Cossma1607-08_GB

photos: L’Occitane Take-off forProvençalbrand Interview | CEO Reinold Geiger explains what made L’Occitane, a Provençal brand with nearly 3,000 global retail locations, conquer the world during the past 40 years. plants growing wild in the fields, such as rosemary and lavender. He then added a shower gel, shampoos, and a body cream. To- day we have a complete range with skin care and perfumes. What are the brand’s most inno- vative products? The Shea Butter Hand Cream con- tains 20% shea butter and, when- ever judged by consumers, is al- ways considered as being outstanding. This is due to the fact that shea butter has excep- tional properties – it moisturises, protects and penetrates into the skin immediately. The shea but- ter from Burkina Faso is harvest- ed in a sustainable and fair trade partnership with the women who produce it. When it is applied, it provides a pleasant skin feel. The Divine Face Cream is another ex- ample. This product is very effi- cient and pleasant to use because of its anti-ageing properties of im- mortelle, the main ingredient of this product. Over ten years ago, our research team revealed and patented the anti-ageing powers of Corsican immortelle – the only variety that contains a very high concentration of active ingredi- ents. The complete Almond Collection is popular, too, as almonds have all the relevant properties you can ask for. We have harnessed the toning power of almond from the south of France and integrat- ed it in body treatments and toi- letries which are pleasant to use. How has the distribution changed in the past 40 years? For the first 20 years, the prod- ucts were mainly sold in tradi- tional distribution. 20 years ago we started opening stores and to- day we have close to 3,000 stores worldwide. In addition, we con- tinue the wholesale activity in COSSMA: In what way is the brand offering different from that of competitors? Reinold Geiger, CEO L’Occitane: It is the only significant brand in- spired by Provence. In Provence, there is a unique tradition dating from the middle ages of making perfumes and scented cosmetics based on natural ingredients. This is due to the fact that the in- gredients needed for these prod- ucts naturally grow in this area. In what way has the product portfolio changed in the course of 40 years? Olivier Baussan, the founder, started making essential oils with spec tion grow year Wh ston The dev Ran of a abo citie the Kon deve ucts mor year 8 ye Wh bran natu We cien The only signifi- cant brand inspired by Provence ESSENTIAL OILS from Provençal plants infuse shampoos, body creams, skin care and perfumes PERSONALITIES & PROFILES 54  l  COSSMA 7–8 I 2016 Interview partner: Reinold Geiger, CEO, L’Occitane, Geneva, Switzerland www.loccitane.com N N DO Add ww You Use Pas COS1607_54_INT_Loccitane.indd 54 25.07.16 15:51 COS1607_54_INT_Loccitane.indd 5425.07.1615:51

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