02.06.09
Clariant Opens New Plant In Guangzhou, China
CHINA: Clariant has begun production at its new manufacturing operation in Guangzhou, China. The new plant produces color and additive masterbatches for local markets and also serves as Clariant’s center for fiber technology development for all of China. At 14,000 square meters, it will be the largest of the three masterbatches sites in the country and will support further growth of Clariant’s business in South China. Clariant was one of the first international masterbatch producers to begin manufacturing in China, opening its initial site in Guangzhou in 1995 and expanding it in 2003. This older operation will be closed as the new facility reaches full production.
More info: www.clariant.masterbatch-es.com
Wella Adds New Color Range
DUBAI: Wella Professionals has rolled out the Color Touch Plus range, a professional product portfolio aiming to help women choose from a variety of intense colors that leave hair looking vibrant and full of shine, in Dubai. The demi-permanent colors, which are ammonia-free, include the specially formulated Tri-Spectra Formula, a crème gel with color pigments that provide 70% gray coverage and 50% more shine, according to the company. The salon-exclusive shades in the Color Touch Plus range last for 24 washes.
Shoppers Drug Mart Has High Hopes for Murale
CANADA: Shoppers Drug Mart—which already controls as much as 20% of Canada’s $1.3 billion prestige cosmetics market—is looking for its new upscale beauty chain Murale to lure in more business. The firm plans to open up to 50 Murale stores across the country.
The cost to build the bright, modern, streamlined stores is high, but like department store cosmetic counters, the labor cost is partly borne by the cosmetics companies, which pay half the salaries and all the commissions, according to a report in the Toronto Star. In addition, Murale has a small pharmacy counter that sells certain dermatological products not usually available in department stores.
The average purchase made at Murale is approximately $75, which is twice the estimated purchase made at department stores and other specialty retailers, according to the report.
Production Begins at Unilever Plant in Cikarang
INDONESIA: According to a report in The Jakarta Post, PT Unilever Indonesia has opened Asia’s biggest plant for skin care products in Cikarang. The factory, which has a total production capacity of 53,000 tons, will help the company meet overseas demand including Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, India and Vietnam. It will manufacture products including Citra, Vaseline, Pond’s, Dove, Lux and Lifebouy.
Henkel Supports Local Families In Guatemala
GUATEMALA: Henkel’s Make an Impact on Tomorrow (MIT) initiative, which supports the volunteer work of Henkel employees and retirees, is celebrating its 10th anniversary. To date, more than 5000 Henkel volunteers have been involved in 7000 projects in more than 110 countries.
To mark the anniversary, Henkel provided special funding of more than $120,000 to the “HELPS Changing Lives” project in Guatemala. With the subsidy and the active support of a local MIT team will now help 120 families in areas such as improvement of infrastructure, access to educational and health facilities and training on how to cultivate grain.
As a U.S. aid organization, HELPS International has been initiating self-help programs since 1984. It aims are to increase freedom, stability and personal opportunities for the indigenous people in Latin America and lastingly reducing poverty.
More info: www.henkel.com/smile
John Lewis Is Retail Favorite; Avon Moves Up The Ranks
UNITED KINGDOM: John Lewis has been voted the UK’s favorite retailer for the second year in a row in a poll of more than 6000 consumers carried out by Verdict Research.
In the survey ,Verdict quizzed customers about where they shopped most frequently, and then asked them to rate those stores in terms of range, price, convenience, quality, service, ambience, facilities and layout. The data were collated to give retailers a score for each of these criteria, as well as an overall consumer satisfaction rating.
Direct seller Avon was ranked fifth in the survey this year, moving up three spots. According to Verdict, Avon has built a strong reputation among shoppers for product quality and innovation and also scores well on convenience and service. “Consumers appreciate Avon’s high levels of personal service and they like convenience Avon’s direct selling method gives them” said Verdict analyst James Flower.
In terms of top retailers for personal care products, Avon ranked first in the poll, followed by Asda and Boots.
More info: www.verdict.co.uk
Zorbit Opens Office in China
CHINA: Zorbit, which designs and manufactures products for the personal care and beauty industries, has opened an office in mainland China, located in the same industrial complex as Zorbit’s core manufacturing base and within great proximity to most of the other factories within the Zorbit network, according to the company. Zorbit also has offices in Los Angeles, New York and Hong Kong.
“Maintaining close physical proximity to our manufacturers has proved essential to maintaining the proximity of our interest with our manufacturers,” said Dave Robbins, vice president of operations.
Herbalife Establishes 38th Casa Herbalife
UKRAINE: The Herbalife Family Foundation (HFF) has established its first Casa Herbalife program in the Ukraine through a partnership with Garmoniya, a center for orphan children in Kharkov. Garmoniya is currently home to more than 60 children, aged from infants to 17 years old. The Casa Herbalife grant will help to subsidize the orphanage’s annual food bill and will provide funds for improving and updating kitchen facilities and appliances. After the initial grant from HFF, local Herbalife distributors and employees support the program through volunteerism and fundraising.
The grant marks the 38th Casa Herbalife program worldwide.
NDC Adds New Liquid Detergent
OMAN: National Detergent Company (NDC), based in Oman, hopes to make a dent in the Middle East market with its new liquid detergent, Bahar Dishdasham, which offers “unmatched whiteness” for white fabrics. The product is a diversification of the NDC’s flagship Bahar brand.
Spinning Mascaras are Hot in New Zealand
NEW ZEALAND: Call it the spinning mascaras wars. New Zealand’s beauty counters were a flutter in December as consumers clamored for these gadgets and beauty giants jockeyed to be first to market. According to reports, Estée Lauder unveiled its spinning mascara brush in time for Christmas, although rumors were TurboLash wouldn’t be ready until March 2009. Lancôme, which planned to launch its mascara in late February, was beaten to the punch, but still benefited from consumers who quickly added their names to a waiting list.