WHITE PLAINS, NY, July 10, 2009... Three new time-saving features have been added to NYIGF.com, the official website of the New York International Gift Fair® (NYIGF®), further extending the site's services for Fair participants. Effective immediately, market-goers can visit www.nyigf.com/attendee to generate personalized lists of compatible exhibiting companies, to research information on show specials offered by exhibitors and to preview new products planned for the summer 2009 market (August 15-20, 2009, at New York City's Jacob K. Javits Convention Center and Passenger Ship Terminal Pier 94).

"These additional tools provide buyers with valuable product information in advance of the market," said Dorothy Belshaw, NYIGF director. "Utilizing the time-saving functions on the NYIGF website is an increasingly integral part of the entire experience."

The three newest website enhancements include:

Customized Exhibitor Lists
NYIGF attendees who provide, or update, information about their product interests as part of their registration profile will receive a real-time list of exhibitors with products matched specifically to their preferences. The list can be sorted by company name, division or booth number.

Exhibitor Show Specials
Buyers can obtain details about the show specials exhibitors are offering at NYIGF, such as free shipping for orders placed at the show, or orders reaching set totals. Currently, there are more than 100 show specials listed, with new additions daily.

New Product Announcements
Buyers have access to information and images of new products that will debut at NYIGF.  There are hundreds of products currently listed, with more added daily.  Each listing includes a link to exhibitor contact information.

Use of several existing website features has grown exponentially in recent months.  The Online Catalog Gallery offers retailers access to more than 20,000 exhibitor products through a simple keyword search.  The NYIGF Directory Search, designed to help attendees map out their onsite shopping strategy, allows market-goers to locate NYIGF exhibitors by company name, product category, keyword or division.

Buyers also can register online, in advance, for free admission to NYIGF.  Those who have attended past shows can update their contact information, and add or delete names of additional staff.  The website also provides access to travel and hotel discounts through Travel Planners, the official travel partner of the NYIGF.  Hotel confirmations are immediate, no pre-payment is required, and reservations can be updated or canceled online at any time without fees or penalties.

NYIGF is the nation's premier gift, home and lifestyle marketplace, with 2,900 exhibiting companies featuring an extraordinary breadth and depth of design-driven home fashion products and complementary giftware.  Some 30,000 attendees from all 50 states and around the world are expected.  For information and registration, visit www.nyigf.com.

Harleysville, Pa. (June 2009) – Natural Marketing Institute (NMI) today revealed more findings from its annual Healthy Aging/Boomer Database® consumer research. The survey was fielded in January 2009 among 3,100+ U.S. general population adults.

While much has been written recently that identifies women aged 40+ as today’s power consumer, NMI’s Managing Partner Steve French cautions that Boomer men should not be ignored by marketers.  “Boomer men are less affected by the recession than women.  In fact, forty percent of men do not feel the amount of stress in their lives has increased due to the current economy while less than 30% of women feel that their stress level has not increased. Men are also more likely to spend versus saving and make impulse purchases. They represent tremendous targeting opportunities across a range of industries.”

With more than $1 trillion in spending power, men are also more likely than women to buy brand name products, particularly at the grocery store. NMI found that about half of men are willing to purchase national brands over store brands as opposed to one-quarter of women.  While shopping was once considered a woman’s domain, men are increasingly playing a role or even becoming the primary shopper for their family. Less than a decade ago, men accounted for only twenty percent of primary grocery shoppers, but today one-third are doing the majority of their household grocery shopping.

These findings corroborate emerging cultural changes and marketplace behaviors that, when combined, point to a consumer revolution around aging and masculinity. “An abundance of 50+ Boomer men,” said white paper co-author Brent Green, “promises to inculcate new vitality to masculine aging. Boomer men are making deliberate and proactive lifestyle choices, and this is being revealed through NMI research, consumer behavior, and brilliant marketing nuanced for generation and gender.”

More information can be found in NMI’s newest white paper entitled ”Back in the High Life Again: Soaring Opportunities to Market to Baby Boomer Men” which was co-authored by NMI’s Steve French and Brent Green of Brent Green & Associates – author of Marketing to Leading-Edge Baby Boomers and an expert on the Baby Boomer generation.

To download a PDF copy of the white paper, please click here.

NMI is an international strategic consulting, market research, and business development company specializing in the health, wellness, and sustainable marketplace. For more information on the Healthy Aging/Boomer Database® or NMI’s other tools and services, visit NMI’s web site at www.NMIsolutions.com.

