China Beauty Expo takes the crown for largest cosmetic business event in Asia

The event, which took place between 7 – 9 May in Shanghai, logged record visitor numbers and exhibitors, which the organisers say is attributable to fast industry growth in the Asia Pacific region, and more specifically in the China market.

Exhibitor numbers were up 12.5% with a total of 6,433 booths, and 1,837 companies represented over 127,000 square metres of exhibition space in 11 halls. Visitor numbers also exceeded 250,000 from 80 countries and regions, the organizers claim.

The show also had a more international flavour this year, with the French and German pavilions both being significantly expanded this year, together with clearly defined representation from Italy, Singapore, Thailand and Korea.

Number of international companies rises​

In particular, the organisers said a marked change this year was the number of international players from throughout the Asia Pacific region that were represented at the show, with many of these players targeting business with China-based suppliers and manufacturers.

Likewise, the organisers also noted that the event was a platform for Western international players wanting to find new business within the Asia Pacific region as a whole.

“China Beauty Expo is now a hub for Asian buyers meeting Western brands, for Chinese companies going international, and for all professional buyers and suppliers from all over Asia meeting in the same place,”​ a show spokesperson stated.

Show divided into three major segments​

This year the show floor was divided into three major segments – Cosmetech Shanghai, which was focused on raw materials and packaging; Beauty Shanghai, which was focused on the salon and spa beauty categories; and Cosmetics Shanghai, a focus for cosmetic and personal care finished products.

This year was also the first to have co-organizer Informa involved in the show. Informa organises the Beyond Beauty show in Paris, and it bought a number of features from the Paris event, all the way to Shanghai, including Zoom Asia.

Zoom has proved to be a unique platform to promote new and innovative finished products from a variety of brand holders, mainly in the small- to medium-size category.

Beauty Challenger Awards​

Informa also bought the Beauty Challenger Awards Asia to the event this year, recognizing creativity and talent in newly launched beauty and fragrance products.

”We had approximately 100 potential agents and distributors for China who came to our booth during the three days of the show as well as lots of interest from direct buyers and from the local media. We would certainly recommend it as a great showcase for international companies looking to gain a foothold on the China market,”​ said Rocky Mammone, CEO of Majic Beauty, one of the winners of the Beauty Challenger awards.

The event also included the Meyi Awards 2014, which recognizes brands available in China for their technological advances, general innovation and design. Winners included L’Oréal Paris, Shiseido, Jala Group, OSM, Eternal Optical & Perfumery.