It is reported that P&G and Cainiao have been cooperating for many years, and B2B and BC integration have become the new focus in the new cooperation. Recently, Cainiao and P&G signed a new strategic cooperation agreement. At present, the first front warehouse with BC integration (Integrated operation of retail stores and users) jointly built by both sides has been officially opened in Jiaxing, Zhejiang. According to the agreement, Cainiao will play an omni-channel and omni-link supply chain fulfillment service capability to provide domestic end-to-end supply chain fulfillment service for P&G. P&G will further promote omnichannel business cooperation with Cainiao and explore cooperation in logistics technology and green logistics to build a digital intelligence green supply chain. It is worth noting that P&G and Cainiao have been cooperating for many years, but the previous cooperation between the two sides focused more on the B2C business area, while B2B and BC integration became the new focus in the new cooperation. CHAILEEDO learned that the front warehouse is a warehouse distribution model, in which each store is a small and medium-sized warehousing and distribution center, which can cover the last mile and let consumers receive the ordered products in a shorter time. Take the first front warehouse of Cainiao and P&G as an example, the warehouse is linked to P&G factories and distribution centers upstream, and serves customers and consumers downstream. P&G uses dynamic fulfillment algorithms to precisely locate demand, and Cainiao combines the warehouse with dry distribution capabilities to flexibly adopt direct delivery of trunk vehicles, cargo consolidation, BC with the warehouse, and direct delivery of express, which not only realizes resource reuse and reduces operating costs, but also helps brands integrate online and offline, shortens the supply chain road, and improves consumer experience. Yin Chao, vice president of supply chain operations of P&G Greater China, said that supply chain is one of the core competitiveness of P&G. P&G and Cainiao have a long-term good cooperation foundation, and the opening of Jiaxing front warehouse is a milestone in the cooperation between the two sides and an important industry innovation.

The two companies decided to collaborate on the research of cosmetic ingredients derived from new strains of skin microorganisms and the development of new environmentally friendly dosage forms. Today (July 10), COSMAX announced that it cooperates with L'Oréal Group in the field of "green science (science of biology, ecosystem, and environment)" and microbiome technologies. On June 29, COSMAX Korea and L'Oréal Group signed an MOU on "Innovative beauty product development solutions based on green science and skin micro-ecology technology" at COSMAX Banqiao office building. They decided to collaborate on the research of cosmetic ingredients derived from new skin microbial strains and the development of new eco-friendly and develop new environmentally friendly dosage forms. The signing ceremony was attended by COSMAX Group Chairman Kyung-Soo Lee and L'Oréal Group Deputy CEO of Global R&D, Innovation and Technology Barbara Lavernos. Barbara Lavernos said, "We hope to strengthen our cooperation with COSMAX in the field of green science and microbiome technologies through this MOU, to take advantage of synergies and innovate beauty solutions together." President Kyung-Soo Lee said, "Since 2004, COSMAX Cosmetec and L'Oréal Group have been cooperating strategically in many fields", "This MOU is an important step for the future development of the industry for both parties".

