Cosmetic market poised to reach BD70 million this year

Bahrain’s cosmetic sector, one the vital contributors to Bahrain’s GDP, is poised to touch a volume of BD 70 million by end 2019. The sector was valued at BD 60 million in 2017. According to Dr Mohammed Al Shaikh, who signed an agreement with the Swiss cosmetics company MAVALA Switzerland, said the sector contributes greatly in providing job opportunities for Bahraini women. The sector, Dr Al Shaikh said, plays a major role in boosting GDP and has all the growth potential to make Bahrain the beauty capital of the Gulf. He, however, pointed out that the competition varies from one product to another.

“Women in Bahrain are looking for high-quality cosmetics, which are often imported, but there is a preference for reasonable price cosmetics and that’s what we’re working on,” he said. The sector is highly competitive in the Kingdom, Dr Al Shaikh said pointing out the tremendous development happening in the Bahraini society. The business-friendly legislation and infrastructural facilities offered here are attracting foreign investments, thanks to the directives of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and His Royal Highness Prince Salman Bin Hamad Al Khalifa, and the support of His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, the Prime Minister.

Speaking about the activities of MAVALA Switzerland, International sales Manager Sabine Granger told Tribune that the company, which is a cosmetic and body care maker, has agents in 120 countries and is in the market for more than 70 years. “We manufacture cosmetics in Geneva, Switzerland and employees around 100 people to make sure that our products are excellent for health,” Sabine said. MAVALA Switzerland’s range include products for make-up, hands, feet, nails, skin cosmetics. “All of our products are extracted from roses and plants in the Swiss Alps.”

“This is a rapidly growing sector. Today, we are in Bahrain and the UAE in the Gulf region, and are optimistic about the Bahraini market,” Sabine said adding: We have customers and fame here, and now we are professionally available.” Veggius for general trading company is the exclusive distributor for MAVALA Switzerland in Bahrain. The general manager of Veggius for general trading company Dr Taher Salem said he is expecting MAVALA Switzerland products to make a huge leap in the field of body care and cosmetics in the Kingdom of Bahrain. The deal was signed in the presence of CEO Dr Mohamed Khairy.