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Indian Halal Cosmetics Start-Up To Enter South African Market

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IBA HalalA halal cosmetics brand, Iba Halal Care, launched last year by two sisters in Ahmedabad, India has revealed ambitious growth plans to open a new store in its homeland every month, as well as launch in west Asia and South Africa by full year end, according to a report in The Business Standard. Parent company Ecotrail Personal Care, has invested Rs 8 to 10 crore to date.

Iba Halal Care is currently sold via a mix of e-commerce, on Amazon and Flipkart, company-owned stores and a franchise. The company has revealed plans to open further stores in Gukarat, Vadodara, Surat, Chennai and Lucknow and is considering store-in-store formats to launch in smaller cities.

“Our research showed that there is latent demand for halal products in the cosmetics space, and we decided to tap this need gap,” explained founder Mauli Teli. Both the products and the manufacturing site and practice are certified by the Halal India Authority.

To support its continued growth, Ecotrail is also planning to invest in a new manufacturing facility, as its current Ahmedabad plant is due to hit 100 percent capacity in the near future.

Approximately 15 percent of the Indian population is Muslim, and the market for halal cosmetics is valued at Rs500 to Rs600 crore. Halal products have a wider appeal beyond the Muslim community thanks to their vegan credentials and natural ingredients.

Originally published on www.globalcosmeticsnews.com

 

3 British Hijabis Say: “I Wasn’t Always Dressed Like This”

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3 British hijabis say I wasnt always dressed like thisA short film that delves into the experiences of two hijabis and one niqabi in the UK is available online for free until 14th September. By Eren Cervantes-Altamirano.

For most Muslim women, questions around hijab are and have always been a reality. Will you wear it? If so, when? How? And why? If not, why not? What does that mean? In recent years, a lot of our discussions around hijab are filtered by the media, non-Muslims and sometimes Muslim men. We have seen depictions of hijabis and niqabis as the archetype of terrorism in different media outlets including political cartoons, gossip articles and others.

Similarly, we have experienced several policy-related debates about banning or accommodation of headscarves and face garments in countries like France, Spain and Canada. Finally, there is a plethora of Muslim websites where many male participants feel entitled to prescribe what the function of a hijab should be. However, seldom do we ask those women who decide to wear or decide not to wear the hijab about their experiences.

Many also do not trace connections between women’s intellectual, spiritual and emotional lives and their choices. Often, we are invited to see the hijab purely as a religious obligation, rather than to the whole woman who happens to wears it.

A short film by Betty Martins, I Wasn’t Always Dressed Like This, hopes to fill this gap. The film explores the way in which hijabs and niqabs are connected to the lives of three women in the UK – beyond the religious. The three interviewees (two hijabi women, one niqabi woman) speak of their experiences with faith, community, professional accomplishments and their sense of being a “Muslim woman”.

Unlike other films, Betty avoids creating an archetype of Muslim femininity by telling deeply personal experiences that are portrayed as unique and individual, yet relatable. Similarly, the interviewees are not preachy, telling other women what they should wear and how they should be. They simply present their journey and transitions, not only in terms of clothing and garments, but in terms of their connection to Islam, their families, their friends  and the broader community.

While I agree that there is much obsession around the hijab/de-hijab process (anyone who has decided to wear or stop wearing hijab or niqab can understand), Betty’s short film brings the discussion about Muslim women’s spaces, rights and choices to places where it has been hindered or manipulated by non-Muslims or by Muslim men. With her Brazilian background and experiences as a student in the UK, she feels that there is a need to discuss Muslim women’s choices in a healthier way than that propagated by some European politicians or Western media outlets.

Betty expressed her concern over recent depictions of Muslim women in Brazil. Here, the experiences of seeing veiled women are said to be “newer” and are being mediated by the language of Islamophobia. However, this is not unique to Brazil – veiled Muslim women are often said to be virtually “unknown” in several Latin American countries.