Abstract: It is reported that Runben's baby care products 2022 revenue was 390 million yuan ($54 million), officially being the first major business segment of Runben Biotechnology. Runben Biotechnology Co., Ltd (hereinafter referred to as "Runben Biotechnology") updated its prospectus. This also means that the "first stock of baby care" is a step further. According to the prospectus, Runben Biotechnology was established in 2013, mainly engaged in the research and development, production and sales of mosquito repellent and personal care products, and has formed three core product series: mosquito repellent products, baby care products and essential oil products. Since its establishment, Runben Biotechnology has adhered to the integrated strategy of research, production and sales of "big brands and small categories". With "Runben" as the main brand, and enhanced the brand reputation and brand reputation of Runben brand in the main field by enriching the product matrix. From the perspective of profitability, according to the prospectus published by Runben Biotechnology, from 2020 to 2022, it achieved revenues of RMB443 million ($61.2 million), RMB582 million ($80 million) and RMB856 million ($118 million) respectively, with an average annual compound growth rate of 39.04%. The net profits was RMB95 million ($13 million), RMB121 million ($16.7 million) and RMB160 million ($22 million) respectively, with an average annual compound growth rate of 29.99%. It is expected that the revenue from January to June 2023 can reach RMB610-630 million ($84.3 million-$87 million), with a year-on-year growth rate of 38.96% to 43.51%. It is reported that the sales of Runben Biotechnology mainly focus on Internet channels, deploying online channels for many years, with Tmall, JD, Douying (Chinese verson of TikTok), Vipshop and accumulated an online consumer base. According to the prospectus, from 2019-2022, the amount of sales revenue from Tmall platform direct store grew from 148 million yuan ($20.4 million) to 300 million yuan ($41.5 million). The annual number of purchasing users of direct stores on Tmall and JD platforms increases from 5,379,500 in 2019 to 10,412,200 in 2022, and the amount of sales in the Jitterbug channel reaches 158 million yuan ($21.8 million) in 2022. By product, the main business revenue of Runben Biotechnology mainly comes from mosquito repellent series products, baby care series products, essential oil series products and other products. The revenue of mosquito repellent products was 270 million yuan ($37.3 million) in 2022, accounting for 31.82%. In Runben's Tmall flagship store, the highest-selling product is Runben's children's mosquito repellent, priced from 19.9 yuan ($3), with monthly sales of 400,000+ units. According to the prospectus, the sales of baby care products increased from 144 million yuan ($20 million) in 2020 to 390 million yuan ($54 million) in 2022, accounting for 32.47% to 45.59%. The business revenue, sales of baby care products accounted for the first time more than the mosquito repellent products, officially became the first major business segment under the Runben Biotechnology. According to Zhuoshi Consulting data, the market share of Runben's baby care products in the entire online channel will be about 4.2% in 2022. The market share or ranking of the Company in the aforementioned e-commerce platforms (ranking indicators are mainly based on the public ranking data of specific e-commerce platforms) includes the top three in the category of "baby products" in the "618" campaign of Tmall in 2022 and the top three in the category of "baby products" in the "618" campaign of Douyin in 2022. The top three rankings for "baby products" in the 2022 Tmall "618" campaign.

Estee Lauder has announced the results of its brand's research on skin hydration, skin barrier improvement, anti-aging and anti-sugar. On July 5, 2023, the 25th World Congress of Dermatology (WCD) was held in Singapore, where Estée Lauder announced its latest research in the field of skin health. In a survey of 160 women between the ages of 35-65 with dry skin, mild to moderate crow's feet and infrequent skin care, Estée Lauder found that regular use of a strong moisturizer not only relieved dry skin, but also improved the firmness of the dry skin stratum corneum (the outermost layer of the epidermis), thereby reducing the appearance of facial aging. In a study of experimenters of all skin tones, La Mer scientists found that topical creams containing ferments of giant cysticercus and other ingredients (multi-ingredient creams) improved the skin barrier and restored skin elasticity, and significantly reduced skin redness (erythema) and irritation for an anti-aging effect. In addition, Estée Lauder researchers shared the latest findings on sirtuins (SIRT, also known as longevity protein). The results show that SIRT activity in skin cells is linked to environmental stressors, including UV and ozone, and that four activators - SIRT 1, 2, 3 and 6 - play different roles in maintaining youthful skin performance. In a clinical trial led by Clinique that evaluated 42 women with moderate facial photodamage, a targeted triple-action topical beauty serum was found to have the same anti-aging efficacy as a single laser treatment. In addition to announcing anti-aging research results, Estée Lauder also announced a study on the anti-glycation properties of six compounds, which indicated that GlcNAc, DE, vitamin C and E were the most effective in fighting sugar, and that the anti-glycation ability of compounds used in skin care formulations may be associated with a reduction in skin pathology. "For over 75 years, innovation in skin science has been our north star. With rapidly emerging knowledge and advancements from the dermatologic and scientific communities, the science of skin care has never been more important," said Lisa Napolione, Senior Vice President, Global Research & Development (R&D). "As we live longer, research on health span and longevity will only accelerate. To meet these innovation challenges, we are thinking differently, and in a manner enabled by novel science across all our global laboratories and clinics."

