Beauty fair intended to spur market development

The fair is expected to attract more than 8,000 business visitors and help promote growth of the Thai beauty industry by 8-10 per cent this year.

Thailand is already a leader in the global beauty industry and its cosmetics market is the largest in Southeast Asia, Ketmanee Lertkitcha, president of the association, said yesterday.

"The thriving cosmetics industry has also given a boost to many related industries, creating jobs and generating income. Current health, fashion and lifestyle trends have further encouraged the growth of the cosmetics industry," she explained.

Statistics show that Thailand’s cosmetics industry is worth roughly Bt250 billion a year, of which Bt150 billion is from domestic consumption and the remainder from exports.

The annual growth rate generally ranges between 8 and 10 per cent.

"In some years, the cosmetics industry grew by as much as 25-30 per cent. This remarkable growth rate was achieved when there were no adverse impacts from other factors. So, we are confident that the industry has tremendous potential to grow even further.

"Thailand is a cosmetics hub in the region, achieving the highest cosmetics exports among Asean nations. When categorised by product, Thailand is also the world’s biggest exporter of hair-care products and the world’s 12th-biggest exporter of skincare products. Thailand has been the manufacturing base of internationally famous brands for well over 40 years," she added.

To promote further growth, the association has collaborated with UBM Asia (Thailand) to stage "Asean Beauty 2015" in response to Thailand’s expanding cosmetics industry and related sectors.

At the event, which runs from April 8-10 at Bitec, Bang Na, manufacturers will exhibit products from more than 200 famous cosmetics brands.

M Gandhi, managing director of Asean business at UBM Asia (Thailand), said the fair would feature beauty products and related seminars on Southeast Asia with the official support of the Thai Cosmetic Manufacturers Association, government agencies and many other organisations in the industry.

"After our success in staging Asia-level beauty fairs, UBM has decided to organise such a fair in Thailand as well. This year will be a first for Asean beauty and throughout its three days, entrepreneurs will find plenty of activities in which to connect with new business partners, attend useful seminars and take part in useful workshops," he said.

The event will also present information on the beauty industry, along with insights and activities designed to update visitors about the latest innovations in the field, thus allowing participating entrepreneurs to sharpen their business vision, he said.

The latest statistics show Thailand as a manufacturing base for cosmetics exported to a wide range of countries, with the main markets being: Japan (21 per cent of exports); Indonesia, (9 per cent); the Philippines and Malaysia (8 per cent each); Australia (6 per cent); Cambodia (5 per cent); China, the United Kingdom and Myanmar (4 per cent each); and non-Asian nations such as the United States and Europe (accounting for a combined 26 per cent).

Meanwhile, the International Trade Promotion Department is scheduled to award successful Thai exporters with the "Prime Minister’s Award" in September.

The department invites Thai exporters to submit applications for the "PM Award 2015" programme by April 10. This year’s awards offer honours in six categories: Best Exporter, Best Green Innovation, Best Thai Brand, Best Design, Best Service Enterprise, and Best OTOP Export Recognition.