As the 45th edition of one of Italy’s largest beauty events got underway at the Bologna Fiera on March 9th, the buzz around the show floor suggested there were no signs of a slowdown.
Whilst the industry has undoubtedly felt the pressure of a difficult financial situation, feedback from exhibitors suggested that this was still the place to be in order to network with contacts and clients, and ultimately do business.
Good for business
“We have been very busy throughout the show, all our big clients are here and we have had good business meetings,” Weckerle Cosmetics’ Sabine Oelschlegel told CosmeticsDesign-Europe.com.
These sentiments were echoed by many other exhibitors at the show, as it offers a chance to get close to the European and Italian cosmetics market, and holds particular value for cosmetic packaging companies.
The four day event, 9-12 March, offered a variety of workshops, events, seminars, dedicated fragrance and packaging sections, as well as an all new ‘Extraordinary Gallery’ area catering to the beauty and cosmetics sector.
Debuting new formats
It was the first year that the Cosmoprof organisers introduced the ‘Extraordinary Gallery’; an exclusive area where brands could showcase unique beauty products, fashion, furniture and more.
“It’s the place where beauty and whimsical meet: precious gowns, top travel destinations and luxury hotels and Spa, unique pieces of design and art, niche beauty products and fine food,” said a spokesperson.
The floor space at the Fiera exhibition centre was divided thematically into four main pavilions alongside many other focus areas, covering a broad range of industry segments including packaging, cosmetics and spa products.
Network and learn
Attendees had the opportunity to network on the show floor while also having access to the educational program for advice and information on the latest trends where organic packaging, global markets, and nutria-cosmetics were high on the agenda.
One of the educational highlights was a conference on the Saturday entitled, ‘Where beauty meets sensuality’ where presentations addressed the trends, challenges and developments in organic cosmetics from speakers such as Valérie Lemaire of Ecocert Greenlife and Francesca Morgante of Natrue.