Rihanna launches Fenty Beauty and Fenty Skin into Africa
Singer and Actress Rihanna is set to launch her Fenty Beauty and Fenty Skin lines into the African market at the end of this month.
Procter & Gamble announces new DEI commitments and shares actions to strengthen equality & inclusion across Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Africa
Procter & Gamble (P&G) has announced new commitments aimed toward advancing Equality & Inclusion across Asia Pacific, the Middle East, and Africa, at its fourth annual #WeSeeEqual summit for the region.
Shiseido collaborates with Emirati Designer Yasmin Al Mulla
Shiseido Middle East has entered into a long-term strategic partnership with Emirati Designer Yasmin Al Mulla, which aims to bolster the position of Shiseido’s premium skincare collection, Future Solution LX, according to About Her.
L’Oréal names Kate Actress as face of Nice and Lovely
Catherine Kamau Karanja, aka Kate Actress, has been announced as the new brand ambassador for Nice and Lovely Body Lotion, according to a report published by Nairobi Wire.
Estee Lauder celebrates women in Ramadan campaign staring Saudi ballerina Samira Al-Khamis
Estee Lauder is celebrating women during women with its new campaign named Reach for the Stars, which features three prominent Arab women, according to Arab News.
L’Oréal South Africa issues voluntary recall of Dark & Lovely relaxer
L’Oréal has informed South Africa’s National Consumer Commission of a voluntary recall of its Dark and Lovely Precise Diamond Straight and Shine relaxer, according to a report published by News 24.
Ugandan beauty brands prepare for DRC sales boost after EAC membership confirmed
Ugandan beauty brands are gearing up for increased sales to the Democratic Republic of Congo after the country joined the East African Community (EAC), according to a report published by The East African.
L’Oréal Paris collaborates with Dubai Duty Free Group to launch pop-up promoting Midnight Serum launch
L’Oréal Paris has collaborated with the Dubai Duty Free Group (DDF) on a pop-up store, open during March, to promote the new launch of the Age Perfect Cell Renew Midnight Serum.
Israel and the United Arab Emirates sign first free-trade agreement between Jewish and Arab state in the middle east
Israel and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have signed the first free-trade agreement (FTA) between the Jewish and an Arab state in the middle east, according to The Jerusalem Post.
Russian shoppers look East after Western brand exodus
Brands from China, India, Iran and Turkey could soon enjoy a new found popularity among Russian consumers, according to a report published by Reuters, after a number of Western brands withdrew from the market.
Tanzania bans three cosmetics ingredients
Tanzania’s cosmetics regulator has ushered in a ban on the use of pyrithione zinc, butylphenyl methylpropional and sodium hydroxymethylglycinate in cosmetics, effective March 1, 2022, according to a report published by All Africa.
Folake Ogundipe named Executive Director of Unilever Nigeria
Unilever Nigera has named Folake Ogundipe as Executive Director, effective 1st April, 2022.
MAC launches first 3D experience in Riyadh
The Estee Lauder Companies-owned MAC Cosmetics has launched what it is describing as a ‘world-first’ 3D experience in Riyadh, according to a report published by About Her.
South African regulator shuts down Lifebuoy’s claim to protect against infections
South Africa’s Advertising Regulatory Board has ruled that Unilever-owned Lifebuoy crossed the line when describing its soap as capable of protecting against infections, according to a report published by Business Insider South Africa.
Kao, L’Oréal and Natura &Co are named on World’s Most Ethical Companies list 
Kao, L’Oréal and Natura &Co are just some of the cosmetics companies named on the 2022 World’s Most Ethical Companies Honoree List
Dior names Aseel Omran as first ambassador in Middle East
LVMH-owned Dior has named Aseel Omran as its first Brand Ambassador for the Middle East. The Saudi Arabian singer and actress posted the news on her Instagram account.
Qatar-based Zulal Wellness Resort to become Middle East’s largest wellness resort
The Middle East’s largest wellness resort is set to open in Qatar on 29th March, which will give a modern showcase of traditional Arabic and Islamic medicine (TAIM).
