The Fox group eyes up Estee Lauder franchise
The Fox group is hoping to obtain a franchise to operate standalone stores for The Estee Lauder Companies’ portfolio in Israel, according to a report published by Globes. Lauder subsidiary Elcalil currently operates some 25 stores across the country for the US...
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It’s a promising market: Unilever invests in Egyptian production
Unilever is investing heavily in its Egyptian production lines, according to a report published by Daily News Egypt. The Managing Director of the Dutch FMCG giant, Ashraf Bakry told Daily News that Unilever has struck deals with three international suppliers in a bid...
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PZ Cussons warns of low profit as consumer spending slows
PZ Cussons has announced that it expects its profits to be at the lower end of its revised range, according to a report published by The Times. The manufacturer of Imperial Leather and Carex soaps said that, while UK consumer spending was in line with expectation,...
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Tunisian journalist website Mille World raises profile of Arab fashion
Online platform MILLE World is said to be raising awareness of Arab nation fashion designers since its launch earlier this year, thanks to its focus on beauty, fashion and lifestyle commentary. The brainchild of Tunisian journalist Sofia Guellaty, who has previously...
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Spuntech signs US$130 million wet wipe deal with P&G
Israel-based cloth manufacturer Spuntech has struck a deal to supply US FMCG giant Procter & Gamble with material used to manufacture wet wipes, according to a report published by Globes. The supplier valued the three-year deal at US$130 million, or US$43 million per...
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Start-ups thrive as online shopping becomes the norm in Kabul
Afghan consumers are increasingly taking to the internet in a bid to stay safe, according to a report published by Reuters. With frequent suicide bomb attacks and sexual harassment on the rise in the capital, many consumers are staying home and going online instead....
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Estée Lauder tops Nigerian fragrance charts
Estée Lauder was the leading fragrance brand on the Nigerian market in 2017, according to a report published by Business AM. Quoting Euromonitor data, the report reveals that Lauder's eponymous brand topped the charts followed by its Tommy Hilfiger and DKNY labels....
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Unilever cuts ribbon on South Africa-based energy saving biomass boiler
Unilever has unveiled a biomass boiler in South Africa, which the company has stated will help reduce CO2 emissions, waste-to-landfill, and eventually the amount of electricity used at the Durban-based Maydon Wharf site. The unveiling marked World Environment Day with...
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Procter & Gamble confirms it will withdraw from Iran
Procter & Gamble has confirmed it will withdraw operations from Iran following US President Donald Trump’s decision to pull the country out of an agreement that limits Tehran’s ability to create nuclear weapons. The personal care manufacturer is one of many companies...
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Estée Lauder awards EMEA account to Dentsu Aegis
The Estée Lauder Companies has awarded its EMEA media account to Dentsu Aegis following a competitive pitch, according to a report published by The Drum. The business is thought to be worth in the region of €30 million and was previously held by Omnicom-owned OMD who...
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K-beauty’s Nature Republic launches in Saudi Arabia
K-beauty brand Nature Republic has cut the ribbon on its first store in Saudi Arabia, according to a report published by the Korea Times. The new store, which will serve as a flagship for the brand, is located in Riyadh’s Al Nakheel Mall. The K-beauty brand has teamed...
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Lancôme rolls My Shade My Power campaign out to Nigeria
Following the UK launch earlier this year, Lancôme has launched its popular My Shade My Power campaign onto the Nigerian market, according to a report published by Bella Ninja. The L’Oréal-owned brand celebrated the launch of the 40 Teint Idole Ultra Wear Foundation...
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Fashion designer Mai Atafo to design Nivea’s new Black and White collection
Nigerian fashion designer Mai Atafo has been announced as the official designer of Nivea’s Black and White collection, with the collaboration aimed at promoting fashion in the country. Atafo is a leading fashion designer in Nigeria with a collection of menwear,...
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Three female Saudi students storm P&G CEO challenge
An all-woman team of three engineering students hailing from Saudi Arabia have been named winners of Procter & Gamble’s CEO Challenge, according to a report published by Albawaba Business. Linah Hussain, Malak Mously and Rawan Baik triumphed over some 3,500 entrants...
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Uganda palm oil estate kicks into gear after decade-long delay
Uganda has revived a palm oil expansion project that has been shelved for more than a decade, according to a report published by Bloomberg. The government initiated the transfer or land on Buvuma Island to Bidco Uganda in the final three months of last year. Bidco is...
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Twitter users mock MAC for suhoor make-up tutorial
A make-up tutorial posted by MAC Cosmetics Middle East nearly broke Twitter last week as Muslim users took to the platform to protest against the brand’s tips on glamming up for suhoor, the pre-dawn meal eaten during the month of Ramadan when it is customary to fast...
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L’Occitane to open Singapore-based pop-up café
L’Occitane has announced plans to open a new pop up café, named A Journey in Every Sense’, at Ion Orchard, Singapore between 3-16th July. Launched in collaboration with dessert specialist Janice Wong, the French beauty giant is capitalizing on the current trend for...
