Scottish organics company eyes international market

Think Happy​, based in Wick, Western Scotland, already supplies leading British pharmacist Boots with its Organic Surge line and has just announced that it is to add Tesco to the list during the course of the New Year, according to a report in Scottish newspaper The Herald.

But the contracts with the British retailers could be just the beginning, as company founder and director Alan Mackenzie told the newspaper that he is also in negotiations with a major US company to secure what could turn out to be by far the company's biggest contract to date.

The company, which also sells its Organic Surge on-line, specialises in a range of skin, hair and nail care products that are based on certified organic and natural products.

The principle ingredients used in the products range from traditional plant extracts such as green tea and rosemary; essential oils that include sandalwood, patchouli and sandalwood, together with a range of tropical-sourced ingredients such as coconut and a range of spices.

These ingredients appear in products such as hair treatments, serums, shampoos and conditioners; a comprehensive skin care range that includes a spritzer, moisturizer and exfoliant, a hand and nail range, a bath and shower range and a tropical body care line.

The company was set up when Mackenzie, originally in the business of furniture-making and interior design, approached another prominent Scottish business person Ann Gloag with his ideas for an organic cosmetics line.

Gloag invested in the company and the company got off to a flying start by soon securing the all-important contract with Boots.

Think Happy is tapping into a global trend that is expected to be a source of greater launch activity in 2006 as many consumers incorporate organic cosmetic and toiletry products into their beauty regime as a means of optimising health and wellness.

In the course of 2005 manufacturers such as Think Happy have started to highlight the natural and organic ingredients in their cosmetic and toiletry products, a trend that is expected to increase all the more next year.

Indeed, consumers are increasingly opting for natural ingredients in cosmetics products, according to a recent report by Euromonitor International, which identified a steady increase in demand for these products since 1999.

Currently the naturuals and organics market is enjoying double digit growth, although it is still only a small market. In the US, which is the largest global market, it is currently valued at $5 billion.