This definitive adjective is a way of “othering” since there are many other veiled women which are well known to Latin America: Jewish, Catholic, Protestant, Amish, and Mennonite, among others. Betty bridges the experiences of veiled Muslim women in the UK to the broader context, whereheated discussions are happening now.

One question that remains to be answered is the experience of non-veiled women or those who have chosen to remove the hijab. This film does not explore such experiences, and my hope is that this will be her next project.

Aquila Style readers are invited to watch I Wasn’t Always Dressed Like This, available for free (sign up required) until 14th September 2014 throughIndieFlix. If you have questions about the film or its production, please write them in the comments below. Filmmaker Betty Martins will address your questions in an upcoming video interview.

Originally published on www.aquila-style.com

Makeup Speaks Volumes For Iran’s 38 Million Women

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halal-cosmetics-for-iranian-womenIran is the second-largest cosmetics market in the Middle East in terms of revenue, behind Saudi Arabia, and the world’s seventh biggest. Makeup is also a form of personal expression in a society where compulsory wearing of hijab requires women to cover their hair and their body in loose clothing when outside, regardless of their religion.

Under the compulsory veil and despite hard times, Iranian women are unrestrained in showing off one feature on which they feel a need to spend money. Their faces.

Everyday wearing of makeup is probably more common in Iran, an Islamic republic, than in some liberal western countries. It is a rare opportunity to parade one’s beauty without fear of official censure.

With a female population of more than 38 million, Iran is the second-largest cosmetics market in the Middle East in terms of revenue, behind Saudi Arabia, and the world’s seventh biggest.

“Iranian women wear makeup as soon as they get up in the morning. Even if they feel ill, they know that they must look beautiful in the street,” says Tina Zarinnam, 30, a fashion designer.

The French luxury brand Lancome recently announced a return to Iran after decades away, inviting around 400 industry types and artists to one of the biggest hotels in Tehran to celebrate its comeback.

It was the first time since the 1979 Islamic revolution that a major Western brand — Lancome is the number one luxury line of the L’Oreal group — had been launched with such fanfare.

No American cosmetics brands have been sold on the official Iranian market since the U.S. imposed a trade embargo in the 1980s.

U.S. and EU sanctions on oil and other industries remain in force in Iran despite an interim deal aimed at eventually ending the nation’s nuclear standoff with the West, but many foreign businesses have blamed the restrictions for hampering trade.

MONEY TO BE MADE

Makeup professionals estimate that Iranian women buy approximately one tube of mascara per month, dwarfing the one every four months bought by the French.

Lancome is presented in Iran by the Safir perfume chain, a leading official distributor of beauty products. Created in 2010, the chain now has nearly 20 branches across the country.

“It’s a booming market, which is roughly several hundred million dollars,” a brand representative says, adding that this amount is split between its own distribution and the grey market.

Only 40 percent of Iran’s market is controlled by official distributors. The rest is divided among bootleggers who operate in parallel in bazaars and small shops that import cosmetics and makeup illegally, says Pegah Goshayeshi, Safir’s chief executive.

Imports are costly as regulations are strict and various government officials must approve a product before it is given a label that guarantees its quality.

Wearing makeup does not violate the laws of the Islamic republic, however, because Islam does not prohibit perfumes or cosmetics.

AN ANCIENT TRADITION

“The Prophet Mohammed himself used perfume,” Goshayeshi says.

Makeup is also a form of personal expression in a society where compulsory wearing of hijab requires women to cover their hair and their body in loose clothing when outside, regardless of their religion.

Tastes in makeup vary in different parts of the country. In northern Iran, a coloured mascara and perfumes with a flowery fragrance is preferred, while women in the south tend to buy black mascara and stronger, more musky perfumes.

Iranian men are also gradually leaning toward using more cosmetics.

“They take better care of their skin, because they want to look younger,” Goshayeshi adds.

