Since we started in 1999, The STC team have made an annual pilgrimage to Bologna in Italy to exhibit bath and body products. Cosmoprof is huge event in our trading calendar, where we showcase our existing and new collections to the world. Planning of the show begins a year ahead and is a big investment in terms of time and money, from the initial design, build of the trade stand to organising of the travel and accommodation.
Cosmoprof Wolrdwide Bologna
Usually held in March, Cosmoprof Worldwide Bologna is one of the largest and most important international trade shows for the beauty and cosmetics industry, held every year in Bologna, Italy. Hundreds of brands exhibit their latest products (from skincare, to haircare and fragrance, packaging and wellness). There are typically over 3,000 exhibitors and 250,000 visitors from over 150 countries worldwide, so it can be very crowed at times!
It’s important to us, as it’s the place where international clients, buyers, retailers and distributors can visit our trade stand to discover our new products and catch up. It’s also a great place for our New Product Development (NPD) team to seek out upcoming trends and connect with potential suppliers. So, the NPD team spend many hours walking the show gathering ideas and connections, therefore comfortable shoes are a must!
Networking between distributors, manufacturers, and industry professionals is a key part of the show along with the opportunity to identify innovation within the global beauty market. The networking isn’t limited to the daytime show, as meetings over delicious food continues into the night within the city. Bologna is often known as “La Grassa” (meaning “the fat one”) because of its incredible cuisine and famous dishes of Bolonese and Mortadella. We'll often end the evening with a night cap at the Irish Bar (commonly known as the office).
Bologna, Italy
Bologna is a city in central northern Italy, a 2-hour flight from the UK and close to the Apennine Mountains. Less of a typical tourist hotspot, Bologna is one of Italy’s most underrated cities. Imagine terracotta buildings and medieval streets, miles of covered walkways (porticoes) with a lively buzz - thanks to one of Europe’s oldest universities. It’s bursting with culture, cafes and history including a stunning piazza (perfect stop for an Aperol Spritz) and if you’re feeling more energetic, you can climb historic towers and visit Renaissance architecture. Bologna is also a great base to visit other Italian cities, such as Florence, Milan and Venice easily via train.
Cosmoprof is a key global meeting point for the beauty industry where deals are made, trends are spotted early, and brands expand into international markets. In short: it’s like a global hub for everything beauty, bringing the industry together in one place each year and it's been a huge part of our journey as a business.
For us, it’s a tradition where the team work hard and possibly play harder! We have so many memories and stories over the years, none of which should ever be documented. So even if you’re not in the beauty industry, we’d certainly recommend a visit to beautiful Bologna.
View our trade show calendar and view our current trade brochure here.