Media Release - 8 November 2011

International trends suggest that consumers increasingly believe that health and beauty products should come “naturally”. Australia’s clean environment has become the natural partner of an increasing range of organically-sourced health and beauty products, many of which will be on offer to international buyers at this year’s health and beauty trade show Cosmoprof Asia.

Health and wellbeing products, cosmetics, perfumes and toiletries from Australia will feature at Asia’s largest cosmetics and natural products fair, with more than thirty Australian companies being supported by Australia’s trade promotion agency, the Australian Trade Commission (Austrade).

Australian Consul-General Paul Tighe says Australian innovation and knowhow are building on an international reputation for excellence when it comes to natural products.

“Australia’s weather patterns and diverse range of habitats produce a wide variety of unique raw materials, essential oils and bush essences which have become desirable ingredients for cosmetics and health products,” said Mr Tighe.

“In addition to our reputation as a safe and clean environment, these distinctive qualities differentiate Australian brands in an increasingly crowded market for health and beauty products.”

At the Australian Pavilion, a wide range of beauty and wellbeing products will be demonstrated, including:

• Anti-ageing skincare products
• Certified organic skincare and body care ranges
• Green coffee slimming products
• Natural ingredients to aid in the lowering of cholesterol, blood-pressure and blood-glucose
• A range of fatigue-fighting amino acids, vitamins and minerals

Australian nutritional supplements and skincare ranges harnessing the benefits of native Australian botanicals and other indigenous ingredients will also be on display, along with an array of other cosmetic products.

Exports of perfumes, cosmetics and toiletries from Australia in the twelve months to December 2010 grew more than ten per cent to A$463 million (HK$ 3.7 billion) according to the Global Trade Atlas®. Australia also exported more than A$82.5 million (HK$660 million) worth of vitamin supplements in 2010, an increase of more than fourteen per cent during the year. Hong Kong is one of the top 10 export markets for Australian beauty products and vitamins.

Supported by the Austrade, the Australian pavilion is located at Hall 1E at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Austrade’s bilingual team assists Hong Kong and Macau companies to find quality, reliable Australian business partners.

Cosmoprof Asia 2011 runs from 9 to 11 November at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.