The German beauty and body care industry showed strong representation at this year's Gulf Beauty show held in Dubai in early June. With 35 exhibitors, the country represented the biggest national group at the show.
Covering a national sales volume of 9.6 billion euros, in 2002 Germany held 20.5 per cent of total Western European market, and ranks third in the world market behind the USA and Japan.
According to the German industry body, the German Cosmetic, Toiletry, Perfumery and Detergent Association (IKW), German exports of personal care products to the Gulf Co-operation Council - of which Dubai is a member - is a 'success story based on the highest standards of innovation and environment consciousness'. From 1996 to 2002 exports to Gulf countries doubled to US$ 148 million.
German companies at the trade show were supported by the German Federal Ministry of Economics and Labour (BMWA) and the IKW.