Jeddah, KSA: The 2nd edition of Saudi’s dedicated exhibition for beauty products, hair, fragrances, and wellbeing, concluded in Jeddah with strong year-on-year growth reinforced by positive sentiments shared by both visitors and exhibitors at the annual three-day event.
Beautyworld Saudi Arabia, which concluded on 29th October at the Jeddah Center for Forums & Events, attracted 5,102 trade buyers and beauty professionals, nine percent more than the launch edition in 2018, while 193 exhibitors from 22 countries showcased their latest wares, 15 percent up on the previous year.
The Kingdom’s premier gathering for the beauty and wellbeing industries was busy throughout its three-day run, underlined by Saudi’s position as the Middle East and Africa’s (MEA) largest Beauty and Personal Care (BPC) market that, according to analysts Euromonitor International (EMI), is estimated to worth US$5.2 billion in 2019.
EMI predicts the retail value of Saudi’s BPC market will rise to US$5.8 billion by 2022 at a compound annual growth rate of 3.2 percent, comprising close to 20 percent of the entire MEA market.
Thousands of retailers, distributors, importers, salon owners, and beauty professionals were eager to see the latest innovations at Beautyworld Saudi Arabia 2019, which is organised by ACE Group under licence by Dubai-based Messe Frankfurt Middle East.
Ayoob Aziz Khan, who is working in a Jeddah skin care and cosmetics business, was among the 5,000-plus trade visitors happy with what he saw: “Currently, Saudi’s beauty business is booming and there’s big demand right now,” said Khan. “Beautyworld Saudi Arabia comes at the right time and it’s really great. There’s lots to see, lots to do, and lots of exhibitors. It’s exciting, there are great products, great innovation.”
Mahmoud Shoukry was visiting the show for the second time, and said the depth and quality of exhibitors had increased over the previous year: “I really enjoyed Beautyworld Saudi Arabia; it’s like stepping into a beautiful garden and it’s nice to walk and see and smell the wonderful creations and perfumes. The exhibition is an amazing show with lots of customers and professionals from the perfume and cosmetic market.”
Mohammed Al Harbi, a perfume trader, and a first-time Beautyworld Saudi Arabia visitor was looking to find new connections and business relationships: “This is my first visit to Beautyworld Saudi Arabia, and it certainly won’t be my last,” he said. “The show is well-organised, professional and provides good contacts. I found some new potential partners on the very first day of the show.”
The global flavour of Beautyworld Saudi Arabia 2019 was underlined by country pavilions from China, Korea and South Africa, while the exhibitor turnout was spearheaded by the return of Launch Partners such as Nazih Group, Anfar, Firmenich, identiscents, Al Rehab Perfumes, Neo Parfums, Unitrade, and Piramal Glass.
Jardine Omar, the Economic Counsellor of the South African Embassy in Riyadh, said it was important for the Republic to present its beauty know-how to the vast Saudi market: “We’re glad to be here in Saudi Arabia to showcase South Africa’s products in cosmetics, skincare and other products of beauty,” said Omar.
“The South African cosmetics and personal care market is segmented into several submarkets such as haircare, skincare, oral care, fragrances and deodorants, so our participating companies in this year’s edition had the opportunities to exhibit their products and meet Saudi customers.”
Aamer Numan from Al Rehab Perfumes, and Manal Hodeib, brand and education manager at nail polish brand CND, were also enthused by the robust response at this year’s show: “Beautyworld Saudi Arabia has given us the chance to meet new customers and come face-to-face with a targeted audience and I’m pleased with the volume of leads we’ve generated,” said Numan.
“I’m overwhelmed with the response,” added Hodeib. “We showcased new products and got lot of inquiries and branding opportunities among our target audience.”
Beautyworld Saudi Arabia 2019 also featured the Beauty Academy, an education forum organised in collaboration with the Technical and Vocational Training College (TVTC) KH Morgan, Nazih Group, and the Beauty Veloute Academy.
Aspiring hair and makeup professionals, along with salon managers enhanced their skillsets and business credentials during a series of workshops and industry seminars led by a team of highly qualified international professionals.
Beautyworld Saudi Arabia is the 5th Beautyworld event globally, following annual shows in Dubai (Beautyworld Middle East) and Japan (Beautyworld Japan, Japan West, and Japan Fukuoka).
More information is available at: www.beautyworldksa.com