French natural beauty market booms

France's natural cosmetics market is attracting international investors from New Zealand, Brazil, Japan and Switzerland eager to be part of one of Europe's fastest-growing organic beauty markets.

Natural cosmetic sales in France saw growth of 40% over the past two years, according to industry consulting company Organic Monitor, and new surges are expected for 2007.

The environmental certification group Ecocert reports that nearly 3,500 natural cosmetic products were certified in France in 2006, up nearly 80% over 2005.

Foreign investors are targeting France because of its reputation for quality and excellence in cosmetics, and because it offers a strategic gateway into the euro1 billion European organic cosmetics market.

New Zealand Trade Minister Phil Goff said: "There is a growing international consumer demand for high-quality natural products; this has contributed to the marketing success of New Zealand organic cosmetics companies in France, which is quite possibly the world's most exacting cosmetic market".

Natura, Brazil's leading natural cosmetics company, has been doing business in France for the past two years and recently inaugurated an advanced research centre in Paris to develop new cosmetics technologies.

Likewise, NP Corporation, a Japanese natural cosmetics and biotechnology company, opened its only European subsidiary in Lyon in 2006 to conduct research on natural cosmetics, primarily made of red wine extracts, and create innovative cosmetics ingredients.

Lyon was chosen for its expertise in viniculture and dermatology research.

Swiss natural cosmetics and supplements leader Weleda already has an important subsidiary in Huningue, France, and plans to invest euro15 million over three years ending 2009, generating nearly 40 new jobs.

France already has its own group of respected plant-based cosmetic leaders, with Clarins, L'Occitane and now L'Oreal, after the acquisition of the French organic beauty company Laboratoire Sanoflore.

Two competitive clusters, Cosmetic Valley and PASS (Perfumes and Aromas), drive innovative cosmetics-related projects in France.

These clusters offer international investors the opportunity to work within expert networks focused on their industry.

Invest in France Agency (IFA) is the national body responsible for promoting, prospecting and facilitating international investment in France.

It also coordinates initiatives promoting the appeal and image of France.

The IFA network operates worldwide, with offices in France, as well as in North America, Asia and Europe.

In France, IFA works in partnership with regional development agencies to offer international investors outstanding business opportunities and customised services.

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