South Korea's biggest soju (low-alcohol vodka) brand Jinro on Monday signed a distribution partnership in India with listed spirits importer "We have partnered with Cosmax to develop colour cosmetics targeting local Gen Z consumers," said Radhika Ghai, founder of beauty platform Kindlife, which sells Korean and Japanese beauty brands. "While the first wave of products will be manufactured in international facilities with Korean ingredients, production will gradually transition to India as the portfolio sc ...

Core Viewpoint - Coty Inc. is under investigation for potential violations of federal securities laws, following a significant decline in stock price due to disappointing financial results and misrepresentation of product demand [2][4][5]. Group 1: Company Overview - Coty Inc. is one of the largest beauty companies globally, with a diverse portfolio that includes fragrance, color cosmetics, and skin and body care products. Prestige fragrances contribute to 60% of the company's revenues [4]. Group 2: Financial Performance - On August 20, 2025, Coty reported disappointing financial results for Q4 and FY 2025, citing issues such as weaknesses in U.S. execution, retailer inventory buildup, and a slowdown in cosmetics sales. The stock price fell from $4.86 to $3.81, a decline of over 21% [5]. Group 3: Investigation Details - The investigation by Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP is focused on potential securities fraud related to Coty's claims about strong demand for its Prestige fragrances, which contradicted the reality of overstocked inventory due to declining product demand [2][4].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q3 2025, the company reported net sales of $1.6 billion, a decrease of 1% compared to the prior year, and adjusted earnings per diluted share of 35 cents, both below expectations [19][24]. - The gross profit rate was 41.3%, down 220 basis points year-over-year, primarily due to a 260 basis point decrease in merchandise margin impacted by tariffs [20][21]. - Operating income for Q3 was $161 million, down 26% from the previous year [21]. Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - All core categories experienced low single-digit declines, indicating a need for focused investment in these areas [19]. - U.S. and Canadian store net sales were flat at $1.2 billion, while direct net sales decreased by 7% to $299 million [19][20]. - International net sales increased by 6% to $73 million, with system-wide retail sales growing 16% [20]. Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted that macro consumer sentiment is negatively affecting purchase intent, with sales down high single digits in early Q4 [23][24]. - Consumer confidence has declined due to concerns about job loss and affordability, impacting the start of the holiday season [23]. Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to invest in brand fundamentals to drive sustainable long-term growth, focusing on core categories and innovative product development [5][10]. - A holistic growth plan has been announced, emphasizing consumer insights and a return to best-in-class product leadership in body care, home fragrance, and soaps [10][11]. - The strategy includes reducing complexity in product offerings and enhancing the in-store experience to attract new consumers [11][12]. Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged that the current consumer environment is challenging and that the brand is underperforming relative to expectations [4][24]. - The company expects Q4 sales to decline high single digits and has lowered full-year sales guidance to a decline of low single digits [24][25]. - Management remains confident in the brand's future and the potential for growth through strategic investments and operational improvements [17][39]. Other Important Information - The company is targeting $250 million in cost savings over the next two years, with over half expected to be realized in 2026 [16][18]. - Capital expenditures for the year are projected at approximately $240 million, down from previous guidance [25]. Q&A Session Summary Question: What changed between when you first joined the company and now? - Management indicated that the brand is not fulfilling its potential and that a strategic reset is necessary to address underperformance in core categories [28][29]. Question: How should we think about margins in 2026? - The company plans to invest in brand and product while also pursuing cost savings, which may pressure margins until top-line growth is achieved [39]. Question: Can you elaborate on the Amazon partnership? - The company will start with a small assortment of evergreen products on Amazon, aiming to enhance brand perception and sales [44][65]. Question: How should we think about free cash flow for FY2026? - The company remains focused on generating strong free cash flow while increasing investments to support transformation efforts [45]. Question: What is the timing for exiting non-go-forward categories? - The company plans to begin SKU rationalization and exit certain categories in Q1 2026, focusing on consumer outcomes [54].

Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry Overview - The conference call discusses the performance of various sectors in the Chinese consumer market, particularly focusing on e-commerce platforms like Tmall, Taobao, and JD. The overall growth across most sectors is described as muted, with specific categories showing significant declines in year-over-year (YoY) growth rates [1][12]. Category Performance - **Supplements/Infant Milk Formula/Dairy**: - Supplements grew by 9% YoY, Infant Milk Formula (IMF) by 2%, and Dairy by 1% [1][12]. - **Declining Categories**: - Beer saw a decline of 19%, Beauty products declined by 9%, Small kitchen appliances by 7%, Sportswear by 6%, and Sports shoes by 4% YoY [1][12]. - **Flat Performance**: - Pet foods and Women's clothing remained flat YoY [1][12]. Brand Performance - **Domestic vs. MNC Brands in Cosmetics**: - Multinational Corporations (MNCs) outperformed local brands in October, attributed to easier bases and favorable platform support. Estee Lauder and Kose led with 33% and 32% YoY growth, respectively [2][29]. - Local brands like Mao Geping and Botanee grew by 33% and 11% YoY, while Proya and Giant saw declines of 24% and 25% YoY [2][28][29]. Sportswear Insights - Niche MNC brands continued to outperform larger brands, with product cycles playing a significant role in performance disparities. For instance, Adidas showed solid momentum, while Nike did not perform as well [3]. - Weather-sensitive brands like Bosideng and Uniqlo experienced growth due to colder weather in Northern China [3]. Sales Recognition Practices - The growth rates for October may be distorted due to sales recognition practices related to pre-sales and returns during the Double-11 shopping festival. A combined analysis of October and November data is recommended for a clearer picture [7]. Notable Brand Performers - **Outperforming Brands**: Lululemon, Adidas, Roborock, Pop Mart, and Maogeping [8]. - **Underperforming Brands**: QuadHA, Nutrilon, Fancl, Carlsberg, and Comfy [8]. Additional Insights - The report highlights the importance of omni-channel strategies being executed by brands, indicating that online sales may not fully reflect overall performance due to offline sales channels [3]. - The performance of various categories is further detailed in the exhibits, showing YoY trends and market share changes for key brands in the infant milk formula and supplements sectors [19][20][22][25]. Conclusion - The overall consumer market in China is experiencing stagnant growth with significant variances across categories and brands. MNCs are generally outperforming local brands, particularly in cosmetics, while certain sectors like sportswear are seeing a bifurcation in performance based on brand strategies and external factors like weather.

Core Insights - The 2025 Double Eleven shopping event shows a significant trend towards efficacy and ingredient-focused beauty consumption, with over 90% of consumers paying attention to skincare product ingredients and nearly 60% focusing on efficacy [1][3][4] - A majority of consumers (82%) prioritize the legitimacy of supply chains when purchasing beauty products, with 90.8% selecting JD.com as the most reliable platform for authentic beauty and skincare products [1][5][6] Consumer Behavior Trends - Over 90% of consumers are concerned about skincare ingredients, with 50.7% making secondary selections based on these ingredients [3][4] - 59% of consumers choose products based on their skin type, with key recognized ingredients including hyaluronic acid (66.8%), collagen (61.9%), and niacinamide (57.3%) [3][4] - The primary skincare concerns are hydration (61.3%) and anti-aging (59.0%), reflecting a shift from emotional to rational decision-making in beauty purchases [4][5] Platform Preferences - 93.6% of consumers prefer JD.com for purchasing high-end beauty products, citing superior authenticity guarantees, delivery, and after-sales service compared to other platforms like Taobao and Tmall [1][6] - Consumers view "official authorized channels" as the top assurance for purchasing genuine skincare products, followed by brand recognition and authoritative certification [4][5] Market Dynamics - The high-end beauty market is experiencing growth, with increasing consumer demands for product quality and service [5][6] - JD.com has become the leading online sales channel for numerous international luxury beauty brands, including Lancôme, SK-II, and Dior [6]

Core Insights - Nykaa has launched the 'Nykaa Snap Star Beauty Incubator Program' in partnership with Snapchat, aimed at nurturing beauty creators targeting Gen Z audiences [1][2] - The program will provide selected creators with resources from Snapchat and expertise from Nykaa, focusing on content creation in makeup, skincare, fragrance, and personal care [1][2] Group 1: Program Details - The initiative will select emerging creators from India, offering them access to Snap Schools and guidance from Snapchat's creator teams [2][3] - Participants will have opportunities for brand collaborations, invitations to Snapchat events, and potential graduation to official Snap Star status [2][3] - All participants will form the NykaaSnapStarSquad, co-owned intellectual property between Nykaa and Snapchat, creating content around Nykaa's product launches [2] Group 2: Market Insights - Gen Z is a significant driver in the beauty market, contributing 44% to India's $15-20 billion beauty and personal care market [3] - The 2025 Nykaa X Redseer Beauty Trends Report highlights Gen Z's role in content-led discovery and ingredient-first awareness in beauty [3] - The initiative builds on Nykaa's previous community efforts, including the launch of Nykaaland and a partnership with Yuvaa in 2024 [4]

