summit featured a series of conferences and workshops that examined the nitty-gritty behind the demanding business of running successful salons and spas.
Other popular fringe events were: The Walk of Beauty; Face It; Nail IT! By OPI; the Fragrance Station and Hair Education, all of which enjoyed healthy patronage from the regional beauty community.
*RNCOS
-ENDS-
For more information, please contact:
BIZ COM – For PRoactive Communications
Tel. : +971 4 33 20 888
Fax: +971 4 33 20 999