Building on the success of its previous edition, Cosmoprof Worldwide Bologna is set to deliver fresh opportunities for beauty industry professionals to connect, innovate, and drive growth.

Enrico Zannini, General Director at BolognaFiere Cosmoprof, describes the event as both “a launchpad” for new players and “a benchmark” for established names. The reasoning is clear: Cosmoprof’s format brings together the full value chain — from raw materials and packaging through finished products — under three interconnected events: Cosmopack, Cosmo Perfumery & Cosmetics (from Thursday 26 to Saturday 28 March 2026), and Cosmo Hair & Nail & Beauty Salon (from Thursday 26 to Sunday 29 March 2026).

Exhibiting here means stepping into an international business ecosystem where strategic buyers, high-level distributors and emerging markets converge. For any company aiming to expand globally, Cosmoprof offers unmatched visibility, access to new distribution channels, and an opportunity to align with the world’s most innovative and influencial players,” Zannini continued.

Remaining competitive in a complexifying market

However, in the current market context, conversations in Bologna will not only be about product launches but also about portfolio architecture, distribution strategies, and cross-market adaptability. Indeed, Cosmoprof 2026 comes at a time when companies need to rethink their strategies amid market uncertainties and a sharper focus on price segmentation.

Looking ahead, the engines of growth in the global beauty and personal care market are gradually diversifying beyond traditional strongholds,” said Yang Hu, Asia Pacific Insight Manager for Health & Beauty at Euromonitor International. “Fragrances, sun care and hair care, for example, are expected to experience further growth as consumption sophisticates. Markets across the Asia Pacific region, including India and Southeast Asia, as well as the Middle East and Africa, also present substantial unmet potential,” according to Hu.

New tools for a changing market

In today’s shifting global context, with uncertainties in some mature markets, Cosmoprof represents a strategic opportunity for brands to diversify exports and explore emerging markets and other high-growth areas of industry,” Enrico Zannini highlighted.

To address these market shifts, the event is implementing a series of structural updates in 2026.

For companies seeking visibility, a new platform will be dedicated to pitches and presentations in Hall 36. The Cosmetics Stage will thus offer exhibitors and buyers an opportunity to engage in a curated format. “This new content area aligns with our shift towards creating a more engaging, visitor-centric format–improving the overall experience for visitors and exhibitors alike,” said Samantha Raimondi, Head of Sales at Cosmoprof Worldwide Bologna.

The show is also reinventing networking opportunities with a refined spatial design with more intuitive zoning by category and upgraded and more comfortable spaces for companies to meet, exchange ideas and do business.

In 2025, Cosmoprof Worldwide Bologna reported a 4.5% increase in attendance versus 2024, with attendees from over 150 countries and 21% registered as first-time visitors. “For 2026, we expect attendance to continue growing, in line with the positive trend of recent editions. Interest from international markets also remains robust, especially amongst retailers, category and merchandiser managers, importers, and distributors seeking innovation and a global perspective on beauty brands,” Zannini concluded.