After branded apparels, it is the skincare market in India which is attracting the international players. The latest to enter India is the German skincare company Sebamed. USV Limited, the Rs 670 crore, Mumbai-based pharmaceutical major will be launching the brand in India through a marketing alliance.
Leena Gandhi Tewari, chairperson, USV Limited, said, “This is the first time USV will be entering the cosmetological segment and we will be launching six ranges for the Indian market, constituting about 19 products in all. These products are specially chosen keeping in mind the requirements of the Indian skin.”
Further, “As the Indian consumer of skincare products is maturing and getting exposed to international trends, we feel they will look for beauty and skincare products that also help maintain the skin’s physiological requirements and are environment-friendly.” The skincare product market in India is around Rs 2,100 crore and growing at about 16 per cent.
Sebamed, which is sold in over 85 countries around the world, is targeted at the premium segment and the average price range for the products is Rs 500. Sebamed is believed to be a pioneer in medical skincare products, and is a market leader for scientific skincare and body cleansing products in Germany and many other countries.
Initially, the products will be launched in Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Chennai, Bangalore and Pune, with plans to extend the presence after a period of about six months. Sebamed products will be sold through chemists and select department stores.
Speaking about the scope of partnership, Prashant Tewari, managing director, USV Limited, said, “It will be a marketing alliance wherein both the concerned parties will work to promote the product in the country.” Tewari ruled out the option of production being shifted to India as of now, but did not entirely deny future possibilities.
– Zainab Morbiwala, Mumbai Bureau