It is reported that in March this year, Sephora returned to the UK after 18 years to open its first brick-and-mortar store. LVMH-owned beauty retailer Sephora will open a second offline store in Westfield Stratford City, London, UK this November, according to WWD. The store is said to be approximately 6,000 square feet in size and divided into areas including select brands, product news, exclusives, trends, recommendations and a curated merchandise area. The store also features perfume bottle engraving, professional makeup, skin diagnostics and treatment services in the center of the store, with more than 135 brands sold. Sephora debuted its first physical retail brands in the UK through this offline store, including Tarte (which has its own section at the front of the store) Glow Recipe, Supergoop, Danessa Myricks and Kosas. CHAILEEDO found that Sephora had exited the UK market in 2005. In 2021, however, Sephora acquired FeelUnique, a British beauty retail e-commerce platform, for $147 million, and in 2022, Sephora officially announced details of its plans to return to the U.K. market. In March, Sephora officially returned to the UK market by opening its first UK brick-and-mortar store in Westfield Mall in the City of London's West End. According to LVMH's latest financial results, Sephora had a strong quarter and continued to gain market share. Momentum was particularly strong in North America, Europe and the Middle East. The brand continued to expand its distribution network, particularly in the United Kingdom, where its first store in London is already available online and is off to a good start.

It is reported that Too Faced will lay off 22 employees and Smashbox will lay off 37 employees. Recently, Estee Lauder's two makeup brands, Too Faced Cosmetics and Smashbox Beauty Cosmetics, submitted applications to Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) to implement layoffs on August 15. WARN reportedly requires employers to provide 60 days advance notice to affected employees and state and local representatives prior to plant closures or mass layoffs, thereby protecting employees, their families and communities. Too Faced will lay off 22 employees at its Irvine, California, office and Smashbox will lay off 37 employees at its Culver City, California, according to documents on the WARN website. Too Faced Cosmetics and Smashbox Beauty Cosmetics were reportedly acquired by Estee Lauder in 2016 and 2010, respectively. (Credit: WARN official website document) In Estée Lauder's latest quarterly financial results in May, the company revealed that Too Faced's "lower-than-expected results in key geographic regions and channels coupled with delays in future international expansion to areas that continue to be impacted by COVID-19." However, the growth in Too Faced's net sales partially offset the decline in net sales in the makeup segment. As of March 31, Too Faced had an impairment charge of $86 million and Smashbox had an impairment charge of $21 million. In its financial results in 2020, Estée Lauder implemented its Post-COVID Business Acceleration Program, which was created to realign its business in response to shifts in the distribution landscape and consumer behavior in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The program was reportedly launched in the first quarter of fiscal 2021, with specific initiatives approved in late fiscal 2022 and completed in fiscal 2023. Estée Lauder estimates a net reduction of approximately 1,500 to 2,000 positions, primarily in point-of-sale employees and related support staff in the most disrupted regions, which represent approximately 3 percent of its current workforce. As of March 31, 2023, the company expects the Post-COVID Business Acceleration Program to result in related restructuring and other charges totaling between $450 million and $480 million (pre-tax), according to the latest financial results.

As of February, U.S. court records show that at least 57 lawsuits have been filed in federal courts around the country over these hair-straightening products. Today (July 7), L'Oréal and other companies asked a U.S. judge to dismiss a lawsuit that alleges beauty companies such as L'Oréal manufacture and sell hair straighteners (also known as hair relaxers) that can cause cancer, Reuters reported. As previously reported, in October 2022, an African American woman who has been a longtime user of L'Oréal hair straighteners recently filed a civil lawsuit against L'Oréal, claiming that its products cause cancer and seeking damages. Her attorney cited a study by the National Institutes of Health that said hair straightening hair straightener products, which are used primarily by African-American women, put users at an increased risk of developing uterine cancer. As of February, U.S. court records show that at least 57 lawsuits have been filed in federal courts around the country over these hair-straightening products. The lawsuits accuse L'Oréal's U.S. subsidiary, Indian company Godrej SON Holdings Inc and a subsidiary of Dabur International Ltd. of marketing and selling their products knowing that they contain dangerous chemicals. In May, in a consolidated complaint, the suitors said that L'Oreal and other companies' "hair relaxers have had significant negative health effects. The suit alleges that the companies "exposed consumers to toxic products without warning them. In a joint filing on July 6, L'Oréal's defense lawyers slammed the plaintiffs' claims as "vague" and said the allegations were "unfounded conclusions. According to the filing, hair straighteners, also known as hair relaxers, are products that modify the combability of curly hair and make it easy to style, straightening the hair and then styling it to suit the desired hairstyle. Hair straightening agents include esters, bases and hydrogen peroxide, which are restricted substances in the composition of cosmetics. Therefore, there are some restrictions on their use and frequent use is not recommended.

