Kao Corporation – parent company of Molton Brown and Sensai – showcased both brands under the Kao Beauty Brands umbrella at the TFWA World Exhibition (1-5 October) in Cannes.
The combination of brands underscores the corporation’s ambition to grow its footprint in travel retail as it invests in categories where it has the potential to become a market leader or create added value for consumers.
As reported in the Moodie Davitt Video View, Kao Cosmetics President Americas Middle East and Africa (AMEA) Mark Johnson remarked: “We’re thrilled to say that earlier this year, cosmetics as a whole was identified as a real growth driver for Kao. And particularly within prestige, we realised that two particular brands, Molton Brown and Sensai, are the brands that really have the opportunity and potential to grow in this channel.”
Kao Corporation hosted a rooftop cocktail event at the Five Seas Hotel Cannes to celebrate its continued investment in the travel retail channel.
Kao Beauty Brands aims to build on new and existing partnerships, opportunities and a global consumer base in the market. It is focusing on creating an omnichannel presence to enhance the fragrance and skincare offer across travel retail.
Johnson said: “As a company, we recognise that if we want to drive the global footprint of Kao outside of our traditional Japanese market, then we need to leverage the brands and sectors which have the best potential to create excitement and experiences for our customers.
The debut of Kao Beauty Brands is a significant step in driving the company’s global expansion strategy
“Cosmetics as a whole is a real driver of growth and in Molton Brown and Kao we see great potential to build the prestige segment and make something truly special for shoppers in this channel.”
At the Kao Beauty brands exhibition showcase, Molton Brown showcased bestsellers including the Wild Mint & Lavandin collection, which highlights a ‘spirit of adventure’ designed to appeal to the travelling shopper. The space also featured Sensai Ultimate Series, which was relaunched to celebrate the line’s tenth anniversary earlier this year.
Molton Brown Head of Business Development, Global Travel Retail Sophie Sponagle remarked: “Returning to the TFWA World Exhibition in Cannes is always a fantastic experience and it was great to see all of our friends and partners once more and showcase all the exciting innovations we have – not just from Molton Brown but from our sister brand Sensai too.
“The fragrance category is a vital driver of both growth and omnichannel engagement across the business, and Molton Brown is perfectly placed to help our partners make the most of that opportunity.
“When you compare that with the shared potential of our partnership with Sensai, then the prospects are very exciting.” ✈
