COSMOPROF Asia 2012

The 17th edition of COSMOPROF Asia opened its doors on 14th November 2012 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

COSMOPROF Asia is Asia's premier international beauty event encompassing all sectors of the industry, attracting thousands of exhibitors and visitors from across the globe.

With a total number of 1,964 exhibitors from 44 countries and regions, COSMOPROF Asia has seen a 10 percent increase compared to 2011. The exhibition has increased its space to 74,000 square metres to cater to thousands of visitors and exhibitors including an Australian national pavilion.

"This year's edition of COSMOPROF Asia welcomes 10 percent more exhibitors than in 2011. Importantly, 27 percent of them are completely new to the show. Against the backdrop of challenging global economic conditions, the strong turnout is indicative of the growing importance of the Asian market, which remains a key development focus for the industry," says Michael Duck, executive vice president of UBM Asia.

Record high participation cements COSMOPROF Asia as a platform to be recognised and respected, with an expected 48,500 attendees from 100 countries and regions.

In order to accommodate the increase in demand for exhibition space from the beauty salon section, the Grand Hall of Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre was used with a main stage in the foyer to serve as the onsite activity hub for skincare, nail and professional makeup.

More than 120 one-to-one networking meetings were scheduled between international buyers and suppliers through the International Buyer Program. The program facilitates direct contact between exhibitors and international buyer with pre-vetted buyers from countries such as Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand and Russia.

Education plays a key role at COSMOPROF Asia with a focus this year on organics, packaging, the market for China and Japan and trend forecasts. The Asia Hair Masters Association conducted its AHMA Hairstyling Awards Final at COSMOPROF Asia to give talented young stylists a shot at the international stage. Hair maestro Mark Leeson and Schwarzkopf Professional also provided education through hair shows and seminars. In addition, the 5th COSMOPROF Asia Spa Conference saw 11 spa gurus discuss the latest and future spa trends and business tactics in staff training and customer retention.

Michael Duck, executive vice president of UBM Asia also revealed COSMOPROF's new look for 2013. Leo Burnett, one of the world's largest agency networks was comissioned by COSMOPROF with the task of developing the new communications for 2013 and 2014 editions of COSMOPROF Worldwide Bologna, Asia and North America. The campaign features the iconic models blossoming out of a vase representing a holistic vision of COSMOPROF's identity and the brand's values.

There were several Australian exhibitors including Artav Australia, DMK, Gorgeous Cosmetics, Frostbland, Sydney Essential Oil Co., Neo Organic Tea + Skin Solutions and many more. Other international brands included Babor Cosmetics, Thalgo, Terrake, Elle Bache and CND Shellac.

"It's been really good. We've had a couple of meetings with some new visitors and also people who have enquired with us previously on our website. We've had huge growth not only in Asia but across the world. Our products are professional products but we have really good price point and I think that's been received really well in Asia. There's also a high demand for Australian made and owned products. The Asian market is becoming increasingly aware of natural ingredients and sulphate- and paraben-free products.  We will definitely be coming back next year," Nicole Nikoloudis, business development manager of Artav Australia says.

David McConnell, CEO of Gorgeous Cosmetics says, "We actually had several meetings booked with people we met last year at COSMOPROF Asia and it's very promising. We are distributed in Europe, Thailand and in Hong Kong. We do have contracts here to sign and the Asian market loves our product, look and name. It's already our third year exhibiting here. Potential exhibitors just need to see you again and again in order to take you seriously. We're also committed to doing COSMOPROF Las Vegas and Bologna this year."

"We have met with lots of potential distributors and retailers and we're very excited hoping we'll be able to open up some new Asian markets while we're here. Puretopia is doing great and the natural market is growing 10-15 per cent a year. So there are a lot of interests in the natural market and Puretopia is doing really well. We are planning to come back next year," Uri Ferster, managing director of Frostbland says.

Skeyndor held an international press conference to educate attendees about Global Lift PROGEN with special guest and speaker, Jordi Morcillo, CEO of Skeyndor, and Ceri Silk, pacific regional manager of Skeyndor for Asia.

While Babor Cosmetics were performing live demonstrations at their stand to promote their product lines, Thalgo and Terrake also performed live demonstrations and held champagne cocktails to meet and greet guests at their stands.

COSMOPROF Asia 2013 will be held from 13th to 15th November 2013 at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre.

For more information on COSMOPROF Asia visit www.cosmoprof-asia.com

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