The brand is owned by Dr. Wolff Group, a research-based consumer health company, and describes itself as the number one men’s shampoo against hair loss in the markets in which it’s active. It already enjoys a strong presence in Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Britain, Romania and Hong Kong.
The move into China is an extension of an ongoing partnership between DKSH and Dr. Wolff Group, which began when Alpecin was launched in Hong Kong in 2013.
“The market entry in China marks another milestone in the cooperation between the two companies,” DKSH said in a statement, noting that Asia more widely is a key focus for Alpecin. DKSH specialises in services for brand growth within the Asia region.
Asia focus
Estimated to be as large as approximately 200 billion yen in Japan alone, the hair loss segment holds huge sales potential for brands within Asia.
DKSH and Dr. Wolff note that prior to the current move into China, they have already introduced Alpecin in other Asian markets such as Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand.
“The business performance of our brand in the Asian market has been tremendously successful,” said Eduard R. Dörrenberg, MD, Dr. Wolff Gruppe.
“There is no doubt that the strategic thinking and diligent operation of the DKSH team have contributed to the substantial growth and penetration of Alpecin in the Asian markets.”
Deal details
DKSH will provide registration, importation, sales, distribution, logistics and collection services for Dr. Wolff’s products in China, and will start by launching three Alpecin products exclusively through Watsons stores.
“DKSH’s excellent distribution network spanning Watsons’ stores in key cities, a proven track record in the personal care segment, strong capabilities in logistics as well as in merchandising makes it the partner of choice for Dr. Wolff’s business expansion in China,” the company asserted in a statement.