Jurlique signs China distribution deal

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The Australian skincare company is to expand distribution to high-end department stores

Australian organic and biodynamic skincare company Jurlique has signed a five-year exclusive distribution agreement for mainland China with skincare and fragrances distributor Heng Cheng Industry Development Co.

Heng Cheng is a leading distributor of skincare and fragrance brands in China, with brands such as Clarins, Guerlain, Elizabeth Arden, Giorgio Armani, Emporio Armani and Ralph Lauren.

Jurlique general manager international Peter Stockdale said: “Until now Jurlique has had a cult following in the spa market in China. Our relationship with Heng Cheng will now allow us to bring our organic and biodynamic skincare to a broader Chinese customer base as we expand distribution into high-end department stores, flagship stores and speciality chains in the next few years.”

But the deal will also have ramifications for Jurlique well beyond the Chinese borders, he said. “While we expect to have more than 300 points of sale across 40 cities in China within the next five years, we also expect a significant knock-on effect for our rapidly-expanding duty-free business in China and around the region. The outbound Chinese tourist will be a big phenomenon in the next 20 years and Jurlique is now well placed at most airports and downtown stores in the region to take advantage of this trend. As our brand awareness in China grows so too will our duty-free business in the region.”

Jurlique plans to open three new department store counters in Beijing and Shanghai in the first quarter of 2009.