Exhibits open daily at 9am.

Atlanta and Philadelphia will be first time exhibits for Danielle and Company whereas the New York show has been their flagship tradeshow location since 2005.

What's New for Danielle and Company at the Shows:

Danielle and Company will have all of their fabulous products on display including the new Organic Beeswax and Pure Soy Candle and Organic Hand & Body Lotion, perfect for dry and summer-worn skin.

As a socially and ecologically responsible company, Danielle and Company donates 5% of the net proceeds from the sale of the candles to Penn State University's Honeybee Research Facility, a world leader in honeybee research. The Honeybee Research Fund will support research, education and outreach efforts in the areas of honeybee biology, health, pollination services and finding a solution for Colony Collapse Disorder. The eco-friendly candle is made from recycled glass with 100% cotton wick for a clean burn.  It is also designed to be reused as a contemporary drinking glass.

Other products at the show include their line of organic bar soaps and organic body washes in 14 scents for both men and women that are based on the psychology of scent.  Two new scents will also be launched, Pure Lime and Orange Blossom.  They will also be promoting their  99% Organic Lip Balm made with pure ssential oils and moisturizing shea butter and their Man Cans, perfect gifts in paint cans for men!

Contact:

Danielle K. Fleming
Founder and CEO
Danielle and Company, Inc.
831 Adams Ave. Scranton, PA 18510
Phone: 1-800-893-5950
E-mail: D@DanielleandCompany.com
Website: www.DanielleandCompany.com

The US Beauty Market is ecstatic and proud to announce, the most revolutionary skin care line on the global market. A true cell-rejuvenating cream for all skin types and all skin needs, the Electric Body Skin Elixir is formulated from pure life giving ingredients. It offers total skin nourishment, free of petrochemicals, alcohol and parabens, with special ingredients: New Zealand Colostrum and Organic Aloe Vera. Award winning Electrically Formulated®, Electrically Available® anti-aging technology. 

Electric Body® Skin Elixir is a unique, technologically-advanced, quantum-physics inspired, revitalizing all-in-one natural beauty cream. Based in the ingredients are Colostrum and organic Aloe Vera, making it suitable for irritated skin and sensitive areas.  Electric Body Skin Elixir's sweet melting texture soothes, softens and deeply rejuvenates the appearance of your skin. Electric Body is designed to leave you with beautiful, healthy skin in a natural way, so your skin will be toned and glow with youthful vibrancy and clarity.

Electric Body's all-in-one Skin Elixir assists in sustaining beautiful skin by reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as damaged, callused, injured, dehydrated, loose or irritated skin. Electric Body's all-in-one Skin Elixir is the new paradigm for beautiful, healthy looking skin. All-in-one will replace all of your skin care products you rely on including toner, eye cream, day cream, moisturizer, eye serum, after shave, foot cream, night cream, hand cream, pore reducers, cuticle cream, anti-aging serum, anti-wrinkle cream, leave-in hair conditioner and alternative products. It is safe for babies and pregnant mothers who need a little extra TLC. You can use this wondrous cream to improve the entire appearance of your skin.

Other healthy products from Electric Body Skin Care include the Body Spray - an all natural, all over skin conditioner, softener and moisturizer, as well as the Body Polish – which offers the Cleopatra experience, the ultimate luxury of skin care using the richest ingredients of colostrum and natural salts that blend together to gently but effectively clean, smooth and exfoliate your skin.

Electric Body is proud to be, child-safe, animal-safe, cruelty-free and eco-friendly.

About Electric Body Skin Care:

Denie Hiestand developed Electric Body in response to a promise he made to a dying cancer client who asked him to develop a skin cream that would give women beautiful skin and not overload there bodies with any more toxins. As an internationally published author on health issues whose early life was in agricultural science, Denie learned early how life and nature worked. For the past twenty five years he practiced as a Health Consultant, formulator of nutritional products and developed a healthy skin care line that won the “Keeping America Strong” award for new technology in skin care. He is a teacher and Master healer with qualifications in six different healing art modalities with an international clientèle of thousands. He is founder and Dean of the International Institute of Vibrational Wellness which has teaching facilities in the United States, Canada, New Zealand, Switzerland, and is the CEO and founder of Electric Body Healthy Skin Care. Denie Hiestand is a world-leading authority on the electrical causes and connections of our food, our bodies and dis-ease. He has done over 250 radio and TV interviews and had over 30 articles printed in top publications in the US, New Zealand, Australia and the UK. Originally from New Zealand, Denie and his wife Shelley now live in Los Angeles,California.
www.electricbody.com and www.vibrationalwellness.com

We bring a fresh approach that is truly therapy for the skin. Kazam Natural Body Care carries an array of soaps, lotions, body exfoliants, body and massage oils, anti-aging products, hair care and natural perfumes.

