Organic and naturals masterclass approaches: China and India markets to watch

The specialist research, consulting & training firm, whose website can be found here​, suggests that Asian investment in natural and organics is now the dominant focus for the segment.

“Demand for natural & organic cosmetics has taken off in Asia as consumers become more aware of synthetic chemicals in cosmetics & toiletries​,” Ecovia Intelligence confirms.

“Following the trend in Europe and North America, investment is now pouring into the Asian market.”​

India and China​

Ecovia Intelligence suggests that the highest growth will be seen in China and India moving forward. The firm notes that China is already the number one Asian market for some Western brands.

Indeed, the market represents over half of Asian sales of Jurlique, the leading Australian natural cosmetics brand, and L’Occitane has just announced that China is now the second largest market for its natural-based cosmetic products.

Distribution challenge​

Distribution is a major challenge for natural & organic cosmetic brands in Asia.

It does not have the same distribution infrastructure for natural & organic products as Western markets, according to Ecovia Intelligence.

Thus, many brands are taking the direct route and opening concept stores.

Some, such as the Indian organic cosmetics firm Azafran Innovacion are focusing on building distribution networks. It has an aggressive plan to expand its retail outlets from 1,500 to 10,000 this year.

Multinationals are also looking to expand their presence in the Asian market. P&G acquired the Snowberry brand of natural skincare products a few months ago.

Unilever has purchased a brace of natural personal care brands in the last few years; they include

Schmidt’s Naturals, Sundial Brands, REN Skincare, as well as Seventh Generation. It has also made investments in True Botanicals and Gallinée.

Ecovia Intelligence expects the multinationals to utilise their distribution networks to introduce some of these brands in Asia.

Ecovia Intelligence events​

All of this and more will be presented and explored at upcoming Ecovia Intelligence events, the firm says.

The events for 2018 include the following:

• Sustainable Cosmetics Summit North America 16-18 May, New York

• Sustainable Cosmetics Summit Latin America 25-27 June, São Paulo

• Natural Cosmetics Masterclass: Ethical Labels 11 July, London

• Sustainable Cosmetics Summit Asia-Pacific 12-13 November, Hong Kong