L'Occitane said the launch of the virtual store aims to improve brand engagement, customer loyalty and e-commerce performance. Today (July 7), French beauty brand L'Occitane launched a virtual store designed to bring its heritage and products into a new environmental experience. The platform, reportedly created by virtual store developer Emperia, features a space inspired by Provence, France, where users can explore all areas via virtual bike or hot air balloon. L'Occitane said the virtual store offers consumers an online retail environment that communicates the brand's story outside of the real world to increase brand engagement, customer loyalty and e-commerce performance. Olga Dogadkina, co-founder and CEO of Emperia, said, "The virtual stores created by L'Occitane in partnership with Emperia add a new level of personalization and interactivity to the online shopping experience, allowing shoppers to immerse themselves in the world of the L'Occitane brand." It is worth noting that metaverse is not a new concept, but several beauty brands have invested in metaverse in the first half of this year, such as Elizabeth Arden launching its first metaverse store and Cosmax pushing its metaverse platform.

Symrise indicated that the European Commission did not have sufficient evidence to provide reasonable grounds to suspect that the applicant was involved in any violation of competition law and that it constituted a disproportionate interference. Symrise, a German company that produces flavors and fragrances, has recently contested the early-morning inspection carried out by the European Union's antitrust regulatory body four months ago. The company has requested the second highest court in Europe to nullify the data gathered during the inspection. “We consider the search to be unlawful under several legal aspects,” Symrise said in a statement on Thursday. “The EU Commission has not sufficiently explained what information it allegedly has that makes it appear possible that Symrise could also be involved in transactions that violate antitrust law. The object and purpose of the search is also not described in sufficient detail. It is merely a reproduction of general statement.” The company said the Commission searched various documents between June 21 and 23 in the presence of Symrise's attorneys, but they retained only a "small number" of them. All other electronic documents viewed were deleted again in the presence of our attorneys." "We are now convinced that Symrise cannot be the target of an ongoing investigation." According to a document in the Official Journal of the European Union, Symrise has asked the General Court of Luxembourg, Europe's second highest court, to set aside the European Commission's decision to order the raid. In that document, Symrise said that "the Commission did not have sufficient indicia providing reasonable grounds for suspecting the applicant’s involvement in any competition law infringement, and constitutes a disproportionate interference with its fundamental rights of inviolability of private premises and privacy as it contains no limitation in time." "More specifically, the wording of the Decision was such that it did not place the applicant in a position to understand the scope of the inspection, and thus exercise its rights of defence." The world's four largest fragrance suppliers - Symrise, Firmenich, Givaudan and IFF - are all reportedly involved in the antitrust investigation. In March, two companies confirmed that they were under investigation by the European Commission.

Coty significantly increased its fourth quarter sales increase to 15% from an expected 12%. Today (July 6), Coty held its first investor event in Paris. At the event, it announced an increase in its fourth quarter and full-year fiscal year 2023 earnings estimates. According to Coty, the Group significantly increases its fourth quarter sales increase from the expected 12% to 15% on a like-for-like (LFL) basis, up from the previous +10% growth estimate. Based on this, Coty is raising its FY23 guidance for the third time this year and now expects FY23 adjusted EBITDA of $965 million to $970 million, compared to the previous estimate of $955 million to $965 million, despite a negative impact of $70 million due to foreign exchange. The announcement comes on the heels of Coty's dual listing on Euronext Paris, which also trades on the New York Stock Exchange. Sue Nabi, Chief Executive Officer of Coty, said: "Throughout its history, the U.S. and Europe have been Coty’s centers of gravity and our exploration of a dual listing in Paris is a natural next step. Since Coty invented modern perfumery over 120-years ago in Paris, this heritage and consistent innovations have cemented our position as a Global Beauty Powerhouse." Sue Nabi added that Coty will tap into the huge potential of high-end skincare, high-end fragrances in China, Brazil and travel retail, among other areas. Two months ago, Coty showcased its ambitions for ultra-premium skincare and scenting at a highly exclusive event in Grasse, announcing the launch of Orveda Omnipotence Sérum and Infiniment Coty Paris fragrance lines.