In a country affected by a severe economic crisis, partly because of Western sanctions, makeup is considered expensive but it is often a small salve to help forget everyday problems.

“Makeup has an impact on the one who wears it … I put on makeup because I love it. I enjoy wearing it. It makes me feel fresh and calm,” says Forough Heidari, a 42-year-old physiotherapist.

And the Iranian market is by no means saturated.

“There is still room for luxury goods in the medium or low-end market” despite the presence of 20 Iranian and foreign brands, says Vista Bavar, founder and director of the Caprice brand.

“Iran has a large youth population, most of whom still live with their parents. They do not have to care too much about expenses” and can spend a lot on beauty products, she adds.

Originally published on www.nydailynews.com

UAE Halal Cosmetics Market Opportunity Analysis

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cosmetics_lgUAE has emerged as an exceptionally attractive market for cosmetic companies to introduce their new products as it is one of the largest beauty markets in the world and is endorsed by affluent clientele. The demographic variety of consumers that are spread within the UAE translates into a diverse market that allows companies to offer variety of product across varied price spectrum. While the market for luxury products has a large clientele in the UAE, there is also a strong market for regular, value-for-money product lines. Although the cosmetics market is dominated by women’s products, spending by men is also on the rise. 

Cosmetics market in UAE is witnessing a new drift towards the increasing demand of Halal certified cosmetics products. The exponentially increasing preference for Halal cosmetics products has led to change in the business strategy of the local as well as international companies present in the market. Companies are now changing their product assortment in order to accommodate the growing demand for Halal cosmetics products due to transition in the customer preference for Halal products.

Halal certification and acceptance of Halal products had been widespread in the hospitality, food, packaging, banking and finance industries in the Middle East and specifically in the Saudi Arabia and UAE. In the food sector, Halal consciousness is especially high among consumers as well as the governments. However, the demand for Halal cosmetics and beauty products is not as strong. With increasing consumer awareness and a willingness to pay for quality products, the scenario is changing, thereby transforming the cosmetics and personal care industry into a potential sunrise segment for the region.

Consumers are now verifying the contents of the cosmetics that are most used by them for animal based ingredients that may not be Halal. However, there exist constraints on the supply side. There is a dearth of Halal-certified cosmetics brands in the UAE market. The existing players are small and this has led to a fragmented nature of the market. None of the multinational cosmetics companies present in the UAE offer Halal friendly products. This continues to remain a problem due to the absence of a local certification body.

“UAE Halal Cosmetics Market Opportunity Analysis” research report by KuicK Research is an intriguing text that gives detailed facts and analysis on latest developments in the UAE Halal cosmetics Market. Report discusses various segments of the Halal cosmetics market and analyzes the factors responsible for the growth and the need to resolve challenges to maintain growth momentum in future.

Originally published on https://kuickresearch.wordpress.com

Research And Markets: Halal Cosmetics And Personal Care Market In The APAC Region To 2018

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halal-cosmeticsDUBLIN — Halal is an Arabic term that means “permissible” or “lawful.” It is a universal term which applies to all facets of life, including banking and clothes. However, this term is now popularly used in connection with food products, meat products, cosmetics, personal care products, leather goods, and food ingredients. Halal cosmetics and personal care vendors are certified by halal certification organizations which operate under Islamic law. If a product is halal approved, it does not contain alcohol, is not tested on animals, and does not contain certain non-permissible animal-derived ingredients. Halal cosmetics and personal care products are widely recognized for their purity and high quality.

The Halal Cosmetics and Personal Care market in the APAC region can be divided into two segments: Halal Cosmetics and Halal Personal Care. The Halal Cosmetics segment includes products that are used to artificially alter or enhance the appearance of an individual. Halal cosmetics mainly include products which are applied to the skin, eyes, lips, and nails.

The Halal Personal Care segment includes products that are used for personal hygiene and beautification, such as hair shampoos, hair conditioners, bath and shower gels, cleansers, creams, oils, lotions, talcum and baby powders, toners, perfumes, and oral care products.