L’Occitane unveils new spa at Sofitel Dubai The Palm
L’Occitane has unveiled the new Sofitel SPA with L’Occitane at the Sofitel Dubai The Palm, joining forces to deliver a wellness concept at the resort.
Huda Kattan branches out into wellness as investment arm backs supplement brand
Huda Beauty owner Huda Kattan is set to debut a new wellness brand via her venture capital firm, HB Investments, according to a report published by Arab News.
Egypt’s Macro Group Pharmaceuticals covered US$83 million retail portion of IPO
Egypt’s Macro Group Pharmaceuticals has covered a US$83 million retail portion of an initial public offering (IPO) by 102 times at its close this week, according to a report by Reuters.
Watsons expands into Middle East with new GCC stores
Watsons has made its first entry into Qatar at Doha Festival City. The AS Watson-owned retailer has opened a series of stores across the GCC, including locations in Dubai Mall, Dubai Festival City, Mall of the Emirates and Al Wahda Mall in UAE, and Mall of Dhahra in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Oriflame bolsters African presence; commences operations in Ghana
Oriflame has bolstered its presence in the African market, having commenced operations in Ghana, according to the Ghanaian Times.
Qatar Duty Free hosts travel retail launch of Moncler’s first fragrance line
Qatar Duty Free has been singled out for the worldwide travel retail launch of Moncler’s first fragrance line, according to a report published by The Peninsula Qatar.
Unilever Nigeria on course to deliver first profit in three years
Unilever Nigeria has turned a profit for the second consecutive quarter and is on course to close fiscal 2021 in the black, according to a report published by The Cable.
2021 Resilience: Finance
If ever there was a test designed to sort the wheat from the chaff, it was 2020. Some emerged from the pandemic’s salient year bigger and better (looking at you Amazon, LVMH), others, not so much. Indeed, 2021’s results provided an instant litmus test into the health of a given company after 2020 had done its worst. From Q1, we could see those who were bouncing back bigger and better and, in contrast, those who were still struggling.
2021 Resistance: Environment
While most companies pay at least lip service to sustainability, even as planet-friendly has become essential for CPG success, there are those continuing to resist – and that resistance comes in one of two forms: either everything goes suspiciously quiet or, worse, companies shout loudly but their claims don’t stand up to scrutiny.
2021 Resistance: Technology
Pre-pandemic, North America’s digital channel was under developed, especially compared to China and, in some cases, not much has changed. While some have adopted a more sophisticated approach to digital engagement, others have continued to dictate, not engage. This dogged determination to market at, not converse with, their audience won’t wash for long and shoppers have started to scroll on by.
2021 Resistance: Retail
As the COVID-19 pandemic categorically failed to be ‘all over by Christmas’ and rolled on and on into 2021, one thing became clear; those retailers who had hoped to ‘ride it out’ had some catching up to do….
2021 Resistance: Manufacturing
The pandemic killed the global supply chain as we knew it and several suppliers, manufacturers and retailers have struggled to come to terms with that in 2021. The result? Empty shelves, rising inflation and a stark choice between passing on the rising costs to consumers or taking a hit on margin to come.
2021 Resilience: Environment
Throughout 2020, there was much talk of ‘building back better’ and we expected our post-pandemic world to be a green, eco-friendly utopia. However, as 2021 bought renewed lockdowns and restrictions, has our ‘happy ever after’ transpired? Certainly, sustainable beauty is evolving, new targets have been set and we are asking more. We want products with soul and that comes hand in hand with planet-friendly.
2021 Resistance: Finance
Cast your mind back to early 2020. Did you think COVID-19 would be ‘all over by Christmas’ or were you more inclined to dig in for the long term? Two years on, with several countries grappling with a fourth wave and Omicron surging, the doomsayers aren’t looking so ridiculous and those who decided to ‘wait it out’ rather than pivot are struggling still as restrictions persist far longer than anyone predicted and the end of the pandemic proves elusive.
2021 Resilience: Technology
With digital in continual demand, those who invested early continued to reap the rewards in 2021. However, with all the online wizardry at our disposal today, we’d do well to remember that personal connection is still important to consumers. Digital will only secure a permanent spot in shoppers’ hearts if it evolves to scratch that itch; a functional, faceless online shopping platform will take you so far, consumers expect seamless service and a personalized approach.
