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Tag: olive

  • Olive Young’s K-Beauty Brands Set to Conquer Europe with New Gabona Partnership

    Olive Young’s K-Beauty Brands Set to Conquer Europe with New Gabona Partnership

    Korean cosmetics firm, Olive Young, has recently revealed its collaboration with Poland’s Gabona, aiming to steer its product distribution across Europe. Gabona is now set to manage the distribution network of three of Olive Young’s signature brands: Bioheal Boh, Bringgreen, and Colorgram. Initially, the distribution will be centered in Poland, and then it will gradually expand its reach to other European countries.

    Olive Young has clarified that each brand will still preserve its current market position. This collaboration is a significant move in Olive Young’s overarching strategy to enhance the accessibility of its private brands to consumers beyond Korea. Moreover, it presents Gabona with an opportunity to augment its K-beauty collection in Europe via a well-planned, long-term distribution model.

    In 2025, Olive Young witnessed an unprecedented growth, with the firm’s Q3 sales skyrocketing to as high as US$1.07 billion. The company had earlier revealed that about 88% of the domestic cosmetic purchases under the Global Tax Free (GTF) program, generally done by tourists, were carried out at Olive Young stores in 2025.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the aim of Olive Young’s partnership with Gabona?
    The collaboration aims to facilitate the distribution of Olive Young’s products across Europe, starting with Poland.

    What impact will this partnership have on Olive Young and Gabona?
    This collaboration is a strategic move by Olive Young to enhance the global accessibility of its private brands, and it also allows Gabona to expand its K-beauty collection in Europe.

    What was Olive Young’s performance in the year 2025?
    The company saw record-breaking growth in 2025, with Q3 sales reaching US$1.07 billion.

  • CJ Olive Young & Sephora Join Forces to Propel K-Beauty Brands Globally: A Strategic Expansion in Key Markets

    CJ Olive Young & Sephora Join Forces to Propel K-Beauty Brands Globally: A Strategic Expansion in Key Markets

    CJ Olive Young, a leading beauty retailer in South Korea, has embarked on a significant global partnership with Sephora, an entity of LVMH, to broaden the international presence of Korean beauty brands. Their strategy primarily revolves around leveraging existing retail networks.

    The Launch of K-beauty Zones

    As part of the partnership agreement, Olive Young will curate dedicated Korean beauty (K-beauty) sections on Sephora’s online platforms and within select physical outlets. These areas are set to be launched in the latter half of the current year.

    Initial Rollouts and Future Expansion

    The initial phase of the rollout is anticipated in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Hong Kong, the United States, and Canada. This will then be followed by an expansion into additional markets in the subsequent year, including the United Kingdom, Australia, and the Middle East.

    Strategic Collaboration

    Youngah Lee, Chief Strategy Officer at CJ Olive Young, highlighted the global fascination with K-beauty as a driving force behind the partnership. Lee emphasized that this collaboration is a significant step towards enhancing the international presence of Korean beauty brands in key global markets.

    Olive Young’s Global Aspirations

    This partnership aligns with Olive Young’s larger international ambitions. The company also recently announced its intention to open its first standalone store in Los Angeles, United States, later this year as part of its expansion strategy.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the goal of the partnership between CJ Olive Young and Sephora?
    The partnership aims to expand the international presence of Korean beauty brands by leveraging Sephora’s established retail networks.

    When and where will the initial rollouts of the K-beauty zones take place?
    The initial rollout of the K-beauty zones on Sephora’s online platforms and selected physical stores is planned for the second half of this year in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Hong Kong, the US, and Canada.

    What are Olive Young’s broader international plans?
    Apart from the partnership with Sephora, Olive Young has also announced plans to open its first standalone store in Los Angeles, USA, sometime this year.

  • CJ Olive Young Revolutionizes Wellness with New ‘Olive Better’ Store Concept in South Korea

    CJ Olive Young Revolutionizes Wellness with New ‘Olive Better’ Store Concept in South Korea

    CJ Olive Young, a prominent beauty chain in South Korea, has plans to roll out Olive Better, a wellness-oriented retail concept, in January.

    Olive Better’s Debut

    The initial Olive Better branch will be located in Gwanghwamun, a critical business hub in the heart of Seoul. A subsequent outlet is slated for Gangnam – the city’s bustling commercial precinct. These specific sites are chosen with an aim to draw in office-goers, local inhabitants, and tourists who are interested in easily getting their hands on wellness goods as a part of their daily habits.

    Olive Better will revolve around endorsing regular health and wellness. The store will offer a well-thought-out assortment of ‘inner-beauty foods’, nutritional supplements, wholesome snacks, fitness aids, aromatherapy goods, sleep aids, oral hygiene products, and dermacosmetics.

