Consumer Staples

<h2 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Q1. Could you</span><span data-preserver-spaces="true"> start by giving us a brief overview of your professional background, </span><span data-preserver-spaces="true">particularly</span><span data-preserver-spaces="true"> focusing on your expertise in the industr</span><span data-preserver-spaces="true">y?</span></span></h2><p style="text-align: justify;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">I am a consultant and advisor to the Cosmetic &amp; Beauty industry with a combined experience of 31 years as an Entrepreneur, Academician, Educator, and Skin. I am an Expert in Cosmetic and Beauty Product Design Formulation and Research. A Doctorate in Cosmetic Science and Technology with an add on Post graduate Degree in Quality Assurance of Cosmetics and another one in Marketing &amp; Sales Management. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">I began my career as a Chemist in a well-known organization and </span><span data-preserver-spaces="true">moved on to become</span><span data-preserver-spaces="true"> an entrepreneur, academician, and consultant in the industry.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">During my vast journey playing different roles, I have garnered rich experience in the field, designing and developing more than 450 product formulations for 50+ brands (private labels and start-ups) globally. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">As an academician </span><span data-preserver-spaces="true">teaching</span><span data-preserver-spaces="true"> Postgraduate students for 20 years, I have 13 research publications in various journals, about 10+ Research presentations, 20+ Research Projects, and 2 research articles in Research books to my credit.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">I am a member of ISCC (Indian Society of Cosmetic Chemists) and a member of the Clinical Research Committee with a Cancer Hospital HCG.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Over the past thirty years, I have executed several research projects for well-known brands and companies, designed niche and innovative products for brands and start-ups, and played key roles such as Tech head/ CTO, Project Consultant, etc. for many beauty brands.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;</p><h2 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true">Q2. What are some efficient strategies to reduce costs in the production of skincare products without compromising quality or service levels?</span></h2><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Low energy processing in w/o emulsions and products where water is in </span><span data-preserver-spaces="true">larger</span><span data-preserver-spaces="true"> quantities</span></li><li><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Avoiding unnecessary ingredients just for claims</span></li><li><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Avoiding the use of multiple ingredients with similar effects</span></li><li><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Minimalistic approach in ingredient selection while </span><span data-preserver-spaces="true">maximising</span><span data-preserver-spaces="true"> efficacy with the </span><span data-preserver-spaces="true">right</span><span data-preserver-spaces="true"> selection</span></li></ul><p style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;</p><h2 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true">Q3. How do you ensure a seamless flow of materials and products through the supply chain?</span></h2><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Inventory and effective store management</span></li><li><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Sales forecasting</span></li></ul><p style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;</p><h2 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true">Q4. Are there recent or planned investments in skincare technology to improve the operational efficiency of the supply chain?</span></h2><p style="text-align: justify;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">I think the use of AI can be a great support there.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;</p><h2 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true">Q5. How can a skincare product adapt to changing consumer needs?</span></h2><p style="text-align: justify;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">The most important consideration is the changing weather </span><span data-preserver-spaces="true">which</span><span data-preserver-spaces="true"> affects the skin most. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Then, </span><span data-preserver-spaces="true">mutations in diseases</span><span data-preserver-spaces="true"> cause frequent and drastic changes in skin condition and type.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">The shift in aging:</span><span data-preserver-spaces="true"> Now, the skin is changing and aging faster than before due to overexposure to products, pollution, the environment, and nutrition.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">The dietary changes and the environmental/climate changes happening.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">These are, in my opinion, the top considerations to be taken into account to meet consumer needs in today&rsquo;s ever-evolving times.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;</p><h2 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true">Q6. What are some challenges faced in the development of new skincare products?</span></h2><p style="text-align: justify;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Same as above.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">In addition, &nbsp;though the world is shrinking and has become more accessible, political, climatic, and health hazards have become a </span><span data-preserver-spaces="true">big</span><span data-preserver-spaces="true"> deciding factor in product creation and design. To state this better with an example would be that the Cosmetic industry is/was highly dependent on China for its RM &amp; </span><span data-preserver-spaces="true">ACI&rsquo;s</span><span data-preserver-spaces="true">.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">In </span><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Covid</span><span data-preserver-spaces="true">, when the markets closed, production was put at a big halt for a brief period, and raw material prices hiked, which led to a big jump in final cost and the cost-benefit ratio.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Similarly, the wars going on have impacted overall distribution and market reach.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;</p><h2 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;" data-preserver-spaces="true">Q7. If you were an investor looking at companies within the space, what critical question would you pose to their senior management?</span></h2><p style="text-align: justify;"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Road</span><span data-preserver-spaces="true"> map to Sustainability post breakeven is what I would seek and </span><span data-preserver-spaces="true">ask !</span></p><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Brands come in at the drop of a hat, but what is their shelf life?</span></li><li><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Do have the mettle to be able to stand tall there for a substantial period of time to reach a breakeven? </span></li><li><span data-preserver-spaces="true">And what is the life span they foresee for their brand, and what is the realistic plan to survive in the </span><span data-preserver-spaces="true">jungle ?</span></li></ul><p style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;</p>