Precious essential oils (plant oils) are used not only for their aromas but also for their therapeutic values. Such as the wonderful soaps to promote well-being.

We prefer to use essential oils because of their therapeutic values. Synthetic oils common in many products are not preferred, because they contain no beneficial properties. Herbal extracts, nourishing butters and herbs, healing salts and clays, JoJoba oil, Aloe Vera, and many other skin friendly ingredients that help support the health and vitality of the skin.

Kazam soaps contain glycerin to help moisturize the skin. They are hypo-allergenic, vegetable based, and non-comedogenic (does not clog pores)soaps are formulated using pure-natural glycerin and Shea butter bases, pure essential oils, and natural exfoliants. KNBC high quality products also delivers hydration and moisture to dehydrate skin. So go ahead and indulge yourself with Kazam Natural Body Care all natural products. You’ll be glad you did!

Kazam grew out of a demand for body and skin care products that contain no harmful chemicals and preservatives or side effects. No aluminium, no petroleum or mineral oils, by products of gasoline are used as moisturizes and lubricants in body and skincare products, including babies and children products. They dehydrate the skin and clog the pores.  We have eliminated these chemicals and many others from our products because they are potential skin and eye irritants or may impact your health and the environment.

Kazam was created for the growing number of health conscious consumers who are seeking healthy alternatives, and to utilize pure natural and organic high quality aroma therapeutic products, made without harsh chemicals. (Kazam) meets this growing demand.

Kazam’s range of products are natural and organic because we believe that nature provides all we need for healthy beautiful skin, and that natural ingredients cause the least harm to ourselves and the environment.

Kazam artfully designed a green, natural and organic line using the gifts of the earth to create healthy beauty products , chosen to protect and nourish the skin, and perfect for those who seeks a healthier lifestyle.

We bring a fresh approach that is truly therapy for the skin and we will continually improve and develop new products.

For more information:
http://www.kazambodycare.com

Sarasota, FL - There is no doubt that summer has arrived in Florida. The temperatures are beginning to boil and the dress is less. Beach season is in full swing and that means bathing suits. Lots of them. This summer, a small company from Sarasota, Florida launches Exfolishave, an all-natural shaving product that covers all the bases for smooth summer legs.

“Getting smooth legs is a process for most women,” says Afifeh Naoum-Bardos, creator of Exfolishave and founder of Afifeh’s Aesthetics and Cosmetics. “And during the summertime, this process becomes a necessary evil” Exfolishave knocks out the arduous task in triplicate and in eco-conscious fashion nonetheless.

Exfolishave uses lemongrass, bamboo and French walnut shell to create a formula that multitasks for you. It works first as an exfoliant and then transforms into a luscious lather for shaving. Then, essential flower oils and extracts act as a natural moisturizer after shaving. The result is legs that are fit for any coast.

“Living on the beautiful Gulf Coast of Florida where the sun shines all year round, beach legs are a must-have at all times,” says Naoum-Bardos. “My product just helps you get there faster and more naturally.”

Afifeh has spent the last two decades honing her skills as a makeup artist for the likes of Bobbi Brown and Dior before venturing on to becoming an aesthetician. Along the way, she has discovered the benefits of natural products on her skin. Exfolishave is the first of a line of all-natural products for Afifeh’s Aesthetics and Cosmetics. It is available in 4 oz. jars for $25 at www.afifehs.com.

About Afifeh’s Cosmetics and Aesthetics
Afifeh’s Cosmetics and Aesthetics was founded in 2006 by Afifeh Naoum-Bardos and seeks to employ natural products for the conscious luxury consumer. Afifeh’s products focus on skin care and nourishment.

For more information about Exfolishave, please visit www.afifehs.com or contact Keia Mastrianni at 941.587.9912 to schedule an interview with Afifeh or request a product sample.

