Brief: Avon, Swiss Arabian Perfumes Group and Ineke

Avon moves into healthcare foods According to press reports top direct selling cosmetics firm Avon has announced it will be significantly broadening its product portfolio in China with a foray into the world of healthcare foods.

"This strategic investment not only enriches our product categories in China's direct selling channel, but also enables consumers to enjoy Avon's high-quality products and services further," Avon CEO Andrea Jung was quoted as saying in China Daily.

It is believed the move will also create more opportunities for local Avon sales representatives.

The company was the first to cash-in on the opportunities in the market reporting a 36 per cent growth in sales in China in 2007's second quarter results.

Avon has recently announced the final stages of its restructuring plans which will turn the company's focus to the emerging markets.

Perfume expansions in the Gulf The Swiss Arabian Perfumes Group has announced plans to double its presence in the Gulf in the next two years, according to press reports.

The move has been prompted by a significant boost in sales suggesting that the region may turn out to be the place to invest in the coming years.

Furthermore an increase in tourism to the area has boosted foreign trade in Arabian perfumes so much so the company has reportedly received interest from foreign buyers looking to retail the product in their markets.

The Arabic and French company, based in the United Arab Emirates is reportedly spending Dh100 million to fund its new development plans.

Ineke Perfume expands in Europe San Francisco based Ineke perfumes has signed a distribution agreement with Quatre S Cosmetics in order to expand distribution into France, Germany, Switzerland and Austria.

Quatre S specialises in introducing unique niche brands to the European markets.

The agreement coincides with a release of a new fragrance by the perfumer Evening Edged in Gold to be launched at the end of this month.