10.01.08
Pierre Fabre Donates Equity Interest to Fabre Foundation
FRANCE: In what is being called an effort to secure the long-term independence of Pierre Fabre SA, Pierre Fabre has donated 100% of the equity of Pierre Fabre Participation, a holding company with a 60% share in Laboratoires Pierre Fabre, to the Pierre Fabre Foundation. The foundation, created in 1999, promotes good pharmaceutical practice and aims to improve healthcare in developing countries. In addition, Mr. Pierre Fabre expressed his intention to transform Pierre Fabre SA into a company under a supervisory committee, chaired by him, with Jean-Pierre Garnier heading the management board. Mr. Garnier had been chief executive officer of GlaxoSmithKline until last May.
Cosmederm Inks Deal with Dr. Reddy’s
INDIA: Cosmederm Technologies, a U.S.-based specialty pharmaceutical company, has signed a licensing and distribution agreement with Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd. that gives Dr. Reddy’s exclusive rights to distribute its skin care products throughout India.
The partnership, which specifically covers Refinity and Cosmederm peel kits, gives Dr. Reddy’s a position in the aesthetic dermatology segment and consolidates its position in cosmeceuticals.
“Cosmederm’s proprietary technology is exceptional in its ability to allow the formulation of highly effective skin care products. We are very excited to offer these unique products throughout the Indian market and expect the lines to quickly become leaders in the area of chemical peels and anti-aging,” said Jaspal Singh Bajwa, president, branded formulations group.
IBI To Open Glycerin Plant in Brazil
BRAZIL: Integrated Biodiesel Industries, Ltd. (IBI) has invested $300,000, part of a larger $1 million capitalization effort, in a glycerin processing plant in Brazil. Located in Jau, west of São Paulo, the plant is a shuttered chemical facility that IBI will upgrade to process glycerin. The plant will produce both distilled glycerin for cosmetics and paint and glycerin carbonate, a renewable solvent.
Based on a production of 20,000 metric tons a year, the glycerin plant is expected to generate revenues of $22 million in 2009, according to IBI.
Murale To Compete with Sephora
CANADA: Shoppers Drug Mart Corp., Canada’s largest drug store retailer, plans to open the doors of Murale, its new retail shop concept, next month in Ottawa and Montreal. Billed as “distinctive, expressive and highly suggestive of art and beauty,” Murale will compete with stand-alone specialty beauty chains such as Sephora by stocking more than 200 brands at a variety of price points.
Kao To Boost Asian Marketing Efforts
JAPAN: Kao Corp. plans rev up its marketing activities in Asia to increase sales of household goods and cosmetics there by 20% in fiscal 2010. The goal is to increase profitability in the region, which is lower than in Japan, Europe and the U.S. According to published reports, Kao’s Chinese business reported an operating loss stemming from heavy sales promotion costs, which resulted in an operating loss for the entire Asian segment.
Yuskin Sells Skin Care Cream In Iran
IRAN: Yuskin Pharmaceutical Co. has launched Yuskin A skin care cream in Iran, marking its first foray into the country. The company plans to export the product, which is manufactured at its facility in Yokohama, Japan. Yuskin currently sells products in 18 countries, including the U.S., China and South Korea.
Officials Investigate Detergent Ingredient Dumping
INDONESIA: According to a report in the Jakarta Post, the Indonesian Anti-Dumping Committee (KADI) is investigating two alleged incidents of illegal importing involving Thai chemical substance producers and Chinese detergent manufacturers. In late August, KADI began investigating alleged Chinese imports of sodium tripolyphosphate (STTP), a water softener used to increase purity levels of detergents, after receiving complaints from local STTP producer.
P&G Raises Joy’s Wholesale Price 10% in Japan
JAPAN: Procter & Gamble Japan KK increased wholesale prices of Joy dishwashing detergents by 10%. While some manufacturers have responded to higher costs by selling reduced package sizes at the same price, P&G’s move could prompt the price hikes for other small-volume household goods.
Utena Embarks on Overseas Sales Effort
JAPAN: Cosmetic firm Utena plans to sell skin and hair care products in eight foreign markets by the end of its fiscal year (February 2009). The company, which already operates in Thailand, Vietnam, South Korea, Taiwan, Kazakhstan and Hong Kong, will add Singapore and Malaysia to its sales map.
Utena sells five brands overseas, including the Lamuca Emollient skin care line and Massini hair care.
Nature’s Essence Opens Salon Shops
INDIA: Healthcare and beauty products manufacturer Nature’s Essence plans to open 100 salon/retail centers in India, and franchise 75 of those outlets. At press time, the first three shops were scheduled to open in Delhi.
80s Supermodel Helvin Launches At-Home Skin Care Device
UNITED KINGDOM: Marie Helvin, the 1980s supermodel, brought London’s Oxford Street to halt on Sept. 15 as she put herself on display in a Selfridges’ window to launch Stop, a new at-home skin care device from Ultragen Ltd. The $700 hand-held device emits four low power beams deep into the dermis which stimulate dermal activity to tighten collagen fibers and increase neo collagen production, resulting in tighter, more supple skin, with significant reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Clinical tests have shown a 50% increase in dermal thickening, which makes the skin look 10 years younger, according to the Israeli company, which aims to bring professional aesthetic product to the home market.
“We are constantly driven to believe that women should look a set age or be a certain body size which is fuelling an obsession with ever more dramatic and invasive steps. However, now, for the first time ever, women can feel great about the skin they’re in with a non-invasive treatment which offers professional clinical results to ‘stop’ the signs of aging from the comfort of home,” said Ms. Helvin.
Are Aussie Men Pretty Boys?
AUSTRALIA: According to report in The Courier-Mail, sales of male cosmetics in Australia topped $34 million last year, with volume up 13.6%. While the majority of the products are basic—moisturizing, sun protection and anti-aging products—some experts contend men Down Under may soon sport makeup, following their European counterparts who are reportedly turning to foundation and mascara to improve their appearance.
Drug Store Firm Starts New Cosmetics Chain
JAPAN: Drug store operator Matsumotokiyoshi Holdings Co. plans to open another chain focusing primarily on cosmetics and beauty products to prepare for increased competition it may face next spring when supermarkets and other retailers begin to sell over-the-counter OTC drugs. According to published reports, the company will focus on large cities and open the stores in train station complexes, shopping centers and department stores.
Japanese Women Take to At-Home Beauty Products
JAPAN: More Japanese women are buying home-use beauty care products that mimic more expensive treatments available at beauty salons. Devices promising similar effects to those at beauty parlors are posting big gains, according to reports. Some of these are the Rubber Grip Scratch, a stainless steel rod with rubber coating used to remove layers of dead epidermis; Face Up Roller, a massage tool with small rubber rollers that are said to lift face muscles; and a facial ion steamer called Nanocare.
Nivea Features New Men’s Product in TV, Print Campaign
INDIA: Nivea India is supporting its male grooming business with a new television commercial and print campaign. The spots feature its new whitening product, Nivea for Men Whitening & Oil Control. Part of German personal care giant Beiersdorf, Nivea India has been touting whitening products in India since May 2007.
“Unlike most other brands, who depict their products as magic potions for ‘getting the girl,’ we are approaching the Indian men with a very mature, no-nonsense message, which apparently is perceived well,” added marketing director Soma Ghosh.