Contact:
OH Soaps
www.ohsoaps.com
wayne@ohsoaps.com
888-315-3895

Certification of the new Cosmos standard is expected to begin in September 2009. There has been much anticipation of the new natural & organic cosmetic standard, initially perceived as the basis of a possible international standard. However, Organic Monitor (www.organicmonitor.com) believes Cosmos is losing impetus because of its lengthy gestation period. A number of new initiatives, introduced in the last 18 months, are gaining momentum and could outpace Cosmos. 

NaTrue is the main rival. The industry group launched its standard in May 2008, with the first certified products coming into the market at the end of the year. The popularity of the NaTrue standard is partly because it is backed by some of the leading brands of natural cosmetics in Europe.

A number of developments are occurring in the USA. In 2007, there were no standards for natural & organic cosmetics. Three separate initiatives are now moving forward with the backing of large cosmetic manufacturers.

The frontrunner is Natural Products Association (NPA), which launched its natural standard in May 2008. Over 200 products are now certified according to the NPA standard. Burt’s Bees is one of the main supporters of the NPA standard, providing US $1 million to raise awareness of the new standard and NPA logo.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) standard is expected to gain popularity. The NSF 305 standard is for cosmetic products that contain a minimum of 70% organic ingredients. Developed by leading organic cosmetic companies, it has recently received official recognition by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). The main rival to the NSF 305 standard is OASIS, supported by large companies like Aveda and Hain Celestial. 

Similar developments are occurring in Latin America and the Asia-Pacific where a number of private standards have been introduced. With such proliferation, cosmetic companies and ingredient suppliers are asking major questions about these standards: What natural & organic cosmetic standards to adopt? What are the differences between the standards? What are the major technical & formulation issues? Organic Monitor has launched a series of Natural Cosmetics Masterclasses to specifically address such questions.

Organic Monitor expects standards that provide regional coverage to be the most successful. The major attraction of the Cosmos standard is that it is a pan-European initiative. Cosmetic and ingredient companies only need to meet this single standard to get recognition in the European market. However, a major drawback of Cosmos is that it will not replace any of the existing symbols and logos. It merely provides a baseline standard for natural and organic cosmetic products. For this reason, initial interest in Cosmos is expected to mainly come from companies who already have products certified by Cosmos member organisations. 

NaTrue is winning support because of its uniform labelling scheme. The standard has three levels: organic, made with organic ingredients, and natural. Thus, certified products carry identical symbols, unlike Cosmos certified products.

The NaTrue standard is also taking the lead for a possible global natural & organic cosmetics standard. It has already entered an equivalency agreement with NSF for its made with organic ingredients standard. A similar equivalency agreement with NPA for the natural standard is scheduled to be signed in July. These equivalency agreements are important as they prevent repeat certification of products and can facilitate market access. Thus, a European company adopting the NaTrue standard will be able to access the North American market by getting its products certified by NSF and / or NPA. 

In summary, the Cosmos standard has been much anticipated by companies looking to develop natural & organic cosmetics and ingredients for the European market. NaTrue has a much lower adoption rate than the Cosmos members in Europe, however its major advantage is a uniform labelling scheme. With its strategic tie-ups with American certification agencies, NaTrue is also providing access to the lucrative North American market.

Natural Cosmetics Masterclass

The exact details of the finalised Cosmos standard, NaTrue standard, North American initiatives and other standards are covered in Organic Monitor’s Masterclass series. Each Masterclass will critically review and compare the major natural & organic cosmetic standards, looking specifically at the technical, formulation and ingredient issues.

The next Masterclass will be held at Regent’s College, London (UK) on July 8th. Two interactive workshops and two seminars will be held over the one-day event. Registration is limited to 50 delegates. Further Masterclasses are scheduled in Europe, North America, and the Asia-Pacific later in the year. 

More details on the Natural Cosmetics Masterclass are on http://www.organicmonitor.com/masterclass4.htm

The brochure can be downloaded from http://www.organicmonitor.com/mclassbrochure.pdf 

About Organic Monitor

Organic Monitor is a specialist research & consulting company that focuses on the global organic & related product industries. Since its formation in 2001, Organic Monitor has been providing a range of business services to operators in high-growth ethical & sustainable industries. Our services include market research publications, business & technical consulting, seminars & workshops. Visit us at www.organicmonitor.com

For further information, please contact:

Ms. Laurence Impens

Organic Monitor

Tel: (44) 20 8567 0788

Fax: (44) 20 8567 7164

Email: limpens@organicmonitor.com

Are you starting your own small soap or candle business. Are you stumped for ideas on your labels? Worry no more! World Label is offering free fillable labels in PDF label templates for U.S. letter-size label sheets. There are two starter label designs to choose from. Each design has 10 different sized labels in rectangular shapes, oval and round labels.

