São Paulo – São Paulo-based company Muriel is seeking new distributors for its cosmetics in the Arab market. It has already been selling its hair care, children’s, and deodorant lines to Libya, and wants to enter new countries.
According to André Boldarim, Muriel’s New Businesses director, the company has negotiations underway with importers from the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Iraq. “We want to find partners to distribute products at supermarket chains, retail chains, and hair salons,” says the executive.
Exports to the African country started when Muriel took part in the feira BeautyWorld Middle East trade show, the region’s leading cosmetics event, held annually in Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates.
Presently, the company allocates 3% to 5% of its production to foreign sales. Its cosmetics are shipped to ten countries, Angola being its main buyer. Libya, in turn, ranks among the five largest markets for Muriel, and receives 20% of the company’s exports.
“Brazilian cosmetics are very well accepted in the Arab market. Our line is in strong demand by hairdressers and consumers on that market,” says Boldarim. With his new contacts, he believes sales to the Arabs may soar. “In a short while, within two or three years, we may double or triple them,” he claims.
According to the director, Muriel is the leading domestic company in sales of mineral oil for hair and finishing wax (for hair). In 2009, the company posted revenues of 90 million reals (US$ 50 million), 1.77 million reals (US$ 1 million) of which should come from exports. Based in the city of São Paulo, the company was established 25 years ago and employs 400 people.
Contact
Muriel
Tel: (+55 11) 2010 1900
E-mail: andre@muriel.com.br
*Translated by Gabriel Pomerancblum