Company Overview - Tuco Kids is a startup founded in 2023, headquartered in Bengaluru, focusing on kids' beauty products that cater to children aged 3 to 15 [9][10][12] - The company has secured a total of $6 million in funding, with $4 million raised in a recent Series A round, backed by investors such as RTP Global and Fireside Ventures [6][11] Market Opportunity - The global market for kids' beauty products is valued at $1,387 million and is projected to grow at an annual average of 6.9%, reaching $2,365.36 million by 2033 [2] - In India, kids aged 10 to 18 years hold a 15-20% share of the $5 billion beauty and personal care market, which is expected to exceed $28 billion by 2030 [2] Product Offering - Tuco Kids offers products in the affordable-premium range of INR 199 to INR 699, with over 35 SKUs including skincare, haircare, and beauty items like kajal and lip tints [20][22] - The brand emphasizes natural ingredients such as turmeric, saffron, and ritha, aiming to provide safe and effective products for children [18][19] Competitive Landscape - The market is currently dominated by established brands like Johnson & Johnson and Himalaya, but Tuco Kids aims to fill the gap for products specifically designed for older children [5][12] - Tuco Kids competes with other emerging brands like Whimsy and Mamaearth, focusing on sustainability and natural formulations [19][30] Growth Strategy - The company has experienced significant growth, reportedly increasing tenfold since November and maintaining a double-digit month-on-month growth rate [21][22] - Tuco Kids plans to expand its offline presence in Tier I cities and aims to achieve an annual recurring revenue (ARR) of INR 100 crore within the next 18 months [32] Marketing Approach - Influencer marketing plays a crucial role in Tuco Kids' strategy, targeting the growing influence of young consumers and their purchasing decisions [30][31] - The brand engages in digital storytelling and partnerships with parenting creators to enhance brand awareness and trust [31]

Core Insights - Vasiliki Petrou, a seasoned beauty executive, has launched Veralis Group Ltd to support founders in the beauty, wellness, longevity, and consumer health sectors [1] - Petrou previously built Unilever Prestige into a 1.4 billion-euro division through an M&A strategy over a decade [1][2] Company Overview - Veralis Group Ltd aims to create ecosystems that benefit all stakeholders involved, emphasizing collaboration with inspiring partners [1] - Petrou's leadership style is characterized by a founder-first approach, avoiding one-size-fits-all solutions [2] Acquisition Strategy - Petrou led significant acquisitions at Unilever, starting with Dermalogica in 2015 for approximately $1 billion, and expanded the division to include 11 brands by her departure in June 2024 [2] - The last acquisition under her leadership was K18 Biomimetic Hair Science, showcasing her focus on innovative brands [2] Professional Background - Prior to her role at Unilever, Petrou held various positions at Procter & Gamble for nearly 19 years, including global managing director and marketing director [3] - She also served as vice president of personal care at Unilever, demonstrating her extensive experience in the beauty and personal care industry [3] Personal Insights - Petrou is known for her distinctive style, often opting for vibrant colors and bold patterns, reflecting her unique approach to business [4] - Her educational background includes a master's degree in American literature and an MBA from Columbia University, indicating a strong foundation in both the arts and business [4]

Core Insights - The Southeast Asian beauty market is emerging as a "blue ocean" for Chinese brands, driven by a population of 670 million and over 40% e-commerce penetration, as domestic markets face saturation [1][24] - The market is expected to grow from $22 billion in 2024 to between $31 billion and $36 billion by 2030, with Indonesia, Vietnam, and Thailand contributing nearly 70% of the market share [1][2] Market Size and Growth - The Southeast Asian beauty industry is in a rapid expansion phase, with Indonesia holding the largest market share at 35.7%, followed by Vietnam and Thailand [1][2] - Indonesia is recognized as the largest halal beauty center globally, while Vietnam is becoming a hub for live commerce, and Thailand dominates the efficacy skincare segment [1][2] Online and Offline Channels - The online beauty market in Southeast Asia reached approximately 141.79 billion yuan in the past 11 months, with Shopee capturing 63.9% of the market share [2][3] - TikTok is emerging as a unique platform where content drives sales, with brands achieving significant conversion rates through creative marketing strategies [2][3] Localization Strategies - Successful market entry requires a deep understanding of local cultures, preferences, and needs, moving beyond a one-size-fits-all approach [4][5] - Brands like Fan Beauty Diary and Veenona have successfully established themselves in local markets by leveraging trusted retail channels and adapting products to meet local demands [3][4] Future Outlook - The integration of online and offline strategies is essential for sustained growth, with brands encouraged to test markets through platforms like TikTok and Shopee before scaling [4][5] - Long-term success will depend on creating culturally resonant content and building emotional connections with consumers, rather than relying solely on traffic acquisition [4][5]

Core Insights - The Beauty Tech Group (TBTG) has successfully completed its Initial Public Offering (IPO) on the London Stock Exchange, marking a significant milestone for the company [1] - TBTG operates in the rapidly growing global at-home beauty devices market, with revenues increasing from less than £1 million in 2018 to £101 million for the year ended 31 December 2024 [2] - The IPO values TBTG at approximately £300 million, representing an uplift from the company's previous valuation [3] Company Performance - As of 30 June 2025, the company's holding in TBTG was valued at £6.7 million, accounting for 4.7% of its net asset value [4] - Following the IPO, the company realized £2.4 million of its investment, with the holding now valued at approximately £5.6 million, equivalent to 3.9% of net asset value [4] - The IPO price reflects an uplift of approximately 0.5 pence per share compared to the last published net asset value as of 30 June 2025 [4] Future Outlook - The proceeds from the IPO will provide TBTG with additional capital to accelerate its growth strategy [5] - The Board expresses optimism regarding TBTG's continued success as a listed company [5] - The impact of the IPO on the company's unaudited net asset value per share will be included in the next NAV announcement [5]