The Following size labels are used in each design set:

WL-OL100 - mailing labels size 4 x 1.33″

WL-OL172 - shipping labels size 3.75 x 3″

WL-OL350 - round Labels 2.5″ circle

WL-OL375 - round Labels 3.33″ circle

WL-OL475 - shipping labels size 4 x 5″

WL-OL1025 - round labels 1″ circle

WL-OL5051- Lip Balm Size 1.9 x 2.5″

WL-OL5450 - Water bottle labels size 7.5 x 1.5″

WL-OL8250 - Water Bottle Labels size 2 x 5″

WL-OL9810 - Oval Labels 3.93 x 1.93″

DOWNLOAD THE COMPLETE SET (ZIP)

DOWNLOAD THE COMPLETE SET (ZIP)

How to use PDF Fillable Label Templates:

Specs: These labels in PDF are cross-platform and application independent. They will work on Mac OSX, Linux, Windows, Solaris and other operating systems. There can be compatibility issues among different PDF Readers. For optimum performance and full use of all functions, we recommend you download for free Adobe PDF Reader version 9.

Fonts: If you want to change the font type, size or color, (as well as bold, italics, etc.) select Control +E if you’re using a PC or Apple + E on a Mac. A toolbar will appear giving you additional text properties. Select “More” in the font properties toolbar for paragraph alignment and more.

For further information: http://blog.worldlabel.com/2009/free-soap-labels-candle-labels-biz-starter-kit.html

WASHINGTON (June 5, 2009) -- Saponifier, the bimonthly magazine, has undergone a revamp, led by the introduction of a new layout.

All of the magazine's pages have been redesigned, including its feature articles, column sections, news and showcase sections.

Saponifier claims the redesign promotes "a more flowing read".

Kathy Tarbox, editor in chief of Saponifier, said the refresh is a result of reader engagement and surveys.

Saponifier, which is an online only magazine, is distributed in PDF format to subscribers worldwide.

Saponifier averaged a circulation of 16,976 copies during the first quarter of 2009, with subscribers located in 26 countries.

About Saponifier Magazine

Saponifier is a bimonthly magazine written to the manufacturers of handcrafted soap, toiletries, cosmetics, and candles. The magazine begins its 11th year of publication in July 2009. It is a large format publication (11 X 8.5) with each issue ranging between 45-50 pages long.

Founded in 1998, Saponifier’s success comes from our commitment to put the reader first, adherence to the highest standards of editorial integrity, and drive to “Inspire, and be inspired by, the industry’s community.”

Relevant always—No matter what the topic, Saponifier expresses it in a way that is accessible to everyone in business - or interested in business - in soap, toiletries, cosmetics and/or candle making. Saponifier readers get an edge on doing business.

Every issue covers in-depth topics of interest for soap, toiletries, cosmetics, and candle makers. http://www.saponifier.com

Middlebury, VT -- –Vermont Soapworks has been raising the bar on natural and organic soap quality and innovation since 1992, and their latest breakthrough is the first certified organic shampoo base for the Private Label Industry.  Available in two formulas - one for thicker hair and one for finer hair - this gentle hair care product cleans and conditions without chemical ingredients of any kind.  Reasonably priced and designed to be used as the base for personal care manufacturers and brand managers to create their own customized organic shampoo, Certified Organic Shampoo Base is offered in bulk in 50-gallon drums and 275 gallon totes.

Vermont Soapworks was one of the first companies to gain organic processing certification back in 2002 and they have been busy creating innovative organic foaming products ever since.  Launched soon under their Vermont Soap Organics brand, the new Organic Shampoo Base follows a series of pioneering ‘firsts’ including the first certified organic: spray cleaner; bath & shower gel; pet wash; yoga mat wash; multi-purpose nontoxic cleaner; and foaming liquid hand soap.  Vermont Soapworks created the world’s first Certified Organic Shampoo in 2003.  “Back then, all we had was our Shampoo Bar - a solid organic bar soap that was soothing on the scalp and formulated for thin hair and for making fine hair thicker,” notes Larry Plesent, the company founder and President.  Plesent continued his quest for the perfect natural Shampoo Gel Base, testing dozens of formulas and variations. “To make a viable liquid organic shampoo base, we needed to adjust not only our formulas, but also our batching process and manufacturing techniques,” Pleasant says.

