One year, it is hair products that take off, then it might be skin care or spa goodies. Buyers have to stay ahead of the market, which is why an annual fair in Hong Kong provides them with the latest trends in skin care, makeup, perfume, packaging and other items.
For the past 12 years Hong Kong has been the hub for a health and beauty exhibition, which brings manufacturers and buyers together from around the world.
The Cosmoprof Asia and The Natural Health Fair 'enjoys the position of being Asia-Pacific's largest fair of its kind in the beauty and cosmetics market, and Hong Kong is in a pivotal role in that it sets the trends for the region', said Cosmoprof Asia director Michael Duck.
The show, which runs from today until Friday at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai, will play host to 1,265 exhibitors from 35 countries with 17 national group pavilions, including Italy, Germany, France, Spain, Israel, the United States, the mainland and South Korea.
Last year there were nearly 38,000 visitors, and that number is expected to rise this year.
There will also be three new pavilions - Hong Kong, Singapore, South Africa. Alongside a variety of products, Hong Kong, in particular, will be showcasing all forms of attractive packaging. Speakers from Thailand and Singapore will give seminars about spa trends, including retailing and marketing. And South Africa will showcase special traditional African ingredients and botanical products.
In previous years, the show has largely seen many buyers from Europe. The difference now is that as disposable incomes go up in this region, there are more buyers from areas such as India.