"We've turned challenges into opportunities, helping companies to transform themselves and tame the major digital, ecological, technological and geopolitical transitions of the future. We have helped to define, create and expand a competitive, bold and sustainable industry".said Marc-Antoine Jamet, President of Cosmetic Valley, as he celebrated the cluster's 30th anniversary. Some 400 industry professionals, decision-makers, researchers, local councillors, government representatives and international partners gathered at the Château de Chambord on June 20, 2024, to celebrate the cluster's 30th anniversary.
Created in 1994, with the aim of structuring a sector, federating players in the cosmetics industry for export, and promoting innovation, Cosmetic Valley brings together the full range of expertise, from plant cultivation to finished products, as well as the schools, research centers and universities involved in the field. This ecosystem is made up of more than 80 % small and medium-sized businesses working alongside the industry's ETIs and groups to boost employment in France.
Employment is one of the cluster's priorities, and a driving force behind regional economic development. Among its recent initiatives, in partnership with ten leading companies in the sector, it has deployed a digital communication campaign aimed at attracting talent, highlighting the excellence of the sector as well as its ambitious commitments in terms of ecological and digital transition, affirming its decisive role in the economy and innovation.
Cosmetic Valley also represents the interests of the cosmetics industry to institutions. The cluster acts as an influential spokesperson for the cosmetics industry, representing the sector's interests to regional, national and European bodies. This position aims to ensure that policies take into account the specificities and needs of the cosmetics industry. Since 2022, the establishment of an office in Brussels has enabled the cluster to strengthen its relations with the European authorities, represent the French perfumery and cosmetics sector in Europe, and effectively support French players in European funding programs and support for economic development, innovation and industry.
Cosmetic Valley supports French companies in their export activities through market intelligence and collective operations at international trade shows, in partnership with the French state agency Business France. In addition, it has created the Global Cosmetics Cluster association, which aims to increase international collaboration, both for business and for research and innovation projects, by creating networking and partnership opportunities.
In October, the competitiveness cluster will organize the 10th edition of the Cosmetic 360 international trade show.
"We were regional, we became hexagonal, we were French. We became international. We administered the moment. We dared to innovate. We weren't considered enough. We've become the second-largest contributor to our country's balance of trade.said Marc-Antoine Jamet.
