Clarins launches India fund as €2B beauty brand looks past China
What's the deal? French beauty brand Clarins has set up a dedicated fund to accelerate its investments in India, chief executive officer and president Jonathan Zrihen said. The company wants to make India one of its biggest markets globally within the next five to 10 years.
Why now? A third of Clarins' €2 billion revenue comes from Asia, especially China — but growth there has plateaued for two to three years, and Europe is also slowing. Zrihen sees India as the next growth driver.
The numbers: Clarins India grew 35% last year and posted a three-year compound annual growth rate of 42%, nearly doubling its business every two to three years.
What's the endgame? The brand, present in India since 1999, is targeting 10% of the prestige skincare market and 6–7% of the makeup segment. It aims to replicate the trajectory that made China its number one market.
Why India, why now? Many premium brands exited India in the early 2000s over affordability concerns; Clarins stayed. It says the country has since built out retail infrastructure and consumers have gained disposable income.
The signal: The move reflects a wider rethink among global beauty players as China's once-reliable engine cools and Europe stalls. For Clarins, India is now the hedge — and the bet.
Read more: fortuneindia.com