The report, the Halal Cosmetics and Personal Care Market in the APAC Region 2014-2018, has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from industry experts. The report covers Malaysia, Indonesia, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Thailand, China and the ANZ region; it also covers the Halal Cosmetics and Personal Care market in the APAC region market landscape and its growth prospects in the coming years. The report also includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market.

Key Regions

– Malaysia

– Indonesia

– Pakistan

– India

– Bangladesh

– Thailand

– China

– ANZ

Key Vendors

– INIKA Cosmetics

– Ivy Beauty Corp. Sdn Bhd

– Martha Tilaar Group

– PT Paragon Technology and Innovation

Other Prominent Vendors

– Colgate-Palmolive Co.

– INGLOT Inc.

– Jetaine Corp. Sdn Bhd

– Muslimah Manufacturing Sdn Bhd

– Tanamera Tropical Spa

– Wipro Unza Holdings Ltd.

Key Market Drivers/Challenges/Trends

– Increase in Muslim Population

– Lack of Recognized Body to Oversee Halal Certification

– Increase in Awareness about Transdermal Penetration of Cosmetics

Originally published on http://www.researchandmarkets.com

Read more here: http://www.heraldonline.com/2014/07/01/6107276/research-and-markets-halal-cosmetics.html?sp=/100/773/385/#storylink=cpy
Read more here: http://www.heraldonline.com/2014/07/01/6107276/research-and-markets-halal-cosmetics.html?sp=/100/773/385/#storylink=cpy

Beauty Bid As Middlesex Firm Sapona Takes On Global Halal Cosmetics Market

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halal-cosmetics1A small UK company is aiming to tap into the growing halal cosmetics market with the May launch of a new range at the Beautyworld Middle East trade show in Dubai.

And Middlesex-based Sapona – whose toiletries have traditionally been aimed at children – believe that the British origins of its Tamese&Jackson products will appeal to a young, modern, style -conscious target audience across the Muslim world “who value their tradition and heritage as well as having a keen appreciation for contemporary design, style and quality”.

Currently the majority of rival products are produced in Southeast Asia.

Director Armen Saboonchian, who predicts that exports will make up over 90% of sales, says: “We think that the UK manufactured angle will give us the edge over many other competitors as there is a premium/luxury/quality element attached to goods manufactured here.

“Also we have come up with designs which will be appealing to a style conscious target market.”

The halal range, which includes hand soap, hand lotion, body wash, body lotion, shampoo, conditioner and talcum powder, is free from alcohol, GMOs, pork and all other animal-based ingredients.

“They are entirely free from animal cruelty and the processes and manufacturing units are all certified by the Halal Trust UK, which ensures that all products conform to the strict halal standards,” says Armen.

But just as importantly they smell good, and Armen adds: “A collaboration with leading global fragrance houses has allowed us to create compelling scents using both Middle Eastern and Western ingredients.”

There will be three unisex ranges for adults – Lime&Reyhan, Blue Orchid and Mint Noir, plus a range for infants and babies called Tamese&Jackson Junior, containing honey as a key ingredient.

The company hopes that the Beautyworld Middle East exposure will lead to distribution deals in Muslim-majority countries first, such as Saudi Arabia, UAE and other Gulf and MENA countries, followed by Turkey, Southeast Asia, Russia and other European countries.

“As well as the Muslim-majority markets, we are witnessing a growth in demand for halal-certified products in Europe,” says Armen. “So we are looking at retailers, grocers and pharmacy chains within Europe who are constantly trying to win over previously untapped markets sectors and consumers.

“With an average Muslim population of around 2-5% in most European countries, the halal market is one no retailer can afford to ignore.”

