Showcasing island beauty: Companies unveil natural products at Professional Beauty London
As the beauty industry evolves, the allure of natural, ethically sourced products has never been stronger. Pacific Island states and the Seychelles are uniquely poised to meet that demand with their rich biodiversity and centuries-old beauty traditions.
In March, cultures and commerce converged as several Pacific Island and Seychelles beauty brands made their mark at the Professional Beauty London trade fair.
This was the third UK trade fair for Fiji’s Loloma, thanks to the United Kingdom Trade Partnerships programme (UKTP). Loloma has developed a beauty line based on pure organic virgin coconut oil. It’s so gentle on the skin, it’s designed especially for mums and babies.
Founder Lakhtar Singh said the trade fairs gave a valuable opportunity to understand market trends and gage if UK consumers would like Loloma products.
‘By attending trade fairs in the UK, we’ve been able to understand consumer preference and develop a new product along the journey. The opportunity to really learn about the market has given us the confidence to do that,’ Singh said.
Isabella, a buyer with over 20 years’ experience, discovered Naturally Fiji products at the fair in 2023. She was impressed by the ingredients and went looking from them again this year. Naturally Fiji founder Chetan Punja used the fair to explore expansion into the European market.
‘I met with a potential new distributor for the European market which I hope will eventuate into a long-term partnership, expanding our brand into other parts of Europe,’ he said.
From the pristine shores of Fiji to the lush rainforests of Samoa, companies brought a taste of paradise to the heart of London. Drawing inspiration from their surroundings, they showcased skincare, haircare, and wellness products infused with indigenous ingredients known for their nourishing and revitalizing properties.
KUKI from Samoa, captured the essence of Polynesian beauty with its range of nourishing skincare formulations. With bamboo charcoal, fetau oil, and other locally sourced botanical remedies, their products target burns, muscle aches, acne, and anti-aging.
Oshin Organics brought organic coconut oil-based skincare from the islands of Papua New Guinea. With coconuts sourced directly from their farm using traditional methods, their products celebrate the natural bounty of the region while empowering communities through sustainable livelihoods.
The small island beauty brands not only showcased the diversity of their offerings but also highlighted their commitment to ethical sourcing and environmental sustainability. By prioritizing fair trade practices and eco-friendly packaging, these companies preserve the pristine ecosystems that inspire their products.
Moreover, their participation in such international events serves to elevate the profile of Pacific Island and Seychelles beauty on the global stage. As consumers prioritize authenticity and transparency in their beauty purchases, the allure of these exotic formulations is sure to resonate with discerning audiences worldwide.
In an industry often dominated by mass-produced, chemically laden products, the emergence of small Island beauty brands offers a refreshing alternative—one rooted in tradition, authenticity, and respect for the natural world.
About the United Kingdom Trade Partnerships Programme
The UK Trade Partnerships Programme, funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, aims to increase trade from developing countries to the United Kingdom (UK) and the European Union (EU) by maximizing the benefits of UK and EU Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) and the UK's Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS). The UKTP Programme works in partnership with government agencies, private sector organisations, public sector institutions, small and medium-sized enterprises and other local stakeholders.
