The largest international trade fair for beauty products, hair, fragrances and wellbeing in the region, Beautyworld Middle East 2012 concluded recently in Dubai with record breaking numbers. Exhibitors and trade visitors were impressed stating that the 17th edition of the fair exceeded all expectations.
With 828 exhibitors from 51 countries and 22,415 visitors from 122 countries*, Beautyworld Middle East 2012 enjoyed a 23% increase in exhibitor space and a 22% increase in visitor numbers from the previous edition further anchoring the trade fair as the most important of its kind in the wider region. The top five visiting countries after the UAE were Iran, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Kuwait and India.
Speaking after inaugurating the exhibition, H.E. Al Ghurair said: “Beautyworld Middle East attracts large numbers of visitors and exhibitors. It provides opportunities for local and regional companies to communicate and cooperate with the international majors in the industry.”
Mr. Ahmed Pauwels, Chief Executive Officer, Epoc Messe Frankfurt, organiser of Beautyworld Middle East, said: “The beauty and personal care market in the wider MENA region is in a very exciting growth spurt. Now is the time for those serious about penetrating this high potential market to make their move here. Beautyworld Middle East provides the perfect platform, whereby manufacturers can introduce their products and services to a wide range of experienced and well connected suppliers and distributors.”
Concentrating on some of the largest growth categories within the beauty and cosmetics sector, Beautyworld Middle East has four distinct focus areas, namely: Hair, Nails & Accessories; Machinery, Packaging & Raw Materials; Cosmetics, Skincare & Fragrance; and Professional Equipment & Spa.
Currently, nail care is one of the fastest growing sectors worldwide within the beauty and cosmetics industries and the Middle East region is no different. According to recent figures from Euromonitor International, Saudi Arabia registered a 62% growth in the Nail Products market between 2006 and 2011 and a 56% growth was registered in the UAE. This development was also reflected at Beautyworld Middle East 2012 with the key international brands in the sector represented including OPI, Creative Nail Design, Astra Nails, Essie, Tito, Allessandro, Koko and Nailstation.
Mr. George W. Schaeffer, President & CEO of OPI Products Inc who was present at Beautyworld Middle East, commented: “Nail care is rapidly gaining in importance as a high-growth sector. It is very important to underline the heightened professional standards in the region thanks to the efforts of our exclusive distributor Nazih Group.”
Other recent figures from Euromonitor International point towards a continued positive outlook across the entire beauty and cosmetics sectors. The hair care industry in the region is thriving, with its market value in the GCC predicted to increase by approximately 25% by 2014. The fragrances market is no different, with the market in Saudi Arabia reaching a massive US$981.6 mn worth in 2011 and in the UAE, US$ 225.7 mn worth.
With 51 exhibiting countries and 17 official country pavilions at the 2012 edition, Beautyworld Middle East presents a large international portfolio of exhibitors. Working closely with the German Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology (BMWi) in co-operation with the Association of the German Trade Fair Industry (AUMA) and the German Cosmetic, Toiletry, Perfumery and Detergent Association (IKW), this was the 15th year in a row that Beautyworld Middle East has hosted a German Pavilion.
Mr. Udo Frenzel, (FGC Global Consulting), Information Officer of the German Pavilion, commented: “The German exhibitors reported on interesting business deals with new distributors and sales leads which were generated during the three day exhibition.” Similarly, Anne Laforgue, Trade Advisor, UBIFRANCE, organiser of the French Pavilion, said: “The Middle East region is quickly becoming a key growth area for the cosmetics industry and as such it is important for French manufacturers and companies to be present at Beautyworld Middle East.”
First time exhibitor Julie Deltour, Business Development Manager at Centdegres design Agency, said: “Beautyworld Middle East was an excellent opportunity to meet brands from all the GCC region and we have already received many inquiries.” Similarly, Florence Sellin, Managing Director, Pomone Paris, said: “We have enjoyed a good response from regional buyers.”
Another first-time exhibitor was Abdulla Ali, owner of Avenue Perfume Factory, UAE. Mr. Ali was extremely pleased with his company’s debut at Beautyworld Middle East, commenting: “Participating in this event was exciting for us, we have done excellent business and look forward to coming back next year.”
Regular exhibitor Ali Daboul, the Financial and Administrative Manager of Pan Medical Company from Saudi Arabia was also happy with the fair. “This year’s show is definitely better than previous editions and we are impressed with the buyer turnout.” Similarly, exhibiting for the 5th time, Rony Afif of Saudi company Unique Trading, stated: “The overall turnout of buyers has been even better than last year.”
First-time visitor to Beautyworld Middle East was Dinara Stefanova, Spa Manager for Royal Beach Resort and Spa. “I was pleased with the range of new products available,” she said. Meanwhile Ghazi Al-Kisswani, General Manager of Kisswani Perfumes and Cosmetics from Jordan, who has been visiting for many years, commented: “I have found exactly what I have been looking for, just as in my previous visits, thanks to the well-organised layout of the show.”
Fringe programs taking place as part of Beautyworld Middle East included the Spa & Salon Management Summit, Nail It! By OPI, The Walk of Beauty in association with Madi International, Face It! by Eva Garden, the Fragrance Station and Hair Education.
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* Preliminary figures 2012