Brazilian Perfume with French accent

Three entrepreneurs chose Rio de Janeiro to inspire the creation of a brand of perfumes for Brazilian luxury segment. After a year of research and development to find the fragrances in December 2012, Marc Hofmann, Bettina Haegler and Mariana Birchall launched the l'Eau de Riô.
Five colonies, baptized of Botanical Garden, Paraty, Ipanema, AV. Atlantica and Pedra Bonita, are only sold in perfumeries, dividing the shelves with large international brands in this segment, such as Kenzo, Armani or Donna Karan. In addition, in-store Sephora and in Dufry units in airports.
The fragrances, unisex, were developed in partnership with one of the largest companies in the sector, Firmenich, multinational aromas and essences, which is responsible for several of the best known perfumes in the world. The search was for a scent with what they call the "face of the river": "light, fresh, cool, elegant, without being a snob."
According to Hofmann, the idea picked up aromas which refer to the lifestyle of the River, as well as the cities of Paris, New York and Rome already have their cosmetic lines. "But we knew that to succeed in this industry would need to create partnerships with the leading experts in perfumery," he says. His families and partner Bettina Swiss are and have relationship with Firmenich.
Hofmann has worked with start-ups and companies also in the production and international trade of ethanol for use in cosmetics and beverage sectors. The partner Bettina and Mariana contribute with our experience in design, fashion and retail.
The initial plan of investment is of r $ 2 million, financed with own resources. For now, they don't see need for funding.
The company closed its first year with the sale of about 30 thousand Cologne waters-suggested prices, depending on the size, are $ 32.90 + or $ 90.
The expectation for 2014 is triple that amount, as well as the number of outlets that offer the products: currently, there are 120, mostly in Rio and Sao Paulo, but the plan is to distribute the brand across the country.
The sales and distribution structure is itself and there are no plans to have a retail operation or act in direct selling.
Despite the carioca, inspired the name l'Eau de Riô brings a "French accent", as defined, and suggests the intention to explore the international market. Two months after the launch, the Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche, Paris, asked for samples and began to offer the products to their customers.
The company now maintains contacts with large department stores such as Saks. At the request of French retailer Sephora, developed a roll on, version of 10 ml, a trend in the industry.
This kind of international support is critical for the business as for the sale of luxury goods it is necessary that the stores believe in potential, highlighting them on the shelves.
According to the Executive, despite this small distribution already exists abroad, the idea now is to focus on growth in the domestic market. The company is studying developing a line home, another for children, in addition to moisturizers and soaps.
In Brazil, Abihpec, an association that brings together manufacturers of cosmetics, informs that has no data related to the sale of luxury brands. The Brazilian industry of personal hygiene, perfumery and cosmetics presented a deflated average growth of 10% per annum compound for the past 17 years.