Cosmetitrovo and Be Indie Community: The Beauty Industry Speed Date

Cosmetitrovo and Be Indie Community joined forces to organize their first Speed Date event, dedicated to brands, raw material suppliers, third-party manufacturers, and consultants in the cosmetics industry. In an increasingly digital world, we chose to return – even if just for a day – to the roots of human connections, offering an opportunity for in-person meetings and networking.

The event took place in Milan at the fascinating and historically rich Magna Pars Hotel, which stands on the foundations of the historic Marvin company, founded in the 1940s by Vincenzo Martone. Initially specialized in the production of pharmaceuticals, the company later expanded its operations into the creation of perfumes for renowned Italian fashion houses, becoming ICR, now based in Lodi and a key player in the beauty industry. Today, this space houses the heart of the LABSOLUE olfactory laboratory, a project initiated by Giorgia Martone, the founder's granddaughter, who aimed to revive her family’s historic fragrances. LABSOLUE is not only a celebration of the art of perfumery but also a tribute to the memory of Giorgia, who passed away prematurely, adding a touch of emotion and reflection to this unique setting.

The Speed Date: how it works

During the Speed Date, we created a direct and dynamic networking opportunity. The goal? To give participants the chance to meet, exchange ideas, and explore potential collaborations quickly but effectively. Each pair of professionals had just a few minutes to introduce themselves, explore new synergies, and initiate relationships that could develop into future partnerships. This short yet intense format made the experience highly engaging, allowing attendees to maximize their connections in a short amount of time.

The Categories and Their Roles

The event saw the participation of key categories within the cosmetics industry, each playing a strategic role in the supply chain:

Services and Consultancies: These professionals are a cornerstone for the success of beauty companies. The attending consultants included experts in regulation, logistics, training, certification, research and development, and bespoke cosmetics production. Companies like Microna, QCertificazioni, and Playcare, along with Kialab, Etichub, Scienza Cosmetica, and Adeco, provided invaluable support to ensure brands maintain high standards, both in production and regulatory compliance. Their presence highlighted the essential role of expert partners in building competitive products that meet market requirements.

Raw Material Suppliers: The quality of raw materials is essential for any beauty project. During the Speed Date, brands had the opportunity to meet some of the key suppliers featured in Cosmetitrovo’s catalog, including Shahwan, URAI, Lavanda 667, and ProdottiGianni. Positioned at the heart of an ever-evolving supply chain, these suppliers are equipped to meet the growing demands for transparency and sustainability—crucial elements for brands aiming to stand out and attract a more conscious audience.

Contract Manufacturers: These companies form the backbone of many brands that do not manage their own production in-house. Businesses like Laboratorio Terapeutico M.R., AMP Biotec, Laboteca, Ce.is.Co, SAM-Società Agricola Moldoi, iformulatori, and LymphaeLab demonstrated how their support is essential in transforming a brand's ideas into real products. Relying on contract manufacturers allows brands to focus on research, development, and marketing, while leaving production in the hands of experts who ensure efficiency and quality. Partnering with reliable contract manufacturers is often the key to scaling a business while maintaining high production standards.
Brands: At the heart of the event were the brands themselves. Companies such as Arielle Cosmetics, BEEMEA, Eksclusive, Lagalene, and Luce Oro had the opportunity to not only engage with suppliers but also network with other brands and consultants, fostering unique synergies. In an increasingly competitive market, these brands are working hard to offer innovative, high-quality products, driven by a passion for Made in Italy excellence in the beauty sector.
Special Guests: We had the honor of welcoming Anna Caldiroli, scientific director of Cosmetic Technology magazine from CEC Editore, a publishing house specializing in technical-scientific magazines and books within the cosmetic and nutraceutical fields, and Alberto Variati from Variati, one of the leading suppliers of raw materials for the cosmetic and nutritional industries. Variati offers a complete service that includes ingredient selection, technical consultancy, and regulatory support.

A Formula that connects

The concept behind the event was simple yet powerful: bringing human connections to life in an increasingly digital world. Cosmetitrovo was founded three years ago as an always-active virtual platform to facilitate connections between supply and demand in the cosmetic sector. However, we firmly believe that the most solid and lasting business relationships require personal interaction, with online meetings offering speed and a wide range of options serving only as the starting point.

This event embodied that very philosophy: the importance of direct dialogue and face-to-face exchanges to build real and meaningful relationships.

The collaboration with Be Indie Community, founded by Giulia Paladini, was essential in making the Speed Date even more meaningful. Established in 2023, Be Indie is the first community dedicated to independent Italian beauty brands, with a mission to connect female entrepreneurs in the industry and promote the value of Made in Italy. Their vision aligned perfectly with that of Cosmetitrovo, helping to create an event that brought together two complementary worlds: the brands and the suppliers.