Spotlight on natural and organic at in-cosmetics Asia 2015

THIS year’s in-cosmetics Asia will go ‘Natural and Organic’ to ride the global trend for natural and organic ingredients in personal care and beauty products.

The international trade event, which will run from November 3 to 5 at the BITEC in Bangkok, Thailand, will reflect the potentially huge market, in particular in Asia, for natural and organic products.

Cosmetics with natural and organic attributes now account for 3% of global cosmetics sales, according to Organic Monitor. The sector is mostly strong in the western world, however. Natural products are generally not available in most Asian retailers that carry cosmetics and toiletries, and Asian consumers are not familiar with the differences between natural and conventional cosmetics.

But a growing interest in natural and organic products could swing the market in Asia toward strong growth. Organic Monitor said the pan-Asian market has a huge growth potential, with double-digit growth enabling the line to breach the $1 billion mark in the next two years. In addition to an increase in the distribution of natural and organic products, more established and new entrants are being listed in department stores, beauty retailers, pharmacies, and duty-free outlets. A number of “concept stores” for natural cosmetics have been established as well, helping to increase the number of dedicated sales outlets for natural cosmetics and raising brand profile and consumer interest. 

Economic prosperity in the region, with the IMF projecting a 5.6% growth rate to enable Asian economies to lead global growth this year, will help fuel demand for natural and organic products in Asia. China already has the fourth largest market for organic foods worldwide. Rising consumer awareness about chemicals such as parabens, Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS), aluminium salts, phthalates, and petroleum-based ingredients will also fuel the line in Asia, forecasts Organic Monitor.  

The high degree of product innovation from body moisturizing lotions to hair styling gels is further boosting the Asian market.

This year’s show takes on an even more significance in light of the thriving cosmetics and toiletries sector in Asia. The market is expected to account for 28% of the global cosmetics and toiletries market this year, according to Euromonitor International.

According to in-cosmetics Asia exhibition director Sarah Gibson, “The growth potential for natural and organic cosmetic products within Asia is huge, which is why it was crucial that we reflected this in our show program this year. The great insight visitors will be able to gain will mean they will be leaving the show equipped with the knowledge and practicalities of launching or updating products that take advantage of this rapidly growing trend.”

To support its ‘Natural and Organic’ theme,  in-cosmetics Asia 2015 will feature a Super Product Trail, which will guide visitors to 20 innovative natural and organic ingredients at the show and make it easy for delegates to target and maximize their visit.

This will be complemented by dedicated presentations on market trends and an exclusive roundtable debate with some of the industry’s leading players. Organic Monitor will host two natural and organic workshop sessions as a stand-alone event alongside the fair. These are “Asia in the Global Market for Natural & Organic Cosmetics,” scheduled for November 3, and “Natural & Organic Cosmetic Ingredients: A Dummy’s Guide,” scheduled for November 5.

Registered visitors may also download the supplemental informative trend report on the global natural and organic market free of charge.

Another new show feature this year is the Innovation Zone, which will highlight the latest launches in Active and Functional Ingredients. Product Trails will guide visitors to a selection of innovative ingredients in the anti-ageing, skin whitening, and UV filters categories.

Visitors looking to source in China will benefit from the Country Focus on China, which will include a dedicated zone, Product Trail, and a wide range of Chinese exhibitors. There will also be market presentations from leading experts.

More than 245 exhibiting companies have confirmed attendance to the three-day event in November.  Global ingredients suppliers, manufacturers, formulators, scientists, and marketing professionals from across Asia will showcase the latest innovations and upcoming trends.

New exhibitors include Wha Costech (South Korea), Ungerer Fragrance & Flavour Co. Ltd (China), and KBH Polymers Pvt Ltd (India). Veteran exhibitors include Ashland, DSM, Evonik, Clariant, and Lonza. Forward-thinking and innovative SMEs such as Ichimaru Pharcos (Japan), BST (South Korea), and H&A Pharmachem (South Korea) will also take part in the event.

This year’s show will continue to offer a free Educational Program, which covers Marketing Trends Presentations, Innovation Seminars, and Regulatory Presentations. Aimed at providing visitors with access to the industry’s leading experts and research companies toward helping them understand the market better and identify future opportunities, this year’s sessions will cover multifunction ingredients, 3D printing for cosmetics, regulations, and specific market insights for Korea and China. R&D professionals and formulators attending the show will enjoy the highly popular Formulation Lab, which was introduced last year. 

Show organizers expect this year’s event to be as successful, if not more so, than last year’s fair, which registered a 10% increase in visitor attendance from 2013 at 6,595 unique visitors. 

“As a recognized hub for innovation, Asia is at the forefront of global trends that drive consumer demand and in-cosmetics Asia has a history of cultivating the region’s innovative ideas. It is the perfect platform for businesses to showcase their innovation and expertise, and for beauty and personal care players to share their insight and learnings,” Ms. Gibson said.

Register now for in-cosmetics Asia and download the free natural and organic report.