Plesent sees his latest organic soap breakthrough as a bulk organic ingredient to supply to other leading manufacturers.  “We can sell it as an unscented base, or we can blend and formulate to suit their specific needs here,” says the ‘Soap Man,’ whom recently directed a major expansion at the factory in Vermont to create capacity for the new product.  “We offer the same services for this new product as we do with our other organic personal care products,” adds Plesent.  “We can fill and label your product at our organic facility in Vermont or provide the foaming base so you can do it at yours.”

Different hair types require different shampoos, and that is why there are dozens of different formulas at most stores. “We are not attempting to market the ultimate product for every hair type,” says Plesent.  “Our job is to provide formulators and marketers with the most effective backbone formula that they will then add their botanicals, scent and magic to,” Plesent explains.

One of the keys to the breakthrough is the new proprietary blend of organic olive, jojoba and coconut oils with organic vegetable gums, glycerin, organic aloe, and rosemary extract.  “We have been experimenting with different combinations of shampoo ingredients and botanicals for nearly two decades, so, this has been a long time coming,” says Plesent, who’s company already supplies leading personal care companies with a wide variety of ingredients and private label products.  “When you do business with Vermont Soapworks you benefit from our 18 years of experience in soap making, and our early pioneering efforts in the birthing days of organic personal care,” says Plesent.  “We are in it for the long haul and if you don’t do well, we don’t do well.”  To request samples of the Organic Shampoo Base, email info@vermontsoap.com.

Larry Plesent started Vermont Soapworks in 1992 after experiencing severe skin problems from the cleaning chemicals used by his window washing company.  He began researching healthy alternatives for himself and the many people like him that are sensitive to detergents and other synthetic ingredients.  Vermont Soapworks has grown from a two person operation in 1992 to the largest manufacturer of handmade organic bar soap in North America, selling products in more than 2,500 stores nationwide.  “We think of ourselves as molecule herders, rather than molecule torturers,” says Plesent. “Our job is to help the molecules follow their nature and that is what makes us a different kind of company.”  Vermont Soapworks also operates a Discount Factory Outlet Store that features an Antique Soap Museum, factory tours and demonstrations.  For more information, visit www.vermontsoap.com or call 1-866-SOAP-4U2.

LITTLE FALLS, NJ, May 27, 2009 – U.S. sales in the cosmetics and toiletries market grew only by 0.3% in 2008, the lowest since 1991, according to the latest study completed by worldwide research and consulting firm Kline & Company. The new data available in Cosmetics & Toiletries USA 2008 indicates that sales have reached a total of $35.6 billion at the manufacturers’ level, but consumer concerns about the recession may ensure that these levels do not rise higher during 2009–10.

Consumers are showing a preference for competitively-priced products from the mass and direct trade classes. Therefore, premium products sales are being affected heavily by these negative market conditions. In fact, salon, specialty, and luxury trade classes all demonstrated negative growth, whereas mass and direct trade classes turned out to be the fastest growing segments. 

“The new frugal mindset imposed by the recession has altered spending and product consumption habits, some of which will probably continue into the foreseeable future,” notes Nancy Mills, Industry Manager, Consumer Products practice, at Kline. “Many people have traded down on certain products, and as they get accustomed to buying some lower-priced or private-label products, and shop more in the lower-priced channels, they might well continue with those habits after the tough times have subsided. To be successful, companies will likely continue to infuse the mass segment with more sophisticated products to compete with luxury products.”

Skin care, the largest product class, was also the second-fastest growing category during 2008, spurred by the sun care category. Although consumers have curtailed spending, they are not ignoring innovative and sophisticated new products. Marketers propel growth with product development, albeit the rate of new launches slows down in 2008. Some brands that did very well in the previous years such as Bare Escentuals, had slower growth in 2008, whereas, some mass brands like Garnier skin care and Neutrogena sun care showed very strong growth. Some luxury brands did buck the trend with great results—such as La Prairie. 

Oral care is the fastest growing product class, in part, due to new product activity led by the very successful launch of Colgate Total Advanced Whitening toothpaste. Other products such as ACT mouthwashes had outstanding growth due to repositioning efforts by new owner Chattem. Also, Burt’s Bees, along with mass brands in other categories including Rimmel and TREsemmé, performed well above the average.