    The selection is particularly targeted at consumers ranging from the mid-20s to mid-30s who are progressively viewing wellness as a crucial aspect of their lifestyle rather than a specialized category.

    Digital Expansion

    In addition to its physical presence, Olive Better will also be accessible via the Olive Young app and website, thereby proliferating the concept throughout the retailer’s digital platforms.

    Global Scaling

    This initiative springs up as Olive Young fast-tracks its worldwide growth. The retailer announced its intention to inaugurate its first store in the US and penetrate the UAE market just last month.

    The company has also experienced robust demand from tourists. Overseas visitors spent a whopping 1 trillion won (equating to US$680 million) at its brick-and-mortar stores around the nation from January to November, marking a 26-fold surge from 2022.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the Olive Better concept?
    Answer: Olive Better is a wellness-oriented retail concept by CJ Olive Young, aiming to make wellness products a part of consumers’ daily routines.

    Who is the target consumer for Olive Better?
    Answer: The target consumers for Olive Better are individuals in their mid-20s to mid-30s who view wellness as a core lifestyle priority.

    Is Olive Better planning any international expansion?
    Answer: Yes, Olive Young, the parent company, is planning global expansion with the opening of its first store in the US and entry into the UAE market.

  • K-Beauty Boom: CJ Olive Young Records Massive Surge in Tourist Spending

    K-Beauty Boom: CJ Olive Young Records Massive Surge in Tourist Spending

    CJ Olive Young, a South Korean retailer, has experienced a significant surge in sales from international patrons at its physical locations throughout the country. According to the company, between January and November, foreign visitors contributed to a staggering 1 trillion won (about US$680 million) in sales. This represents a twenty-six-fold jump compared to the previous year.

    Sales Figures Show Increasing Global Interest

    The company’s data reveals that sales to international customers, which accounted for roughly 2% of overall offline revenue in 2022, increased to approximately 10% in 2023. This year, these sales have exceeded 25%, demonstrating CJ Olive Young’s mounting allure to worldwide shoppers.

    The spokesperson for CJ Olive Young expressed the significance of achieving 1 trillion won in sales from international visitors. The spokesperson highlighted that it represents a collective accomplishment, achieved in partnership with small, medium-sized, and indie brands that have engaged with customers globally through CJ Olive Young.

    The company expressed its dedication to ensuring that K-beauty, or Korean beauty, is more than just a trend. They see it as a compelling reason for repeat visits to Korea and an integral component of the country’s domestic inbound tourism.

    High Patronage Under the Global Tax-Free Program

    The retailer further revealed that under the Global Tax-Free (GTF) program, a staggering 88% of domestic cosmetic purchases were made at CJ Olive Young outlets. This figure indicates that nearly nine out of every ten foreign shoppers prefer the chain. Moreover, tax refunds were claimed by visitors from 190 distinct nationalities at the retailer’s locations.

    The retailer also noted an increasing trend of foreign customers visiting multiple stores. Around 40% of these shoppers reportedly explore two or more locations to experience varying store layouts and curated product selections.

    Consumers Diversifying Their Purchases

    In addition to visiting multiple locations, international shoppers have also shown a growing interest in diversifying their purchases. According to company data, 58% of foreign shoppers buy products from six or more brands, and 33% make purchases from ten or more brands. This trend points towards a growing interest in a broad range of K-beauty products.

    Questions & Answers

    How much has CJ Olive Young’s sales to international customers increased?
    Sales from international customers have seen a twenty-six-fold increase compared to the previous year, with foreign visitors contributing to a staggering 1 trillion won (about US$680 million) in sales between January and November.

    What proportion of domestic cosmetic purchases under the GTF program were made at CJ Olive Young outlets?
    Under the Global Tax-Free (GTF) program, a substantial 88% of domestic cosmetic purchases were made at CJ Olive Young outlets.

    What shopping trends among foreign customers have been noted by CJ Olive Young?
    Foreign customers are increasingly visiting multiple store locations and diversifying their purchases. Around 58% buy from six or more brands, and 33% buy from ten or more brands, demonstrating a growing interest in a broad range of K-beauty products.

  • K-Beauty Powerhouse CJ Olive Young Breaks into US Market with First Store in California

    K-Beauty Powerhouse CJ Olive Young Breaks into US Market with First Store in California

    South Korean retailer CJ Olive Young has announced plans to expand into the North American market with the opening of its inaugural store in Pasadena, California, scheduled for May. This move signifies a calculated venture of K-beauty brands into the global market.

    A Showcase of K-beauty Brands

    The upcoming store, branded as a ‘K-Beauty Showcase,’ will offer an extensive collection of globally recognized K-beauty and skincare brands, as well as the latest in beauty and wellness trends. Additionally, the store will provide a selection of experiential services for customers.