2021 Resilience: Retail
Retailers faced some almost insurmountable challenges in 2021 – from renewed lockdowns shuttering bricks and mortar locations to the ongoing supply chain crisis and labor shortages, it’s a wonder any survived.
2021 Resilience: Manufacturing
Supply chain disruption prompted by pandemic shutdowns has persisted throughout 2021 and only those able to think on their feet and come up with workarounds can thrive in this environment. Investment in local sourcing, safeguarding raw materials supply, local manufacturing hubs, a flexible approach to logistics and the ability to generate power on site have all been crucial for success in the past 12 months.
Avon donates R600,000 to end gender-based violence
Avon has split a R600,000 donation between seven South African organisations working with survivors of gender-based violence, according to a report published by Caj News Africa.
Israel to legalize CBD?
Israel is mulling the possibility of decriminalizing cannabidiol, according to a report published by The Jerusalem Post.
UAE shifts weekend to sync with global markets; shortens working week
The UAE is shifted its national weekend to Saturday and Sunday to synchronise with global markets, creating a shorter four-and-a-half day working week, according to a report by the FT.com.
Booksy expands EMEA foothold with acquisition of salon management and booking software, Kiute
Beauty and wellness appointment booking app Booksy is set to expand its presence in the EMEA region via the acquisition of French salon management and booking software, Kiute.
Avon Justine launches first livestream shopping event
Avon Justine has launched its first livestream shopping event, with a virtual tour of its gift products in South Africa.
BASF Personal Care Europe increases prices of RSPO-certified oleoderivatives
BASF Personal Care Europe has implemented a price increase of RSPO-certified oleoderivative.
Namibian builds cosmetics exports as local brands take flight
Namibia has reported that its soap exports totalled some N$103 million in the first nine months of 2021, according to a report published by All Africa.
Best Global Brands 2021: tech dominates as Amazon, Apple and Microsoft account for 62.3 percent of the top 10’s total value
Interbrand has published its Best Global Brands ranking for 2021. This year, the top 10 was dominated by tech brands once more; Apple, Amazon, Microsoft, Google and Samsung placed first to fifth respectively, all having gained around 20 percent in value, with the top three accounting for 62.3 percent of the total value of the top 10.
Global Shea Alliances launches Shea More Love campaign to raise awareness of sustainable parkland initiative
The Global Shea Alliance (GSA) has announced the launch of its Shea More Love campaign, which has been created to raise awareness about the Action for Shea Parklands (ASP) sustainability initiative.
L’Oréal Middle East appeals to shoppers with personalised digital experiences
L’Oréal is working to appeal to online shoppers the GCC-over, with personalised digital experiences such as try-on facilities and virtual consultations, according to a report published by the Khaleej Times.
Valentino make-up launches in travel retail Asia and Middle East
L’Oréal has announced the launch of its Valentino make-up line across travel retail outlets in Asia and the Middle East.
Nigeria looks local to lessen reliance on imported castor oil
Nigeria has cut the ribbon on its first castor oil manufacturing firm, according to a report published by The Nation.
Unilever ceases operations of Ghana Foundation
Unilever has wound down its Ghana Foundation as part of a wider move to manage its CSR strategy at a global level, according to a report published by Joy Online.
P&G partners with SIL Group and Ugee Chemicals to shore up Nigerian supply chain
Procter & Gamble’s Nigerian arm has partnered with the SIL Group and Ugee Chemicals to manufacture Ariel detergent and other laundry powders as well as locally produced raw materials under one roof, according to a report published by Vanguard.
Avon Justine names Kgothatso Montjane ambassador
Avon Justine has named wheelchair tennis star Kgothatso Montjane as brand ambassador, according to a report published by IOL.
Procter & Gamble joins forces with Carrefour to plant 26 forests in the UAE
Procter & Gamble has joined forces with Carrefour in a bid to plant 26 forests in the UAE, as part of P&G’s #ForestsforGood campaign.
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