Kline projects a moderate growth over the next five years. Years 2009–10 will be sluggish, but the following three years are expected to witness growth. This growth will be affected negatively by stricter legislation on claims and ingredients and the new consumer mindset of cautiousness on spending. However, it will be impacted positively by product innovations and new alliances and mergers between companies.

Cosmetics & Toiletries USA 2008 is the authoritative source of information on the cosmetics and toiletries industry. It contains information on market size, retail sales, channel breakdowns, trends, as well as forecasts for 29 product categories, and detailed profiles of 26 leading marketers.

About Kline
Kline is a worldwide consulting and research firm dedicated to providing the kind of insight and knowledge that helps companies find a clear path to success. The firm has served the management consulting and market research needs of organizations in the chemicals, materials, energy, life sciences, and consumer products industries for 50 years. For more information, visit www.KlineGroup.com.

SILVER SPRING, MD  – The American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) suggests in comments submitted May 7 that a National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) committee consider adding several key points to a proposed recommendation that the National Organic Program (NOP) be amended to explicitly include cosmetics.

The proposed recommendation by the Board’s Certification, Accreditation and Compliance Committee (CACC) was a topic of discussion during an NOSB public meeting held May 4-6 in Washington, D.C. AHPA President Michael McGuffin presented the association’s comments before the NOSB on May 4.

“In looking for consensus among AHPA members on the topic of including cosmetics in the scope of the NOP, it is clear that additional effort must be given to making the NOP work for all agricultural products, including cosmetics and personal care products,” said McGuffin. “AHPA’s suggestions represent a starting point for this effort.”

Among other suggestions, AHPA proposes the addition of a section to the NOP to identify “synthetics allowed in or on processed cosmetic products labeled as ‘organic’ or ‘made with organic (specific ingredients or ingredient groups’).”

AHPA also suggests the regulation’s definition of an “agricultural product” be revised to add a descriptive definition at the end of the current definition to clarify that the term is used “without regard to the end use of the product, so that an agricultural product may be in the form of a food, a dietary supplement, a nonprescription drug, a cosmetic or any other product that is processed from agricultural crops or from livestock.”

“One point of agreement among AHPA’s members is on advocating for a finished product certification system that will maximize the marketplace for organically grown crops,” McGuffin said. “The vision implied by this point of advocacy is one of many more acres of organically grown herbal crops.”

According to the draft discussion document, CACC will incorporate feedback received during the public meeting, and present a recommendation on the topic to NOSB in the Fall.

AHPA’s comments are available here: http://www.ahpa.org/portals/0/pdfs/09_0504_NOSB_Comments_Organic_Cosmetics.pdf

The CACC draft discussion document is also online: http://www.ahpa.org/portals/0/pdfs/09_0323_CACC_Discussion_Draft_Organic_Personal_Care.pdf

The American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) is the only national trade association devoted to herbal issues. Representing the core of the botanical trade—comprised of the finest growers, processors, manufacturers and marketers of herbal products—our mission is to promote the responsible commerce of herbal products. AHPA committees generate self-regulations to ensure the highest level of quality with respect to the way herbal products are manufactured, labeled, and sold. Website: www.ahpa.org.

Arlington, VA - May 2009 - PMMI is pleased to launch a new Packexpo.com, redesigned and fully aligned with PMMI's market leading PACK EXPO events. The new show-centric site will support packaging professionals with all aspects of attending PACK EXPO (October 5-7; Las Vegas Convention Center) and allow them to continue to take advantage of those resources throughout the year.

Visitors to the Web site can plan their trip by searching for exhibitors and specific technologies, scheduling meetings, creating personalized event maps and researching Conference at PACK EXPO education sessions. Attendees will also be able to use the site and the information they've gathered for several months after the show closes.

"PACK EXPO trade shows are valued for bringing the entire packaging supply chain together under one roof, making it easy for brand owners to identify ways to improve productivity and efficiency, enhance shelf presence and meet sustainability goals," says Charles D. Yuska, president and CEO of PMMI. "The new Packexpo.com supports this strategy by providing packaging professionals the resources they need year round."

The launch kicks off the opening of online registration for PACK EXPO.

Attendees registering online before Sept. 24, 2009, will pay $30 for admission. On-site registration, and all registrations received after Sept. 24, will be processed at the full admission rate of $60.

The admission fee allows access to the entire three-day event to all PACK EXPO exhibits and to the co-located PROCESS EXPO and Converting and Package Printing EXPO (CPP EXPO) events. Entrance to all of the show's technology pavilions is also included.