It is reported that the funds raised by Zhejiang Chumsun Biological Products Co., Ltd. will be mainly used to accelerate the development and production of synthetic human-derived fully functional collagen. Zhejiang Chumsun Biological Products Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as: Chumsun) announced that its synthetic biology collagen subsidiary, which was established in June, has completed an angel round of financing of over RMB 10 million ($1.38 million). This round of financing was invested by three institutions, including Beijing Meizan Investment, and the funds raised will be mainly used to accelerate the development and production of synthetic human-derived fully functional collagen. According to public information, Chumsun specializes in the research of fully functional active collagen and the production of fully functional active collagen raw materials, medical devices, medical and health care, 3D reagents and other collagen industry line products. According to the official website of Chumsun, the company has developed l-type active collagen raw materials (solution / lyophilized powder / sponge), l-type active collagen lyophilized powder, Chumsun pure collagen matrix film, etc. in the field of raw materials. It is understood that the subsidiary of synthetic collagen project established by Chumsun Bioinvestment Holdings, which is based on synthetic biology technology, focuses on the research and production of synthetic human-derived fully functional collagen, and continuously expands the application of synthetic collagen in the fields of tissue regeneration, trauma repair, trauma care, medical beauty, creation of live beauty, cell culture matrix, pure collagen matrix, etc. According to Carlson Chen, the investor of Carlson International, Hong Kong, who is responsible for this round of financing, the synthetic collagen (SynthCol™) pioneered by Chumsun is an iterative version of recombinant collagen, the main difference with recombinant collagen is its more precise biological design, more convenient patterned assembly, and large-scale production of fully functional human-derived collagen by engineering method, and its products are characterized by high simulation, high activity, and high compatibility, The product is characterized by high simulation, high activity, and high compatibility.

It is reported that the company is currently implementing expansion plans and hopes to reach a turnover of 30 million euros ($32.6 million) within five years. Abril et Nature, a Spanish hair care brand, recently announced that it is expanding its international presence to further promote its brand. Already very successful in the Spanish and European markets, the brand is now looking to expand its reach to the global market. It is worth noting that the company plans to launch its business in China this fiscal year through e-commerce, which it was known to have planned prior to the COVID-19. Antonio Vázquez, CEO and founder of Abril et Nature, said that Abril et Nature, which specializes in the manufacture and marketing of cosmetics and hair care products, is currently implementing an expansion strategy and hopes to reach a turnover of 30 million euros ($32.6 million) within five years. The company is said to have a turnover of 6 million euros ($6.5 million) in 2022 and expects to reach a turnover of 10 million euros ($10.9 million) by 2023. Abril et Nature was founded in 1998 by Vázquez and his partner Pedro Abril. Previously, the company only sold in the Spanish market and had double-digit turnover growth every year. In addition to distributing its products to third parties, the company also offers consulting services to the companies it works with. Before the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, the country was its main international market, but the conflict caused its exports to that country to fall by 20%. In Russia, business came to a standstill. To continue distributing its products in the region, the company increased its network of distributors in Bulgaria and Moldova. The company produces all its products in its production plant in Granollers (Barcelona), which has an area of more than 4,000 square meters. The company is responsible for developing professional products that are distributed through 11,000 hairdressers in more than forty countries worldwide. In addition, for the last three years, the company has been distributing specific lines of its products in all the perfumeries associated with Persé (Druni, Júlia, Prieto, Marvimundo, Arenal and Primor, among others).