Lancaster brand eyes expansion opportunities for sun care

Tina Milton

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The group's latest sun care product, Precious Sun, may be the first of many launches if Lancaster's strategic vision for Asia and North America comes into fruition

The Lancaster brand is examining opportunities for its sun care range across Asia and North America. senior vice-president cosmetics and Americas licences Catherine Walsh told RavenFox.com: ?We do not have a sun care range in the US at the moment as it is regulated by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) which recognises a different set of filters from those used in our products. It's virtually impossible to have just one product in sun care because there are different restrictions on filters in each region.?

However, the group does have a presence in Latin America and plans to grow its hold in the region throughout Mexico, Brazil and Argentina. The brand also revealed its strategy in Chile, where its sun care range will be introduced in domestic and travel-retail markets in the first quarter of next year.

The news comes as the Lancaster brand launched its latest sun care offer for the face, Precious Sun, at the Sainte Anne resort in the Seychelles.

Walsh told RavenFox.com: ?It's a complete answer for anti-ageing needs. It's a scientific breakthrough we are very proud of. Our goal is to be number one in the sun care marketplace and this share will grow the overall skincare category.?

Precious Sun will be launched into key airports in the spring priced at Eu80 ($107). The range include SPF 8, 15 and 30 and an After Sun Cellular Support product. Precious Sun features a triple defence system at the skin's surface, the epidermis and in the dermis and incorporates DNA repair.

?Customers who are buying La Prairie skincare products are probably interested in buying this range,? said Walsh. ?Consumers in the UK, Australia and the US are obsessed with sun care and it's becoming more serious everywhere. We will promote Precious Sun in the summer season and then link it with skincare on a permanent basis."

Skincare and sun care each take a 36% share of sales at the Lancaster brand. Fragrances account for 7% with colour cosmetics taking the remainder.