Japanese cosmetics major Utena to enter Indian market

Japanese cosmetics major, Utena Co Ltd has decided to enter India and will soon launch its slew of products through premium retail chains in select cities.
       
"With an eye on the fast growing cosmetics industry in India, we plan to launch our cosmetics products here from June 2011 at premium retail chains and outlets in Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore." Utena's Overseas Business Division Head, Yuji Nagata, told reporters here.
       
It will launch New U, Health & Glow and Le Marche in the Indian market. The company is also launching its range of natural scrubs.
       
The company plans to enter 10 cities with a range of products over the next six months, Nagata said.
       
Utena is a long established cosmetics maker founded in 1923 and some of its popular products that include vanishing cream, milk cream and moisture series were brought out in 1928, 1951 and 1983 respectively and enjoy market leadership.
       
Skin care items make up about 70% of the company's range and hair care items such as pack and shampoo account for remaining 30%.
       
The company already exports its products to Southeast Asia, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Russia and South Korea, Nagata said.