    The company has been focusing its expansion efforts on premier fashion and beauty regions, a tactic that aims to appeal to the MZ generation. Pasadena fits this strategy, located approximately 18km northeast of downtown Los Angeles. It is known for attracting a substantial number of local, trend-conscious, high-income individuals.

    More Than Just A Store

    According to CJ Olive Young, their US debut has a significance that extends beyond merely opening an international store. The company’s overarching aim is to bolster the global competitiveness of the K-beauty industry via a ‘joint platform’ with CJ Olive Young. This strategic move will facilitate a direct link between local American consumers and burgeoning Korean beauty brands, ultimately fostering a synergy between online and offline shopping experiences.

    An Olive Young representative stated that the company plans to contribute to the sustainable globalization of the K-beauty industry. This will be achieved by spreading the growing interest in K-beauty worldwide to a more global consumer base, becoming a local hub for a diverse array of brands to expand overseas. The product selection will be thoughtfully curated to meet the preferences of its North American customers.

    Their ultimate goal is to transform CJ Olive Young into a global platform for beauty and wellness distribution, encompassing a wide range of brands from Korea and overseas.

    Future Expansion Plans

    Olive Young perceives the US as the world’s largest and most competitive beauty market, home to renowned retailers such as Sephora and Ulta Beauty. This strategic expansion aligns with the company’s announcement in February to set up additional stores in California by next year, including locations within Los Angeles Westfield shopping centers.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the significance of CJ Olive Young’s expansion into the US market?
    The expansion is not just about opening a store in a foreign market, but about promoting the global competitiveness of the K-beauty industry. The company aims to connect local American consumers directly with emerging Korean beauty brands.

    What kind of products will the new CJ Olive Young store offer?
    The store will offer an extensive collection of K-beauty and global skincare brands, as well as the latest beauty and wellness trends.

    What is Olive Young’s ultimate goal from this expansion?
    Olive Young aims to evolve into a global platform for beauty and wellness distribution, offering a diverse range of brands from Korea and overseas. They also plan to open additional stores in California by next year.

  • Cobram Estate’s sales surge after bumper olive crop

    Cobram Estate’s sales surge after bumper olive crop

    Listed Australian olive oil grower and processor Cobram Estate Olives, has recorded a 21 percent year-on-year boost in sales, to $169 million for the last financial year as its foray into the US pays off.

    The majority of the sales – $117 million – were from its Cobram Estate brand – the top-selling olive oil in Australian supermarkets – and its newer Red Island brand, which collectively rose by 17 percent.

    Sales of Cobram Estate in the US surged 69 percent and turnover in the market reached $43 million, up by 46 percent.

    In a results presentation, the company reported a higher-yielding crop last year to 12.5 million litres, offset by a lower margin as the price of producing packaged goods rose.

    However, looking forward, the company says the Australian olive oil crop is down this year, however, it still expects to have sufficient oil for its packaged goods targets.

    “The sales outlook remains positive, benefiting from a global shortage of olive oil and record high global prices of European olive oil flowing through to both Australia and the US,” the company said.

    Established in 1988, Cobram Estate Olives is Australia’s largest producer and marketer of premium quality extra virgin olive oil and owns more than 2.6 million olive trees across 7000ha of farmland in Victoria, and a further 334,000 trees on 558ha in California.

  • South Korean retailer CJ Olive Young to raise US$1 billion in local IPO

    South Korean retailer CJ Olive Young to raise US$1 billion in local IPO

    South Korean health and beauty chain CJ Olive Young is looking to raise around US$1 billion in an initial public offering, as the company seeks to tap a booming market for new listings.

    The listing, which two sources aware of the matter say is set to take place early next year, comes as Korean IPOs have raised $21.4 billion so far this year, almost seven times the amount raised a year earlier, according to Refinitiv data.

    CJ Olive Young has appointed Mirae Asset Securities and Morgan Stanley as the main underwriters on the transaction while KB Securities and Credit Suisse will act as co-underwriters, a spokesperson told Reuters.

    A $1 billion fundraising, slated for early next year, would be double the amount the company was expected to raise, according to some bankers.

    Mirae Asset Securities, Credit Suisse and Morgan Stanley declined to comment to Reuters. KB Securities did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

    CJ Olive Young has about 1200 stores across South Korea, and delivers its products through a global distribution platform to 150 countries, according to its website.

    It reported an operating profit of $84.4 million last year, the company’s filing showed. The largest shareholder is CJ Corp with a 55.24-per-cent stake as of December.

    So far this year, 92 companies have listed in Korea compared with 59 last year, driven by robust retail demand, Refinitiv data shows.

    E-commerce firm Coupang Inc raised $4.5 billion when it was listed in New York in March, while video-game developer Krafton Inc raised $3.7 billion in its July listing in Seoul.