Cosmoprof Worldwide Bologna becoming increasingly global

The press conference for the 57th edition of Cosmoprof, taking place March 26-29 in Bologna, was held yesterday, 18 February, in a packed conference room at the Palazzo dell’Informazione in Milan.
Recognized as the global hub of the beauty industry, the event strengthens its strategic role as an international business platform for all players in the cosmetics supply chain.

“It is here that the global beauty industry meets not only to showcase products and solutions, but also to interpret market changes, anticipate trends, and build connections that continue to generate value throughout the year,” said Gianpiero Calzolari, President of BolognaFiere.

 
The 2026 edition promises high expectations: more than 250,000 visitors are anticipated, alongside over 3,000 exhibitors from 64 countries representing over 10,000 brands, with new exhibitors accounting for 37% of the total. The geographical distribution of exhibitors remains robust and balanced: 56% come from European countries, 20% from Italy, and 44% from non-European markets. Thirty-two national pavilions will be featured, including new delegations from Saudi Arabia, Belgium, Portugal, and Hungary.

Cosmetic Packaging Technologies at Hall 19

Cosmopack, a cornerstone of the international supply chain, will host more than 600 companies from 37 countries. The exhibition will occupy Hall 19, featuring a strengthened machinery sector — with over 90 companies — alongside new players active in robotics, digital services, and logistics, as well as supply chain companies from the national pavilions of Korea, India, and Poland.
Cosmopack will also be present in Halls 15, 18, 15A, and 28 with solutions in contract manufacturing, private label, primary and secondary packaging, and accessories.

International appeal

The conference highlighted that Cosmoprof’s international reach is no accident, but the result of a structured and continuous effort based on long-standing partnerships, market insight, and strategic planning. With the support of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and ITA – Italian Trade Agency, the 2026 edition will host delegations from North America, the Middle East, the Gulf, Africa, and Asia-Pacific, strengthening global dialogue between supply and demand.

A visitor-centric format

The visitor-centric approach is increasingly marked by integrated digital solutions, matchmaking platforms, and tools like Cosmoprof My Match, enabling B2B meetings to be scheduled directly at the exhibition. Strategic spaces such as the Buyer Lounges in Halls 14 and 36 will host international buyers from premium, prestige, and mass market channels.

The Italian sector soars to €17.4 billion

Benedetto Lavino, President of Cosmetica Italia, a long-standing partner of Cosmoprof, highlighted the event’s key role for the Italian sector: “The supply chain generates more than €41 billion in value and identifies internationalization, digital transformation, and the adoption of artificial intelligence, as well as sustainability, as the main drivers of growth for 2026.”

According to the Association’s estimates, in 2025 the sector is expected to reach €17.4 billion in turnover (+5.5% average growth over the last ten years). Export remains a key driver, with Italy ranking as the fourth-largest global exporter and recording an average growth of 9% over the last decade. The sector is also distinguished by its capacity to invest: 6% of turnover is devoted to innovation and R&D (double the national average).

Global market and trends

According to Euromonitor International, the global beauty market is set to reach €587 billion in 2025, showing steady growth compared to 2023 and 2024, driven by rising average prices, product innovation, and increasing demand for quality, performance, and specialization. Expansion is driven by premium, prestige, and dermocosmetic segments, which display stronger dynamics than the mass market, reflecting consumers’ willingness to invest in high value-added solutions, wellness, and self-care. Key categories such as skincare, haircare, and fragrances continue to show positive performance.

In this context, 2026 is expected to be a year of further consolidation, with moderate but stable growth prospects focused on qualitative market evolution rather than mere volume expansion. The fragrance segment remains one of the most resilient and aspirational pillars of the beauty market, playing an increasingly central role in value creation.
Globally, fragrances continue to benefit from strong premiumization trends, ranking among the most dynamic categories in beauty thanks to high consumer spending and strong emotional engagement. The sector fully aligns with the growth of premium and prestige beauty, driven by olfactory innovation, brand storytelling, and the increasing relevance of fragrances as identity-driven and collectible objects.