The Polish company YOPE strengthens its footing on foreign markets

Spain is one of the largest recipients of cosmetics from Poland. It is also the fifth largest cosmetics market in the European Union. About 400 companies representing this industry operate there. These are mainly small and medium-sized companies, which constitute nearly 85 percent all cosmetic companies. Last year, Spain imported cosmetics worth 3.34 billion Euros. Although the Spanish cosmetics sector has recorded a positive foreign trade balance for almost 15 years, Polish cosmetics have their place on Spanish shelves. Importantly, last year, expenditure on cosmetics in Spain increased by 2.6% y/y, reaching over EUR 8 billion and the result of EUR 170 per person, with the European average being EUR 140.

We are very pleased with the success of another Polish company, which, despite the relatively high saturation of the Spanish market with cosmetic products and competition from local and foreign companies, gains the trust of local distributors and customers. YOPE's cooperation with the Spanish distributer began, thanks to the trade mission organized by PAIH in cooperation with the Polish-Spanish Chamber of Commerce, in 2019. During which, B2B meetings with Polish producers took place in Poland, as well as visits to Polish factories. We are glad that the mission has resulted in further Polish-Spanish contracts, which we are glad to report. This cooperation guarantees YOPE access to new sales channels and, importantly, the introduction of the Polish brand’s cosmetics to the chain of perfumeries and drugstores. This will certainly increase the value of the cooperation in the long term - says Wojciech Łopatkiewicz, head of PAIH’s office in Madrid.

The famous Polish brand of natural cosmetics and cleaning products is expanding not only in Europe. YOPE cosmetics are also available in Asia and North America. When establishing cooperation with new distributors from around the world, the company is often supported by the Polish Investment and Trade Agency. As part of another contract, YOPE products began being exported to Spain in February of this year.

The Spanish market has always been one of our strategic directions for expansion. Our first products appeared in Spanish stores a few years ago. This year, we started long-term cooperation with a new partner. We plan to expand all distribution channels with YOPE’s full range of products. It was PAIH that helped us establish this valuable relationship. We can firmly say that the Spanish market is open to Polish cosmetic products, in particular those that are natural and environmentally friendly. Our products contain up to 99 percent natural ingredients - says Ganna Surkova,YOPE’s Export Manager.

Polish companies ready to export

PAIH’s experts emphasize that for several years they have been observing the dynamic growth of the Spanish cosmetics and perfumery market. This trend creates new opportunities for expansion for Polish companies that already have a strong position in Poland.

- The Polish cosmetics industry has been booming for several years and despite strong competition on the European market, Polish manufacturers manage to win new customers. Entry on to Spain’s market, a leading country in the EU for cosmetic production, is without doubt a great success. Especially during the ongoing pandemic and world trade restrictions, which also severely affected the cosmetics industry and translated into declines in sales. Last year, however, Polish companies proved that thanks to their flexibility in the field of production and openness to changes in the way commercial activities are conducted - especially online - they are able to react quickly and adapt to new market realities. We are glad that, as PAIH, we can support their expansion - sums up Maja Justyna, PAIH’s Enterprise Service Center Manager, responsible for among other things, the cosmetics industry.

YOPE is a family business started in 2014. As its creators explain, the idea for the brand came from identifying a need. The founders were looking for natural products of good quality and at an affordable price for their family. Production started with soaps, and now the company's portfolio also includes gels, lotions, hand creams, children's products and those for the home. YOPE focuses on continuous development, which is why it has already announced a completely new category of products that will soon appear in the company's range.

About the Polish Investment and Trade Agency

The Polish Investment and Trade Agency (PAIH) is an advisory institution operating in cooperation with the Polish Development Fund Group (PFR) under the leadership of the Ministry of Development, Labor and Technology. PAIH is the first point of contact for exporters and investors. It operates both in Poland and through a network of offices around the world. It strengthens the recognition of Polish brands on international markets, promotes domestic products and services as well as technological solutions created in Poland. The agency helps entrepreneurs choose their optimal expansion path abroad. It also supports the inflow of direct foreign investments to Poland and the implementation of Polish investments in the country. PAIH cooperates with the public sector and regional partners, offering, among other things: training, audit and promotion of investment properties, cooperation in the organization of business missions and communication support in the implementation of joint projects.