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JWT Dubai appointed as AOR for Unilever Closeup oral care brand
Unilever has appointed J.Walter Thompson (JWT) Dubai as the Agency of Record and communications partner for its Closeup oral care brand in the gulf region. With Closeup being one of the first brands to target the youth demographic, the decision to appoint the agency...
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Is your make-up funding terror? Taliban earning up to US$10 million a year through talc mining, says Global Witness
The Islamic State is using the proceeds of its illegal talc mining operations to fund conflict, according to a report published by Bloomberg. A report published by Global Witness this week, per Bloomberg, suggests that the Taliban earns between US$2.5 million and...
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‘We won’t become China’s dumping ground’: Central Bank of Nigeria quells fears over Chinese currency swap
The Central Bank of Nigeria has confirmed that the N720 billion Nigeria-China currency swap agreement will not extend to the importation of those items listed in 2015 as not valid for foreign exchange, which includes soaps and cosmetics, according to a report...
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French beauty brand Yves Rocher expands in African market with new store launch
Premium French beauty brand Yves Rocher has opened a new store in Palms Mall, Lekki, Nigeria, expanding the company’s foothold in the market. The new opening comes two years after the Yves Rocher launched its first boutique Jabi Lake Mall, Abuja and a boutique opening...
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Dubai beauty exports top Dh20 billion
Dubai exported some Dh20 billion-worth of beauty products in 2017, according to a report published by Trade Arabia, quoting figures released by Dubai Customs at the Beautyworld Middle East 2018 exhibition. Saudi Arabia is Dubai’s top destination market, with exports...
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Nivea signs up as sponsor of Fashion’s Finest Africa Awards
Nivea has been announced as the title sponsor for the Fashion's Finest Africa Awards, according to a report published by Pulse. The event will be Nigeria’s first major fashion event and is designed to celebrate those who have made an impact on the fashion industry....
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Oriflame Egypt announces five-year plan to expand franchise concept to 500
Oriflame Egypt has announced plans to expand its franchise offering in the country from 140 franchises to 500 over the next five years. Speaking in an interview with Daily News Egypt, Oriflame Egypt Managing Director Abdel Aziz discussed the commercial viability of...
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Huda Beauty ‘vagina lightening’ blog post likened to modern day racism
A recent blog post by Huda Beauty on vagina lightening has caused controversy due to its content, with some consumers likening it to modern racism. The blog, posted on the successful site of entrepreneur Huda Kattan, is titled ‘Why Your Vagina Gets Dark And How To...
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Ghanaian Cosmetics Association given leave to appeal hydroquinone ban
Ghana’s Food and Drugs Association has been unsuccessful in its bid to topple a challenge to its hydroquinone ban at the first hurdle, according to a report published by GBC Ghana. The regulatory body battled to have a suit filed by the Cosmetics Association of Ghana...
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Personal service: Israeli shoppers head in store for beauty buys
Israeli shoppers overwhelmingly opt to buy their cosmetics and personal care items in store, rather than online, according to a report published by Haaretz. Just 10 percent of total cosmetics and personal care sales are completed online, according to TASC. A survey...
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IFF acquires Frutarom for US$7.1 billion
International Flavors & Fragrances has announced that is has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Frutarom in a cash and stock transaction valued at US$7.1 billion. The acquisition will propel IFF to the position of global leader in taste, scent and...
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European Parliament votes to support The Body Shop and Cruelty Free International-backed call for a global ban on animal testing
MEPs have voted in an overwhelming majority to adopt a resolution to support a worldwide-ban on cosmetic testing on animals, a move backed by The Body Shop and Cruelty Free International. Some 620 MEPs voted in favour of the EU launching a diplomatic drive for a...
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Unilever joins forces with Mastercard to develop digital lending initiative in Kenya
Unilever has teamed up with Mastercard to develop a digital lending initiative named Jaza Duka in Kenya, following a successful pilot in the country. The initiative is aimed at helping micro-entrepreneurs in developing countries to get credit, with distribution data...
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Now you see it? Facebook Messenger launches AR capability
Facebook’s Messenger App has unveiled an augmented reality capability which will allow users to visualize potential purchases in the context of their daily lives, according to a report published by Reuters. The social media giant is hoping that the new feature will up...
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Tribute Lifestyle launches in Lagos
Cosmetics manufacturer Tribute Lifestyle has made its debut onto the Nigerian market, according to a report published by the New Telegraph. The homegrown direct sales business is hoping to build up an extensive network of independent sales representatives in the...
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Masculinity re-defined: Louis Vuitton launches men’s fragrance range
LVMH-owned Louis Vuitton is set to launch a men’s fragrance range, according to a report published by the South China Morning Post. Following from its successful women’s line, which debuted in 2016, the new collection comprises five scents, all with a unisex slant in...
