Loreal bolsters R&D unit in India

L’Oréal is bolstering its R&D unit in India to cater to Southeast Asia’s growing demand for the hair care and male grooming products.

The Paris-headquartered firm has invested about Rs 10bn in manufacturing and research facilities so far in India.

It aims to make India a top leading five markets in the coming years with an aim to generate Rs 7bn revenue by the end of 2020.

L’Oreal India managing director Jean-Christophe Letellier was quoted by PTI as saying: "Our R&I centres in Mumbai and Bangalore are working on sustainable innovation to meet our target of reducing carbon emissions by 60 per cent at our plants and distribution centres by 2020."

Further, the firm is looking to lessen the gap between hygiene related products with the treatment and care range segments as the country holds deep roots in natural and herbal products.

It also aims to grow its presence in the booming men’s grooming section over the last few years.

"Men’s grooming and skincare is booming, and we expect fast growth in this category to continue in the next decade," Letellier reported Hindu.

The company’s brands such as Garnier are doing well in the Tier II and Tier III markets and are relatively growing year by year.

It has made available shampoos, face washes and hair colours in sachets, a concept that has grown popular in the country.