Headquartered since 1992 in Forcalquier, in the Alpes de Haute Provence (Southern France), Laboratoires Bains and Aromas (BEA) are tapping into the continued interest from French and foreign consumers in Provence inspired cosmetics. Specialized in the manufacturing of personal care products (face, body, hair), whether conventional, natural or organic (Ecocert, NOP or Cosmos certified), but also of soaps, colognes, candles and home fragrances, Laboratoires BEA employ 80 people and have achieved a turnover of 12 million euros in 2012.
The company, which joined the Condat group in 2008, is targeting to reach 20 or 25 million euros sales in 2015, to fully contribute to the group’s diversification.
EUR 1.2 million investment
The acquisition, in July 2012, of Laboratoires SCV, located in the neighbouring commune of Valensole, allowed Laboratoires BEA to take hold of a 4,000 sqm industrial site specializing in the production of technical and upscale soaps for international brands, as well as liquid products such as shower gels and shampoos. In total, the company is investing around 1.2 million euros to support its development and the modernization of manufacturing facilities, including an upgrade and increase of production capacities on the two manufacturing facilities (including the site of 9000 sqm site in Forcalquier) and the acquisition of new packaging equipment.
Emerging markets
About 65% of Laboratoires BEA’s sales are made abroad and the company wants to strengthen its position in emerging markets, particularly in Asia and the Middle East. "Today, the United States are our first export market," says Julie Le Bacquer, marketing manager. "For the second consecutive year, we participated in the Beautyworld Middle East tradeshow in Dubai and we’ll also exhibit at Cosmoprof Asia, in Hong Kong, in addition to our participation in European trade fairs: Cosmetic Business in Munich and Beyond Beauty in Paris. The Provencal origin of our products is a big asset. This is true in the United States, of course, but also in Asia and the Middle East."
In Dubai, the company introduced Aqua Intense, a new collection of four bath and body care products made from lavender, a typical ingredient in Provence-inspired cosmetics, and from Alpine glaciers water:
– Essential Water Pearls, that dissolve in the bath,
– a sulphate-free Foaming Water, for the shower and bath,
– an Oxygenating and Soothing Body Lotion, compliant with the COSMOS standard,
– A Regenerating Hand Cream, rich in shea butter.
"We are launching two new collections each year and our product catalogue includes hundreds of formulas, including anti-aging, hair care and body care products, as well as products for babies and men grooming products," adds Julie Le Bacquer. "We mainly supply bulk and packaged products, but also offer full service for turn-key products in partnership with selected packaging suppliers."
Eventually, Laboratoires BEA are currently developing sun care and whitening products for pharmaceutical and salon and spa brands. A company to keep in the radar!
