Porto, Portugal, March 23, 2026 (Lusa) - Four companies are set to participate from Thursday to Saturday in Cosmoprof Worldwide Bologna in Bologna, Italy. This marks Portugal's debut at the cosmetics and beauty fair, as firms seek new export opportunities in a growing sector, the business association (the AEP), announced on Monday.
According to the AEP, which is organising the Portuguese participation under the "Business on the Way" (BOW) internationalisation project, Cosmoprof Worldwide Bologna is recognised as the world's largest event dedicated to the cosmetics, beauty, and well-being industry. It brings together leading brands, manufacturers, distributors, suppliers, and beauty industry experts.
The 2026 edition will feature 3,100 exhibitors from 65 countries and is expected to attract approximately 255,000 professional visitors from 150 nations.
According to the association, the Portuguese delegation at the fair will consist of Artbelcosmo (cosmetic and hygiene products), Hidrofer - Fábrica de Algodão Hidrófilo (industrial gauze), Mesosystem (perfumes, cosmetics, and hygiene products), and Unikuebeauty (machinery and equipment).
"The initiative is part of AEP's strategy to support the internationalisation of Portuguese companies, bringing four firms to the largest stage of the cosmetics and beauty industry, an opportunity for companies to strengthen their presence in a highly competitive sector with strong international demand," the association stated in a press release.
According to the AEP, Portugal has been reinforcing its position in the international market, with the production of quality cosmetics on the rise. Exports have also shown an upward trend, positioning the country as a relevant supplier within Europe.
Quoted in the statement, the chairperson of the AEP board notes that 84% of cosmetics companies in Portugal are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), but emphasises that "the national cosmetics sector has recorded significant growth."
"Per capita consumption reached a new high in 2024," Luís Miguel Ribeiro highlights, detailing that "all categories within the sector grew, especially perfumes," and that "distribution channels also saw an evolution."
By participating in Cosmoprof Worldwide Bologna, the AEP aims to strengthen its role as a "platform for supporting the internationalisation of Portuguese companies, promoting their integration into global business networks and boosting new export opportunities."
The association's presence in this market is part of a continuous strategy for the international promotion of Portuguese companies in Italy. Under this framework, the AEP has driven several initiatives in recent years, including participation in the Homi Milan, Vehicle & Transportation Meetings Turin, Marmomac, and Host Milan fairs.
In 2025, the BOW project completed a total of 22 initiatives to support business internationalisation, including 14 participations in international fairs and eight business missions, covering 21 markets and involving 150 Portuguese companies.
PD/RYOL // AYLS
Lusa
