Manufacturers move towards comestic industry

Published: Wednesday August 6, 2008

As consumers become increasingly more health conscious and wellness products procure a greater share of global trade, local manufacturers have been moving in droves towards the organic side of the lucrative cosmetic industry.

The broadening health dynamic of the multi-billion dollar cosmetic market bodes well for Jamaican manufacturers, who have access to many of the most demanded raw materials for that segment of the industry on local shores.
Ginger, pimento, aloe vera and coconut are just some of the local plants whose oils are highly sought after to produce chemical-free natural formulas for the booming subsector.

"You have quite an array of oils that can be produced in Jamaica," said David Thomas, a manufacturer of local spa products. "Just a little drop of these oils goes a far way, so the way the world is going augurs well for Jamaica."

According to UK-based research company, Organic Monitor, global sales of natural and organic cosmetics were projected to reach US $7 billion in 2007, driven primarily by demand from the North American and European markets which makes up the majority of the sales.

Gaile Bell, owner of Sea Foam Spa and Aroma Therapy, which specialises in the retailing of organic aroma therapy products, has experienced first-hand the sharp rise in demand for natural cosmetics. At her retail outlet, located at the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, the evolution has had a positive impact on its bottom line, with a wide array of in-bound and out-bound foreigners visiting her store daily.

"People want to know what they are putting on their skin," explains Bell. "As people become more environmentally conscious, the demand for things that are custom-made or hand-made improves.

"There are quite alot of these lines right here in Jamaica," she added.

One local manufacturer attempting to make inroads in the market is A'mial Jamaica Limited. Operating out of a leased factory on Russel Road in Kingston, A'mial, under its 'Mystique Naturel' brand, produces a wide cross section of personal hygiene items, ranging from shampoo to spa salt. According to managing director Patrick Creary, over 90 per cent of Mystique Naturel's inputs are local; the base product being virgin coconut oil while irish moss acts as a thickening agent.

"Its the future of the market, its a very powerful trend," said Creary of the demand towards organic . "It's not that the others will go away but this will become a very significant part of the market, and people are able to charge premium prices because of what goes into it."

Jencare Skin Farm, one of the most successful local cosmetic companies, which moved into a cutting-edge facility on Hope Road, Kingston in 2003, not only provides spa/skin care facilities; it manufactures a line of skin care products which are sold locally and abroad. Jennifer Samuda, principal of Jencare, has an eye on the developing trend and has already positioned her company to reap the benefits.

"We do organics; we use organics in most of our products," said Samuda. "People are going into mineral cosmetics as well, as it is non-invasive and doesn't affect the skin."

The government has also spotted the potential of the industry as well, and through its agency, Jamaica Trade & Invest, has implemented a number of initiatives to boost the local sector.
According to Claudine Blackwood, project consultant at JTI's Export Department, the agency has deployed a muliti-layered approach to aid the industry. This includes facilitating local production towards niche and bulk markets alike.

One such initiative is a linkage programme which matches local suppliers with international cosmetic companies that are branching out into organic product lines. The aim is to utilise the production of local manufacturers to partner with overseas companies to produce in bulk.

"We have been linking local extractors of aroma chemicals with large international companies," said Blackwood. "These companies are into research and development, especially for new products, and Jamaica has alot of biodiversity, some of which are not available elsewhere."

Another initiative is apart of the ongoing tourism linkage programme, targeted to increase sales of local products to the tourism sector. Specific to the cosmetic industry, the initiative involves trying to penetrate the cruise industry with spa products.


Source:
Julian RIchardson
Jamaica Observer
http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/magazines/Business/html/20080805T220000-0500_138708_OBS_MANUFACTURERS_MOVE_TOWARDS_COMESTIC_INDUSTRY.asp
richardsonj@jamaicaobserver.com