For the second year running, Quebec International led Canada's trade mission to Cosmoprof, held in Bologna, Italy. The event, which ran from March 18-21, is the largest international gathering of the cosmetics and cosmeceutical industry, including more than 177,000 visitors, 2,300 exhibitors and 540 journalists.
"Thanks to innovative companies that are known for the quality of their products and services, Quebec City is playing an increasingly pivotal role in the cosmetics and cosmeceutical industry, not only in Canada but also internationally. The leadership shown by Quebec International, which organized Canada's delegation to Cosmoprof again this year, helps to strengthen this positioning. In addition, local firms get a chance to develop new markets, meet with some of the biggest players in the industry and forge promising partnerships outside Quebec," said Carl Viel, CEO of Quebec International.
The Canadian delegation to Cosmoprof, made up of 11 companies from Quebec City, Montreal and Vancouver, anticipates an extra $4.86 million in sales over the next 12 months. The delegation also signed six industrial agreements and recruited three distributors. One Italian and two French companies announced plans to visit the Quebec City region with a view to undertaking expansion projects.
In the Quebec City region, the cosmetics and cosmeceutical sector is made up of 24 firms employing a total of 877 people and posting combined revenues of $170 million.
In September 2011, Quebec City is set to host the Canadian Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association Conference, in addition to welcoming the President of France's Cosmetic Valley, Jean-Luc Ansel. Mr. Ansel's visit is being organized under the cooperation agreement between Quebec International and Cosmetic Valley. Also under the agreement, companies from the Quebec City region will be represented in the Cosmetic Valley booth during the Beyond Beauty trade show, which will be held in Paris from September 12-14.
"Quebec City has all of the resources and talent required to carve out an enviable position in the high-tech cosmetics and cosmeceutical sector. Local companies stand to reap the benefits, particularly since they are committed to boosting their presence in global markets," concluded Mr. Viel.
About Quebec International
Quebec International contributes to regional economic development and promotes Quebec City's international standing. As the pre-eminent regional economic development agency, Quebec International fosters business growth, supports key economic clusters and attracts talent and investment. For further information, please visit www.quebecinternational.ca.