Originally published on http://www.link2portal.com

Opinion: Halal Soap – Luxury Or A Requirement

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opinion-halal-soap-luxury-or-a-requirementThe relation between soap and human is as old as the history of culture. Soap has always been the part of civilized society in different shapes either in the shape of Soil collection or mixture of tree leaves and vegetables or mixture of ash and oils while, presently, it comes up with the unique blend of various chemical components, as it is known as liquid soap, beauty soap, toilet soaps and antibacterial soaps etc which is the dire need of each house. As per a careful estimate, about 6 billion people of the world use soap daily and this number is prominently increasing day by day. But current chemical components and scientific developments have raised differnt questions about the Halal authenticity of soap and have evidently proved the involvement of non Halal ingredients i.e. Tallow extracted from the fat of swine, chemical from the haram animals’ flow “Satiric Acid” which is obtained from Lards and all this mixture and blending have distinguished between the division of Halal and haram. While in Islam the matter of Halal and Haram is not only confined to foods rather it is also applied on services (Islamic Banking, Islamic mode of businesses and Islamic Finance etc), clothes and tangible items such as Cosmetics, Soap and Paint  etc. When man enters in the category of impurity by touching some haram animals and it becomes mandatory to have shower (Ghusal), then now would it be justified to take bath while using the soaps which is produced with chemicals from the ingredients obtained from same animals? Will his worship be accepted after using that halal soap? Hence, it is needed that we should discriminate Halal and Haram in tangible (consumable) items along with food and services. We buy and adopt with joy the leather made imported items such as shoes and hand bags imported from Italy and other countries but do we ever think of the ingredients used in those products and the skin of the animal which was used in those products? Whether the Halal animals are utilized in those countries? If “No” then which animal’s skin was used as leather? Which chemicals are used in dying processing of towel that we use to clean the face. Is it obtained from swine’s Fat? Which chemicals are used in our paint industry etc? These are the matters of deep concentration that I leave on the readers who need to make the efforts to avoid haram a part of our life. The prime objective of this piece of writing is not to put the Muslims into the fear rather to highlight the issues caused by latest chemical evolution. If we analyze the current volume of cosmetics industry globally which is about US $ 335 billion but share of Halal cosmetics is US $ 13 billion (4 per cent)  while our, Muslim, population is about 1.6 billion which is the 26% of whole world population, so, as per these figures, non-Halal cosmetics have more consumption in Muslim countries and the main reason behind it is the lack of awareness and no discrimination between Halal and haram in material items. Experts believe that the awareness regarding the use of halal cosmetics can enhance consumption of halal makeup products (cosmetics), as more than 20 per cent market potential has not been catered so far. May Allah (Subhana wa’a Taala’a) forgive us for the sins caused by lack of awareness and give us enough strength to avoid them in future (Aameen). Halal Research Council (HRC), keeping in view the social, religious and professional responsibilities, inaugurated a specialized department for state of the art research in Soaps, Cosmetics, Dyeing and Paint Chemical to resolve the problems in these industries through in depth research to give a clean and purified society to the Muslim world.

Originally Published on http://www.eat-halal.com

Birmingham Woman Launches First Range Of Halal Make-Up

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Halal MakeupA Birmingham businesswoman has launched a range of halal make-up in a bid to offer practicing Muslims an alternative to conventional cosmetics.
The new range is made in strict accordance with Islamic law.

The cosmetics range, called Samina Pure Make-up, is thought to be the first of its kind to be launched in the UK.

It includes everything from lipstick to eyeliner and blusher, all of which are made in strict accordance with Islamic law.

The products are made using plant extracts and minerals as opposed to animal products and alcohol.

The founder of the business Samina Akhter told Marketing magazine that she set up the business as she “was uneasy with cosmetics products on my skin as a practicing Muslim”.

She believes that many practicing Muslims will have similar concerns.

Akhter runs her business from her home in Birmingham and imports the cosmetic range from Australia. The products are certified by Halal Certification Authority Australia.

The range of products is priced from £8 to £65.