Shiseido celebrates the establishment of its wholly-owned subsidiary ‘Shiseido India Private Limited’ in Mumbai, India with a corporate launch event held at the Taj Mahal Hotel.



Officially established and announced in July, 2013, the new business initiative is part of the company’s ‘Asian Breakthrough Strategy’ that focuses on growth in the region. India, which boasts a bourgeoning beauty market, is expected to grow significantly in the coming years. With the establishment of the Indian subsidiary, Shiseido intends to pursue its steady growth strategy by maintaining its active investment not only in established markets but also in emerging markets.



Shiseido India plans to mark its presence in the country with the upcoming launch of its skincare and makeup brand ‘Za’ (pronounced zee-ei), which is currently present in 12 markets worldwide. One of Shiseido’s global mega-brands, it initially launched in Asia in 1997, expanding to Japan in September 2012 and recently entered the Philippines in June 2013. The brand will launch in the second quarter of the year with plans to be offered in 250 doors by the end of 2014.



In India, the brand will be positioned as a highly aspirational skincare and makeup brand within the local premium segment, appealing to the contemporary urban woman in India, primarily from 20 – 35 years old.



The global Shiseido brand has been present in the Indian market since 2001 through the local distributor ‘Baccarose Perfumes & Beauty Products Pvt. Ltd.’ that focuses on the luxury segment and will remain under the stewardship of the company. Currently available at over 30 high-end department stores, the global Shiseido brand has recorded steady sales performance. In 2002, Shiseido launched Issey Miyake and other designer fragrances produced by its wholly-owned French subsidiary Beauté Prestige International through the Indian distributor. The fragrances are currently available at some 120 stores across India.



Commenting on the initiatives, Mr. Yu Okazawa - Corporate Executive Officer & Director of the Board at Shiseido Co. Ltd.; says, “India is a strategic market for the company.  Having been present since 2001, Shiseido aims to further strengthen its foothold with the entry of Za. We are proud of the milestones Baccarose has achieved to date and look forward to further growth. With an optimistic forecast for long-term growth, I am wholly confident that Za has high potential for success in the Indian market.”



Shiseido totals over $7 billion in annual sales and has presence in 121 countries and regions.