International Trade and "Local"​ Brands - not what you thought.

Israeli cosmetics - case study.

The Dead Sea is one of 7 World's Nature Wonders. Located in Israel, more than 400 meters below sea level, it's both local and an International tourist attraction.

Besides that, it is also a true gold mine. It has been harvested for minerals (phosphates and others) for various industries - and those have been exported globally - but this is not today's story.

Today we'll talk about an interesting episode in the Global Trade, International Business and Sales - and Local brand - using the Cosmetics industry as an example.

The "Dead Sea Cosmetics" is a huge industry, rolling billions of $ year - and, as the name suggests - it [should] originate from the Dead Sea. In Israel. There are dozens of brands, exporting, out of Israel, all over the globe, with "Ahava" being the most known.

"Sea of Spa"'s Essential Dead Sea Treatment Bio-Mud Body Lotion.

However, in the 21st century, being a "local" product / brand no longer means that the product has actually originated from the specified country. I first encountered this in Kiev, Ukraine, where I was trying to buy a traditionally embroidered shirt - and all those shirts where made in Turkey.

In today's Global world, costs of development and production are calculated - and impact the location of the manufacturing desiccation. This is known to all - but the unknown is the scale this has taken.

Dutch tulips are grown in Ethiopia. Israeli bell peppers are grown in Kenya. Korean cellphones are manufactured in Israel... And now - some of the "Dead Sea" cosmetics are made in:

"Made in the PRC". That would be People's Republic of China.

There are ongoing shifts in Global HR abilities - not just the pay and manufacturing, but also the development and research capabilities (SaaS companies in Eastern Europe or Pharmaceutical Research in India are just to name a few).

Those shifts are creating very interesting possibilities for those who dare. New "legs" in the supply chain, new QA / QC options and tech, new pricing structures ...

.... and most important - SHIFT in International Sales, Trade and Business Strategies. Shift which now allows you to reach NEW markets - markets which where previously inaccessible.

I wish you successful Sales and Happy Markets!

Tal Paperin. KSW Solutions - your gateway to Global Success.