Local cosmetics brand aims for halal inclusion

Prior to developing allorganic product options, a homegrown cosmetics brand is now prioritizing the inclusion of its products to Halal options.

GT Cosmetics Manufacturing Inc., founder Leonora B. Salvane announced that the company is investing heavily in putting their products in the fast growing Halal market, especially that it has seen a good growth pattern in the Arab market, as well as in other Muslim-dense areas.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is again calling the attention of Filipino food manufacturers to speed up their adaption to producing halal products.

Recently, the Philippine government through the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) reiterated its call for Filipino manufacturers to speed up their adaption of Halal certified products, the Philippines has yet to scratch the surface of this US$3.2 -trillion global halal market, said DTI secretary Ramon Lopez.

At present, the Philippines only supplies less than one percent of the world market.

While GT Cosmetics products are all natural, and not yet certified organic, the brand has been able to tap the equally growing healthconscious consumers.

Salvane, who used to be an employee of NCH Philippines, has kept her former employer as supplier for GT Manufacturing Inc., and its other subsidiaries, is now working double time to take advantage of the high interest of global consumers in fruit-based beauty products with Halal certification.

GT Cosmetics sees fast export growth in Japan and United Arab Emirates (UAE) markets. Salvane said that while the domestic market for naturally-processed cosmetics continues to be lucrative, the export market is also showing good prospects.

Already, GT Cosmetics product lines have been available in the United States, Canada, Korea, Middle East, Singapore, as well as Nigeria, but the emerging markets that register surprising growth is Japan and UAE.

GT Cosmetics Manufacturing Inc., employs over 300 people. Its production system is following the ASEAN Directive, an agreement on the ASEAN Harmonized Cosmetic Regulatory Scheme.