Mission Statement

Men’s Cosmetics and Skin Care Trade Mission

Montreal, Canada

March 16- 17, 2005

Mission Description

The International Trade Administration of the U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. Commercial Service in Montreal, is organizing a two-day Men’s Cosmetics and Skincare Trade Mission to assist U.S. small- and medium-sized, export-ready companies with a cost effective and highly efficient means to promote their products and services in the Canadian cosmetics market.   In addition to meeting one-on-one with prescreened potential business partners in Canada, participating firms will receive broad market exposure and valuable insights from market research and focused industry briefings. The mission will take place on March 16 and 17, 2005, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, at a hotel conveniently located in downtown Montreal.

The participation fee of US$1,000 provides each individual participant with:

• Pre-screened and pre-scheduled individual business appointments
• Industry briefings on “How to Do Business in Canada" and an “Overview of Montreal’s Cosmetics Industry”
• Business counseling services
• Logistical support during visit in Canada
• Networking opportunities with Canadian organizations and government contacts
• Post-event follow-up support

Participation in the Men’s Cosmetics and Skincare Trade Mission is suitable for export-ready U.S. manufacturers of men’s cosmetics and skincare products including:

• Lip care
• Make-up
• Color Cosmetics
• Nail care
• Skin and face lotions
• Sun care products
• Hair removal products
• Shaving products
• Bath and body products
• Spa products
• Foot therapy products
• Massage products

Commercial Setting

In the past five years, sales growth for men’s grooming products has averaged nearly eight percent per year, reaching US$360 million.   The United States is a major supplier of cosmetics and toiletries to Canada, contributing up to 60 percent of its domestic market. American products are successful in Canada because of their strong brand image and high quality. Since 2003, the value of the Canadian dollar has significantly increased and this creates favorable conditions for U.S. exporters of cosmetics that wish to penetrate the Canadian market.

The metropolitan area of Montreal is one of the most active Canadian marketplaces in terms of demand for skincare and cosmetics products. The number of products available to men has greatly expanded in recent years and the demand for products made specifically for men will continue to attract both the young and the older generation.

Mission Goals

The goal of the Men’s Cosmetics and Skincare Trade Mission is to assist U.S. small and medium-sized cosmetics manufacturers with their trade development in Canada by providing professional business counseling and a cost-effective, low-risk, and hassle-free means to establish valuable long-term business contacts in Canada, the number one U.S. export market.   The target number of participants for this event is 10 U.S. companies.

Mission Scenario

The Men’s Cosmetics and Skincare Trade Mission is a two-day program, taking place in Montreal, Canada.   On day one, U.S. participants will take part in a working breakfast where they will receive up-to-date industry and government briefings.   The afternoon will start with a schedule of pre-arranged one-on-one business meetings.   Immediately following the last afternoon meeting, a networking reception will also provide participants with valuable exposure.   On day two, companies will have another half-day of pre-arranged one-on-one business meetings. The events for this mission will conclude at noon on Tuesday, March 17.

Timetable

Recruitment and Criteria for Participation

The Commercial Service Canada will recruit for this event with support from U.S. Export Assistance Centers, State Economic Development Offices, U.S. multipliers, and associations.   Promotion for this event will be handled by e-mail, direct mail, outbound calls, and outreach at local tradeshows.   The event will be listed on CS Canada’s home page, http://www.buyusa.gov/canada.   The cut off date for recruitment is February 1, 2005.   Applications received after that date will be considered only if space and scheduling constraints permit.

The criteria for participation are as follows:

• Receipt of completed Participation Agreement;
• Relevance of the company’s business line to mission goals;
• Potential for business in the Canadian market;
• Timeliness of the company’s completed application/registration material and payment of the mission participation fee of US$1000;
• Provision of adequate information on the company’s products and/or services and communication of the company’s primary objectives;
• Certification that the company meets the Department’s guidelines for participation;
• Certification that the goods and services to be marketed will be either (a) manufactured or produced in the United States; or (b) if manufactured or produced outside the United States, be marketed under the name of a U.S. firm and have U.S. content representing at least 51% of the value of the finished good or service.

Recruitment will be conducted in an open and public manner, including publication in the Federal Register, posting on the Internet, press releases to the general and trade media. Any partisan political activities of an applicant, including political contributions, will be entirely irrelevant to the selection process.  

Contact Information

Michèle Parent
Project Manager
U.S. Commercial Service, U.S. Consulate - Montreal
1155 Saint-Alexander Street
Montreal, QC H3B 3Z1
Tel:   514 / 398-9695, ext. 2274, direct line 514 / 908-3674
Fax:   514 / 398-0711
E-mail:   michele.parent@mail.doc.gov