British beauty brands embark on first UK sales mission to India

British beauty and fashion brands, including Lush and John Smedley, have embarked on a first-of-its-kind fashion and beauty trade mission to India to attend this year's Fashion Forum.

The Department for International Trade has announced UK brands are travelling to India this week on a mission to capitalise on its rapidly growing demand for high-end fashion and beauty products overseas.

A delegation will travel to India Fashion Forum 2023, the nation’s leading international trade fair, in Bengaluru. The trade mission, which is the first of its kind, aims to help British brands showcase to potential buyers and distributers.

The brands heading to Bengaluru include:

• Lush
• John Smedley
• Wormser
• Raishma Ready to Wear
• Organic Apoteke
• Lilly and Sid
• Legology
• Benny Hancock
• VENIA Cosmetic
• Jennifer Young
• ByErim Ltd

Kemi Badenoch, Business and Trade Secretary, commented: "India’s growing economy and middle class represents an enormous opportunity for enterprising UK companies looking for new markets.

"Removing barriers to business and boosting exports are two of my top trade priorities and I’m eager to make it easier and faster to do business with India through the free trade deal we’re currently negotiating."

India is set to become the third-largest economy by 2050, by which time it will have a middle class of 250 million consumers. According to the Robb Report, the Indian luxury goods market was valued at over £4.13 billion ($5 billion) in 2021, and is expected to grow by another 10% over the next five years.

The two nations already enjoy a current trade relationship worth £34 billion in 2022. However, the UK is working towards an agreement that slashes tariffs on exports for British businesses trading with India’s £2 trillion economy and 1.4 billion consumers.

Britain’s investment relationship supports over half a million jobs across both countries. In 2022, India accounted for 1.7% of total UK exports, however, the delegation hopes to increase this number.

Lush quote is here to add onto beauty: Anita Baker, Managing Director of Lush, said: "Lush is very happy to take part in this trade mission and we’re confident that in India, with its deep roots in natural cosmetics, we can find a partner that lives our ethics.

"India has the opportunity to be a very sizable market and we aim to give our Indian shoppers the amazing customer experience they expect from visiting our shops around the world."