Geovana Pagel
São Paulo – The Brazilian Toiletry, Perfumery and Cosmetics Association (ABIHPEC) informs that the sector has had a growth of 18.2% in tonnage exported, from January to November 2003, and a 17.2% increase in revenues in contrast to the same period in the previous year. In 2002 export totaled 103,000 tons, generating revenues of US$ 174 million. In 2003 sales totaled 123,000 tons corresponding to US$ 204 million.
ABIHPEC participation in the Brazilian Week in Dubai, from December 7 to 9, was considered so important that the organization decided to participate in the Middle East Gulf Beauty fair, a large sector trade fair to take place between April 26 and 28, also in the city of Dubai.
"The Brazilian week was our first participation in the Middle East. We felt such interest by Arab businessmen that we have started mobilizing for the organization of a Brazilian stand at the Gulf," explained organization president João Carlos Basílio da Silva. "The sector is always following the government on the business missions, and we were surprised by the receptivity," he said.
According to Silva, the Brazilian stand should cover an area of between 18 and 36 square meters and, starting this year, the Dubai fair will officially enter the ABIHPEC international fair calendar.
At the Brazilian Week, which took place in December, the organization represented eight Brazilian companies: Granado, Perfumes Mauá, O Boticário, Bonyplus, Condor, Mundial, Niasi, Amantha and Natura, which also sent its own team. "We will now be representing approximately 15 companies that, once more, will have their products in evidence in the Arab world," he stated.
According to data provided by the National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa), the sector includes approximately 1,100 companies. The organization already represents over 300 associated companies.
The beauty industry is one of the sectors that generate most jobs in Brazil. "The industry only loses to civil construction," guaranteed Silva. According to him, currently over 2,400,000 people work in the beauty industry area.
"If we take into consideration the packaging industry, which includes printing houses, and glass and plastic bottle makers, this would add another 300,000 people," pointed out Silva. "And some people still consider our sector superfluous," he stated.
The president of the ABIHPEC believes that various factors have contributed for growth in the sector, such as rising female participation in the work force, the use of top end technology and a subsequent increase in productivity, improving prices offered by the sector, constant releases of new products, fulfilling the market demands more and more, and an increase in life expectancy, "making it necessary to maintain a young appearance."
This year, the intention is to increase sales to the 100 countries that currently import Brazilian products and conquer new markets. "It is expected that in 2004 the same level of growth as last year should be maintained, around 20%."
Contact
www.abihpec.org.br
