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British Beauty Festival Prepares for Landmark China Debut - British Beauty Council
The British Beauty Council is set to launch the inaugural British Beauty Festival (BBF) in Shanghai in April 2026, marking a landmark entry into China’s fast-growing beauty and wellness market. The initiative is delivered in partnership with the UK Department for Business and Trade (DBT) and Chrysalis Beauty, aiming to bring top British beauty offerings to one of the world’s most dynamic consumer markets.
Designed to highlight the innovation, creativity and diversity of the UK beauty sector, the festival will serve as a key platform for British brands to engage with China’s sophisticated and highly engaged audience. As global demand for authentic, high-quality British beauty products continues to rise, China stands as a critical growth opportunity for UK players.
Millie Kendall OBE, chief executive officer of the British Beauty Council, noted that demand for British brands redefining modern luxury through a distinct British perspective is stronger than ever in China. She emphasized that the festival will not only showcase products but also champion core British beauty values, including heritage, innovation, sustainability, ethical production and inclusive design, while facilitating direct connections between UK brands and Chinese consumers.
Sohail Shaikh, HM Deputy Trade Commissioner for China, highlighted China’s status as one of the world’s largest beauty and personal care markets, with an estimated retail value of nearly £60 billion. He pointed out that the market’s scale, rapid premiumisation and advanced digital ecosystem present significant opportunities for British brands, particularly those with strengths in innovation, scientific expertise, sustainability, heritage and trusted quality.
The festival will feature a curated lineup of over 20 established and emerging British brands spanning skincare, wellness, fragrance, haircare, colour cosmetics and beauty technology. Several of these brands will make their debut in the Chinese market through the event, underscoring the festival’s role as a launchpad for UK beauty players looking to expand internationally.
Designed to highlight the innovation, creativity and diversity of the UK beauty sector, the festival will serve as a key platform for British brands to engage with China’s sophisticated and highly engaged audience. As global demand for authentic, high-quality British beauty products continues to rise, China stands as a critical growth opportunity for UK players.
Millie Kendall OBE, chief executive officer of the British Beauty Council, noted that demand for British brands redefining modern luxury through a distinct British perspective is stronger than ever in China. She emphasized that the festival will not only showcase products but also champion core British beauty values, including heritage, innovation, sustainability, ethical production and inclusive design, while facilitating direct connections between UK brands and Chinese consumers.
Sohail Shaikh, HM Deputy Trade Commissioner for China, highlighted China’s status as one of the world’s largest beauty and personal care markets, with an estimated retail value of nearly £60 billion. He pointed out that the market’s scale, rapid premiumisation and advanced digital ecosystem present significant opportunities for British brands, particularly those with strengths in innovation, scientific expertise, sustainability, heritage and trusted quality.
The festival will feature a curated lineup of over 20 established and emerging British brands spanning skincare, wellness, fragrance, haircare, colour cosmetics and beauty technology. Several of these brands will make their debut in the Chinese market through the event, underscoring the festival’s role as a launchpad for UK beauty players looking to expand internationally.