Latin Beat: Mexico Among Strongest Growth Markets for Prestige Beauty

According to a January 2009 report from market research company NPD Group, 2008 sales of prestige beauty products in Mexico grew 9.2% in 2007. In contrast, segment sales in the U.S. declined 3.3% in 2008. Growth was also stymied in Europe—notably in Italy (-0.5%) and France (-0.3%). The report also showed that China led growth globally with a gain of 17.2% in 2008.

Natura Sponsors Fashion Event

Natura was prominent in Argentina as the sponsor of the BAF Week event (Autumn/Winter edition), one of the country’s most important fashion shows, held February 25–27 at La Rural exhibition center. The event showcased local designers and brands and their latest seasonal collections.

“With this initiative, Natura seeks to add more value to the BAF Week and to support local fashion designers,” Sofía Rey Petit, a spokesperson for Natura, told GCI magazine. During the event, Natura makeup artist Verónica Mendoza worked with designers to create the overall looks, while introducing the Natura Diversa line.

In addition and complementary to the 2009 BAF Week theme of “wool” (which was utilized in the designers’ creations), Natura promoted its concepts of sustainable cosmetics and business practices.

Beauty Industry Supports Social Program in Argentina

The Argentine Chamber of the Cosmetic and Perfumery Industry (CAPA) organized the “Luzca Bien ... Siéntase Mejor” workshop in January—a makeup and image initiative designed to “strengthen the self-esteem of women who suffer from cancer.” The program has operated locally for nine years, with the support of CAPA member companies, including Avon, Unilever, The Value Brand Company, Laboratorio Victoria, Procter & Gamble, L’Oréal, Colgate Palmolive, Biferdil, New Revlon, Natura, Saint Julien, Beiersdorf, Kimberly Clark, Algabo, Puig Argentina and Coty.

The project offers makeup techniques using cosmetics and accessories donated by the supporting companies, and is held in public hospitals throughout the Buenos Aires province, in subsidiary locations of LALCEC (an Argentine organization devoted to the fight against cancer) and in some private institutions.

MeadWestvaco Moves Plant to Mexico

MeadWestvaco (MWV) moved its dispenser manufacturing facility, formerly located in Ohio, USA, to its San Luis, Potosi, Mexico subsidiary location. According to a report from the company, “The transition, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2009, is part of the company’s accelerated strategic cost management program, to reduce its overhead cost structure, optimize its manufacturing footprint and realize sourcing savings throughout its supply chain.” Sources from the firm said, “Mexico’s plant is more scalable and features are more advanced for production.” MWV operates in 30 countries and serves customers in more than 100 nations.

Partnership Launches Children’s Line

Labshe, known in the South American region for its Naty beauty brand, and Cartoon Network partnered for the Argentine launch of a children’s line based on characters from the The Powerpuff Girls televsion program. “Fragrances, lip gloss, hair gel and body glitter will have presence in Argentine beauty point-of-sales,” Cartoon Network spokesperson Larissa Pissarra told GCI magazine.

LA Manufacturer Expands

Biosintex-Ofar, an Argentine manufacturer of medicinal, cosmetic and dermalogical products, is expanding its presence in Latin America. “The company will be expanding in Brazil, Chile and Paraguay—adding to its presence in 4,000 pharmacies in Argentina and Uruguay,” said Maricel Levandovsky, marketing manager of the company’s Midermus line. “The firm has recently launched new products as part of skin care brand Midermus, which has made a good impact, and has expanded the brand’s offerings over the the past few years.” In 2006, the Midermus sun care line launched, and facial line Hydrant Day and Hydrant Night launched in 2008.

In addition to Midermus, the 11-year-old Biosintex-Ofar company manages 20 brands, and has a presence in Germany, Italy, Spain, Canada, the U.S. and Uruguay.

Cristina Kroll is a business journalist specializing in the beauty sector and living in Buenos Aires, Argentina. She has written for the main Argentine magazines related to the beauty business, and was a correspondent for French magazine Beauty Business News.

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