Johnson & Johnson Buys Shanghai-based Baby Supplies Vendor Elsker

Johnson & Johnson acquired Shanghai, China-based Elsker, a competitor in the baby supplies market. Established in 2006, Eslker grew from a 5 million yuan company to earn 300 million yuan in 2011. Elsker’s sales grew 70 percent year over year to about 500 million yuan in 2012. Johnson & Johnson’s purchase of Elsker was aimed at protecting its market share, according to some analysts.

"Johnson & Johnson acquires Elsker for 650 mln yuan", Morning Whistle, January 16, 2013

Procter & Gamble, Kimberly-Clark Expand Diaper Business In Asia

Procter & Gamble and Kimberly-Clark are expanding their operations in Asia's diaper market. P&G opened a manufacturing plant in China, which is part of the company's $1 billion investment plan for the country. Kimberly-Clark, after leaving the European diaper market behind, decided to expand its diaper manufacturing operations in Nanjing, China. Compared with Europe, where fertility rates are below 1.5 percent, India has more than 100 million children in the age range of 0–4 years, while China has just slightly fewer than 100 million. Low market penetration of baby care products is a significant hurdle for P&G and Kimberly-Clark; however, improving economic conditions in the region means will likely raise demand in the future.

"P&G And Kimberly-Clark Soaking Up Growth In Asia", Trefis, December 06, 2012

Male Consumers, Economic Rebound Help Drive Growth In China's Luxury Goods Market

Male consumers account for about 55 percent of the luxury goods market in China, according to brokerage firm CLSA. The trend helps drive a recovery in sales of luxury goods vendors, such as Burberry Group PLC and LVMH. Also, the market benefits from the gift-giving culture in China; however, luxury goods companies face potential sales swings because men are less likely to buy during economic slowdowns. Also, China’s economy rebounded to 7.9 percent growth in the fourth quarter following seven quarters of decline, helping push growth in the luxury goods market.

"China's metrosexual men revive luxury shopping", Reuters, January 21, 2013

Reckitt Benckiser Bullish About India, Emerging Markets, CEO Says

Reckitt Benckiser plans to expand its business presence in India, where the company has been operating for more than 80 years, according to company chief executive officer Rakesh Kapoor. The CEO said India, as well as the other emerging markets, offers opportunities for growth and expansion. Despite the economic slowdown in India, consumer demand is forecast to keep growing, Kapoor said. Although both China and India are important markets for his company, Kapoor said that Reckitt Benckiser’s presence in India is more significant than in China where the company has been operating for only about 20 years.

"Consumer mood in India is very strong: Reckitt Benckiser CEO", Times of India, December 06, 2012

Male Grooming Market Resumes Growth, Report Says

Growth has resumed in the global male grooming products market, with Asian regions showing the fastest expansion, according market research firm Kline & Company. Data from the company's report Male Grooming Products: Global Market Brief revealed the market grew 32 percent in India. Also, an increasing awareness among men of how they look and the benefits of looking good is helping drive the market growth. Social acceptance of male grooming, including the use of cosmetics, is fueling the market expansion in Japan and South Korea. In Europe, although market growth is slower, men's grooming products are "more sophisticated."

"Changing Patterns, BRIC Countries Leading Growth in Global Male Grooming", GCI Magazine, January 30, 2013

L’Oréal China Opens Human Resources Development Center In Shanghai

L’Oréal China opened an employee training and development center in Shanghai to help sustain its business growth in the country. The center is equipped with 20 classrooms that can host up to 600 students at the same time and combines training with education, and will focus on developing skills in cosmetics-related jobs. Designed to serve the company’s business divisions in China, the center is part of L’Oréal’s efforts to develop high-quality human resources.

"L'Oreal opens local training facility", China Daily, December 20, 2012