Italian natural cosmetics brand, Bottega Verde has revealed plans to expand its global store network this year, aiming to push past the 500-mark with 20 new openings in Gulf countries, according to a report in the Khaleej Times.

The company first entered the GCC last year, opening a store in Abu Dhabi, and has already cut the ribbon on retail ventures in Sharjah and Al Ain in 2015. “We have a presence in Bahrain and recently opened a store in Oman,” revealed Chief Executive Officer Benedetto Lavino. “We will open 10 shops in Saudi Arabia this year and will meet our target of 20 stores in Gulf countries by the end of this year.”

The Italian herbalist has benefited from increasing consumer demand for beauty products based on natural ingredients. “All stores are doing very well as our products are based on natural ingredients and are very well-accepted in these countries,” added Lavino. Bottega Verde’s partner in the region is Dubai-based Apparel Group.