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Estée Lauder Companies expands paid parental leave to 20 weeks in new enhanced family-benefits program
The Estée Lauder Companies has announced an enhanced family-benefits program for employees, which includes expanding its paid parental leave duration to 20 weeks. Effective May 1st, 2018, employees that are based in the US, full time, and have served more than 90 days...
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Revlon Professional launches in Qatar
Distributor Nazih Group has launched the Revlon Professional brand in Qatar, according to a report published by The Peninsula Qatar. The official launch took place last week at Doha’s Ritz-Carlton hotel and was attended by Nazih executives, hairdressers, bloggers,...
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Dubai Duty Free clocks up sales of Dh21.23 million each day
Travelers passing through Dubai are spending some Dh21.23 million every day, according to a report published by Gulf News. Dubai Duty Free saw sales grow 11 percent over the first quarter of the current financial year, reaching Dh1.91 billion. March was a particular...
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Frutarom becomes acquisition target for foreign companies
Israel’s flavors and fragrance company Frutarom is said to have become an acquisition target for foreign investors, with Calcalist financial website naming US company International Flavors & Fragrance company as one potential buyer. While the second interested party...
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Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty lands in Saudi Arabia
Rihanna has announced that her popular make-up line is set to launch in Saudi Arabia, according to a report published by Alarabiya. The singer took to her social media accounts to share the news, revealing that the brand would hit stores on April 19. “I’m so happy to...
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The rumors were true: JLo unveils Inglot Cosmetics partnership
After her make-up artist let the cat out of the bag on Instagram, Jennifer Lopez has confirmed that she is to debut a limited edition collection in partnership with global beauty brand Inglot Cosmetics. The 70-piece strong color line, which launches April 26, is said...
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O Boticario partners with Millennial to open in UAE
Brazilian beauty brand O Boticario has signed a licensing agreement with UAE-based Millennial Capital. The deal, which spans five years, will allow Millennial to open and operate a series of O Boticario stores across the GCC region. The first store is due to open in...
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Naomi Campbell encourages Vogue to embrace diversity with new African edition
British supermodel Naomi Campbell has encouraged Vogue to launch an African edition of the magazine in order to recognize the continent’s contribution to the global fashion industry. Speaking in an interview with Reuters, Campbell said, “There should be a Vogue...
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From a distance: Max Factor unveils online make-up course for Middle East
Max Factor has launched an online make-up academy for the Middle East region designed to bring make-up artistry courses to students across the region. The accessible program offers students access to a network and regional community of make-up artists, enabling those...
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Ukraine poised to sign free trade agreement with Israel
Duties could soon be lifted on cosmetics exported from the Ukraine to Israel; as Ukraine and Israel are poised to sign a free trade agreement, having concluded negotiations, according to a report published by Interfax Ukraine. “In 2017, we had intensive talks on the...
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Robot recruitment: L’Oréal employs AI robot to vet applicants
Several leading multinationals, including L’Oréal, Pepsi and Ikea are using a robot to sift through resumes, according to a report published by The Daily Mail. Vera, as the robot is known, employs artificial intelligence to produce a shortlist of suitable candidates...
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Unilever CEO Paul Polman visits Ghana
Unilever Chief Executive Officer, Paul Polman visited Ghana last week, according to a report published by Ghana News Agency. Polman enjoyed a two-day tour, flying in from the Ivory Coast where he participated in a panel at the Africa CEO summit. Polman discussed...
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NIRSAL: Nigeria Shea Butter market potential worth $320 million
The Nigeria shea butter market value potential is said to reach $320 million (N115bn), according to estimates by the The Nigeria Incentive Based Risk Sharing System for Agriculture (NIRSAL). Used for industries such as cosmetics, there is currently 425,000 metric...
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South African Dermacell Cosmetics to set up shop in Nigeria?
South Africa’s Dermacell Cosmetics is considering a move into the Nigerian market, according to a report published by the Journal du Cameroun. General Manager Junior Mokgapi revealed the company’s plans during a visit to Nigeria’s Lekki free trade zone. “Nigeria is...
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Etude House enters Middle East market; cuts ribbon on Dubai store
Etude House is building its international presence with entry to the Middle Eastern market, according to a report published by Yonhap News. The K-beauty brand opened its first store in the region in Dubai’s largest shopping mall last week. The move is part of a wider...
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Revlon South Africa unveils diverse line up of #livebold ambassadors
Revlon South Africa has unveiled a new diverse celebrity line up as part of its Live Bold campaign, with actress Michelle Mosalakae, MTV presenter Kim Jayde, TV host Bontle Modisele and Radio DJ Loot Love having made the cut. The ambassadors will be part of the Live...
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Frutarom acquires majority stake in Argentinian flavors and fragrances group Meroar for US$11.2 million
Frutarom has brokered its second deal of the year, announcing that it is to acquire a 70 percent share in Argentinian flavors and fragrances group Meroar for US$11.2 million. The agreement includes an option to buy the balance of Meroar’s shares after three years at a...
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