We’re growing at 15-20% YOY and would continue with the same: Thalgo CEO

Forayed into Indian market in 2004, Thalgo cosmetics were initially distributed by French Touch Cosmetics Pvt Ltd. In 2008, the firm was acquired by Ocea Marine Cosmetics Pvt Ltd, owned by Harsukh Pathar and Gayatri Kini Sali.

In those initial years of the brand’s inception in India, the spa product brands were less known in the country. Consumers were less aware and conscious of salon and spa services to groom themselves. They were not even exposed enough to the importance of quality products. It was extremely difficult to convince salon and spa owners to invest in International brands as they were expensive.

However, 8years down the line, there are multiple changes happened in the Indian Cosmetic Industry. The consumers are well travelled and are aware of international standard of quality products and brands. They now know to the concept of Spa and are aware of industry standards which a salon or spa is suppose to maintain.

Hence, the brands in India also lifted and maintaining their quality standards at par international standards of products and services. To learn more about Thalgo’s journey so far in Indian market, Wellness India spoke to Gayatri Kini Sali, CEO, Thalgo India. Edited except:

What are your core competence areas and why?

Thalgo is the pioneer in marine-based cosmetology. It has been in France for over 60 years now. Its efficacy and quality is known across the globe. This mild, natural and honest brand will first respect your skin and then do the required amendments to improve its texture, glow and softness. One needs to be loyal to the brand to see the results. It believes in improving the quality of the skin slowly and steadily, rather than expecting instant results. Those, who start using Thalgo, would never look back or change their products as they would witness improvement in their skin texture.

Thalgo has its own laboratories, research centres, manufacturing centers and its own Thalgo Beauty School. This makes the brand stronger and self-reliant. It is not out sourcing its tests, results, quality control or any other aspect of manufacturing whatsoever. This makes it a very strong and effective brand.

Elaborate on the eTailing of Thalgo in Indian wellness space. How much year-on-year growth the brand seeing from online retail of the brand?We started eTailing in the year 2011. Our first eTailing platform was Flipkart and we are still gaining strong traction with it. We see almost 10 per cent YoY growth from online retail.

Which is your star product and how much percentage of demand you get on a monthly or yearly basis?

Our Anti-Ageing, Brightening and Hydration, all are star range. Our new launch Prodige Des Oceans which is an all-in-one Serum for improving the quality of the skin is also picking up fast. It is one of the most luxurious and premium products of Thalgo.

What kind of enhanced shopping experience does Thalgo offers to its consumers?

Thalgo has strong retail presence in salons and spas where its professional treatments are done. Hence, the shopping experience depends the offering of that particular spa or salon. The other places where we sell our products is online. We do not have any retail outlet or signature store.

What are your plans in Indian wellness industry? Any new merger/acquisition or tie-up is expected in near future?

We are growing at the rate of 15-20 per cent and want to continue growing at this late. We wish to focus on educating the therapists as well as the consumers regarding the marine ingredients and its impact on the skin. .