New Features Enhance Show Experience

Visitors to the new Packexpo.com will find several innovative features and enhanced functionality. For example, exhibiting companies will have comprehensive online booths that include detailed product pages, press releases on new innovations and information on show-related benefits or added-value programs available during PACK EXPO. Online listings will remain active for several months after PACK EXPO ends, ensuring attendees can follow up with exhibitors and close the loop on business activity.

Once packaging professionals officially register for the show, they can take the pre-planning process one step further with the help of My PACK EXPO™. These interactive portals allow attendees to locate specific suppliers and solutions, make booth appointments with exhibitors, register for the Conference at PACK EXPO educational sessions and talk with industry peers.

Attendees will even be able to plan their trip to PACK EXPO from their PDA's, thanks to a new technology called ChirpE. This downloadable application links users directly to Packexpo.com in real-time and allows them to search for products, exhibitors and sessions, create itineraries and download floor maps. This new service will be available in late September.

Other site features include:

• A dedicated Exhibitor News page highlighting press releases on the new innovations and technology exhibitors will be featuring at PACK EXPO.

• A special section for international visitors, with show information provided in Spanish, French, Portuguese, Chinese and Japanese.

• A link to the official PACK EXPO housing site to lock in specially negotiated hotel rates as well as a Las Vegas Travel page which includes destination information and special airline discounts.

• An Industry Resources area containing PMMI's Packaging Intelligence Briefs and details on PMMI U and Certified Trainer programs along with other valuable information, including the PMMI Career Center.

"Our goal with the new Packexpo.com is to allow attendees to customize the show to their individual requirements, helping ensure a successful experience," summarizes Yuska. "Whether they have one, two or three days to spend at PACK EXPO, this site provides tools to save time and achieve their business goals all year long."

To learn more about PACK EXPO, visit www.packexpo.com or contact PMMI's Show Department at 703.243.8555 or expo@pmmi.org.

About PMMI
PMMI is a trade association with more than 550 member companies that manufacture packaging and packaging-related converting machinery, commercially-available packaging machinery components, containers and materials in the United States and Canada. PMMI's vision is to be the leading global resource for packaging, and its mission is to improve and promote members' abilities to succeed in a global marketplace. PMMI organizes the PACK EXPO trade shows: PACK EXPO International, PACK EXPO Las Vegas and EXPO PACK México. Learn more about PMMI at pmmi.org

PACK EXPO Las Vegas will be held October 5-7, 2009 at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. The show will be co-located with PROCESS EXPO and Converting & Package Printing EXPO. PMMI also produces EXPO PACK México, the premier packaging show in Mexico serving the Latin American region. This show will be held June 23-26, 2009 at Centro Banamex, Mexico City, Mexico. PACK EXPO International 2010 will be held Oct. 31-Nov. 4, 2010 at McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois. Visit www.packexpo.com for more information.

Simi Valley, CA – Whole Foods magazine rewarded derma e® Natural Bodycare, a pioneer in natural skincare products, with the 2009 Natural Choice Award for Best Skincare Line. This is derma e®’s second time winning such a prestigious award that honors the best product lines in the natural products industry. 

Retailers nationwide were asked by Whole Foods what their top-selling products were in 12 categories and submitted their votes confidentially. The great news was announced to Whole Foods magazine’s 16,438 readers in the April 2009 issue.

2009 marks derma e®’s 25th anniversary of formulating effective natural skincare products that deliver powerful antioxidants, and nourishing vitamins and botanicals for healthy, radiant and younger looking skin. derma e® specializes in premium anti-aging formulas that help diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, firm loose or sagging skin and prevent and repair age damage. This comprehensive skincare line of over 90 products also helps resolve problem skin conditions such as scars, age spots, spider veins, cracked skin and blemishes.

“We are truly honored to be nominated for, and rewarded with such an impressive achievement. derma e® strives to be the leader in antioxidant skincare that delivers results and it shows through the support of our retailers”, says Gina Ferrato, North American Sales Manager.

For 25 years, derma e® Natural Bodycare has pioneered the development of high-performance antioxidant skincare solutions. The comprehensive line of natural products is paraben-free, cruelty-free, 100% vegetarian and includes over 90 SKUs. derma e® can be found in 5000+ retail outlets across the U.S., with additional distribution internationally and on www.dermae.com. derma e® is family owned and operated and dedicated to serving the natural products retailer.