Packaging takes centre stage at Cosmoprof

The sixth edition of Cosmoprof India officially opened its doors from 4 to 6 December 2025, at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai, solidifying its position as a premier business-to-business platform for the beauty industry and a vital entry point for international brands seeking to establish a presence in one of the world's most dynamic markets. Organised by Cosmoprof India, a joint venture between BolognaFiere Cosmoprof and Informa Markets India, the 2025 edition represented a milestone in the event's trajectory, mirroring the rapid evolution of the sector and surging global interest in the region.

Since its debut in 2019, the exhibition has experienced substantial expansion, nearly doubling its physical footprint. 32% of the exhibiting companies were first-time exhibitors, while 53% of the participants came from international entities, highlighting the show's growing global appeal.

The exhibition covered all facets of the industry. Cosmopack India comprised 59% of the exhibition floor, focusing on supply chain, advancements in raw materials, ingredients, machinery, equipment, packaging, and contract manufacturing. The remaining 41% was dedicated to Cosmoprof India, featuring finished product brands across perfumery, cosmetics, professional salon, spa, hair, and nail sectors. The event attracted around 14,000 visitors keen on exploring new business avenues and market trends.

Global participation was further emphasised by nine international country pavilions representing Australia, Brazil, Germany, Indonesia, Italy, South Korea, Spain, the Taiwan Region, and the UK. Italy held the distinction of being the country of honour for 2025. Organised by the Italian Trade Agency in collaboration with Cosmetica Italia, the Italian pavilion highlighted innovation, design, and manufacturing excellence synonymous with the Made in Italy brand.

Enrico Zannini, general manager of BolognaFiere Cosmoprof, noted that the continuous growth of the show confirms the strategic relevance of the Indian beauty market on the global stage. He attributed this success to a young demographic, rising purchasing power, and a strong appetite for innovation and sustainability. Echoing this sentiment, Yogesh Mudras, managing director of Informa Markets in India, described the current landscape as a defining moment for the Indian beauty ecosystem, driven by aspirational consumers and a shift toward science-led and globally benchmarked products.

A major theme emerging from industry leaders at the event was the transformative role of technology and artificial intelligence in the premium beauty and salon segments. Executives from major salon chains such as Lakme, Envi, Naturals, Looks, and Enrich highlighted how AI is shifting the industry from a service-led model to an experience-driven ecosystem. Innovations such as smart mirrors for skin analysis, predictive personalisation, and data-driven inventory management are becoming essential for enhancing customer engagement and operational efficiency. While the human touch remains central to the industry, digital infrastructure is increasingly seen as a critical enabler for scaling businesses and improving service delivery in both metropolitan and tier-II cities.

Companies like Parfums Plus and Sharaya Cosmocare noted a shift toward modern, wellness-inspired scents and niche luxury fragrances, driven by Gen Z and millennial consumers. Similarly, the grooming tools segment is witnessing premiumisation, with manufacturers like Mundhra Polycom unveiling advanced, design-forward products to meet the demands of a sophisticated consumer base that values aesthetics and performance.

The market outlook remains robust, with Statista projecting India's beauty and personal care market to reach USD 33-billion in 2025, eventually exceeding USD 39-billion by 2030. The prestige cosmetics and fragrance segments are forecasted for rapid growth, while digital transformation continues to reshape retail, with online consumers expected to rise significantly in the coming years.

Beyond the exhibition floor, Cosmoprof India 2025 featured several high-profile special projects. The Buyer Programme facilitated matchmaking between exhibitors and approximately 200 qualified buyers from India and international markets. The Cosmoprof and Cosmopack India Awards, organised with Beautystreams, celebrated outstanding product innovation. On the educational front, CosmoTalks offered 16 panel discussions on retail strategies, consumer trends, and regulatory frameworks. Additionally, the event marked the debut of Cosmo Academy EmpowHER in Beauty, a social responsibility initiative providing training to underprivileged youth, and returned with the Indian Start Up area and the dedicated hair fashion show, One Shot by On Hair. The event concluded with the Runway by Cosmoprof India, blending fashion and beauty in a showcase of creativity and innovation.