Natural Ingredients for Health and Cosmetics Products in South Africa
Who
Centre for the Promotion of Imports from Developing Countries (CBI), the Cosmetics Sector Desk of the South African government’s Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Cosmetic Export Council of South Africa (CECOSA), Western Cape Fine Food Initiative (WCFFI) – FOOD South Africa & ProFound.
Service
Market Readiness & Compliance, Market Entry
What
This project aims to help South African businesses in the natural ingredients sector overcome challenges in accessing European markets, meeting regulatory standards, and adding value to their products. By providing training, market insights, and support in sustainable harvesting, the programme seeks to boost profitability, create jobs in rural areas, and enhance export potential, ultimately driving sustainable economic growth.
Where
South Africa & East Africa
When
2014 – 2018
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
ProFound, in collaboration with CBI (Centre for the Promotion of Imports from Developing Countries), worked with South African businesses to help them tap into the growing European demand for natural ingredients. The programme focused on two key sectors: health products and cosmetics, providing the necessary training, coaching, and market insights to enable companies to prepare for and enter European markets.
The programme aimed to add value to South Africa’s natural ingredients by improving processing, packaging, and marketing strategies, ensuring that these products would stand out in competitive European markets.
Did you Know?
The baobab tree is not only incredibly resilient, but its fruit is harvested sustainably without damaging the tree, making it an eco-friendly ingredient used in a variety of cosmetics, from moisturisers and shampoos to soaps and lip balms, thanks to its nourishing, healing, and rejuvenating properties.
How did this Project Achieved its Goals?
The programme was rolled out in phases, beginning in 2014 with the selection of participants. In 2015, South African companies attended a market orientation mission to Europe, giving them valuable insights into European buyer preferences and helping them tailor their products accordingly.
In the final phase, we supported participants in preparing for market entry. Companies exhibited at In-Cosmetics in Paris, one of the world’s leading trade fairs for the cosmetics industry, and Vitafoods Europe in Switzerland, a major event for the nutraceutical sector. These trade fairs served as platforms for the companies to showcase their products to potential European buyers.
Market Entry Success
South African companies successfully participated in key European trade fairs, gaining exposure to high-value European buyers in the cosmetics and health products industries.
Increased Export Value
Companies learned how to add value to their products through better processing, packaging, and marketing, helping them achieve higher export revenues and contribute to South Africa’s economic growth.
Job Creation
By focusing on sustainable harvesting and processing, the programme helped generate jobs in rural areas, boosting local economies.