French beauty giant eyes India as a top growth market with plans for major expansion
L’Oréal, the global leader in beauty and cosmetics, has announced bold plans to more than double its business operations in India over the coming years. This strategic move underlines the company’s growing focus on India as one of the fastest-expanding beauty markets globally
L’Oréal, the global leader in beauty and cosmetics, has announced bold plans to more than double its business operations in India over the coming years. This strategic move underlines the company’s growing focus on India as one of the fastest-expanding beauty markets globally
Speaking to the media, L’Oréal CEO Nicolas Hieronimus described India as a “very strategic market” for the company. “We intend to more than double our business in the next couple of years,” he said, emphasizing the expansion of local manufacturing capabilities and an increase in exports to neighboring regions
Local Manufacturing and Export Growth
Currently, 95% of L’Oréal products sold in India are manufactured locally, a testament to the brand’s deep-rooted investment in the country. In addition to meeting domestic demand, the company is actively exporting hair and skin care products to the Gulf region, signaling its broader regional ambitions.
“We are manufacturing half a billion units in India but we intend to increase that in the years to come. It’s just the beginning of a big adventure,” Hieronimus added
“We are manufacturing half a billion units in India but we intend to increase that in the years to come. It’s just the beginning of a big adventure,” Hieronimus added
Meeting with Indian Leadership
The CEO’s remarks followed a high-level meeting with Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, who was in France to foster trade and investment ties between the two nations. The meeting focused on expanding cooperation in consumer markets, including beauty and wellness
L’Oréal’s Presence in India
Operating in India since 1994, L’Oréal India is a wholly-owned subsidiary of L’Oréal SA, with a 99.99% stake held by the French parent company. Over the past three decades, it has built a robust multi-channel brand portfolio including:
- Mass Market Brands: L’Oréal Paris, Garnier, Maybelline New York, NYX Professional Makeup
- Professional Salon Brands: L’Oréal Professionnel, Matrix, Kerastase, Cheryl's Cosmeceuticals, Redken
- Luxury and Selective Brands: Kiehl’s, Lancôme, Yves Saint Laurent (YSL Beauty)
- Pharmacy/Chemist Channel: CeraVe
Why India Matters for L’Oréal
India’s beauty and personal care market is expected to grow at a CAGR of over 10% in the next five years, driven by a young population, rising disposable incomes, and increasing digital penetration. L’Oréal’s decision to scale up manufacturing and exports from India not only supports Make in India initiatives but also positions the country as a regional beauty manufacturing hub
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