France's city of Grasse has announced it will participate for the first time in the 11th Annual Health and Beauty America trade show and conference, a leading cosmetics, fragrance and personal care event for North America, in a bid to bring greater recognition to the French fragrance capital in the USA.
The event will be taking place from 30 September to 2 October 2003 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York, USA.
The French perfume industry started in Grasse in the 16th century. The location was considered ideal because of the sunshine and micro-climate that facilitated growth of very delicate flowers.
Today, Grasse is home to the largest collection of companies that provide extracts from botanicals to create natural ingredients that are used in the product development of fragrances, aromatherapies, cosmetics, as well as household products and food flavourings.
Commenting on the city's participation, Jean-Pierre Leleux, the Mayor of Grasse, said: "The perfume community of Grasse is excited to be the first from France to participate in HBA 2003. This will enable us to meet face-to-face with top suppliers, manufacturers and industry professionals and discuss the growing importance of natural products in new product development.
"Our participation in HBA Health & Beauty America also symbolises an important step forward in bringing greater recognition to Grasse amongst the fragrance industry in the USA," he added.
HBA will also have a seminar track focused on 'Naturals' as part of its conference program. The educational program will be led by specialists from Grasse and supported by Perfumer & Flavourists magazine. In addition to the perfumer's presence at HBA, Grasse will be supported by its business development branches including Prodarom, Onippam and the Entrepreneurs Club, according to event organisers CMP Princeton.
"We are honoured to have Grasse select HBA as its entry point to bring renewed attention to this epicenter of fragrances and natural oils," said Jack Gonzalez, director of CMP Princeton's Beauty & Wellness Events and show director of HBA.