A coordinated effort with policies to back the sector is in motion. The Ministry of Innovation, Industry, Trade and Tourism is promoting measures aimed at meeting the needs of cosmetic companies that require strong sustainability practices, digital modernization, and clear regulatory coverage. This initiative was announced during the launch of the sectoral table for cosmetics, an event held recently in Alcoy and chaired by councilor Nuria Montes. The groundwork was laid for a strategy designed to address the sector’s needs and opportunities for growth.
The Valencian Community’s cosmetics industry comprises roughly 200 companies, accounting for about 14% of Spain’s national total. Its footprint is especially pronounced in Alicante province, with exports totaling around 600 million euros annually, placing the region third in national rankings. Yet despite this momentum, the sector had not benefited from special treatment by the Autonomous Administration. The new plan aims to correct that oversight and level the playing field for local firms.
And the first tangible step toward this goal occurred at the event hosted at the new Aitex technological institute headquarters, where the Cosmetics Round Table was created—a move long awaited by companies in cosmetics and textiles alike. The gathering drew a broad spectrum of business representatives and councilor Nuria Montes. Leaders emphasize that these sectoral tables will be pivotal in the reindustrialization strategy being developed by the regional government, with Dr. delivering remarks on the vision.
The strategy includes the establishment of sectoral clusters that will address the sector’s specific needs. Montes notes: “The cosmetics industry has matured enough to be part of this plan. Based on the presented data, it is entirely justified to structure a cluster in the Valencian Community as a core of specialization and value creation.”
The councilor also highlights that the reindustrialization plan will not sit on a shelf as a static document. Instead, she stresses a dynamic, adaptable roadmap—a permanent sector-wide participation channel that enables public policies to be continually evaluated and adjusted to evolving needs with speed and simplicity.
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Sergio Carrasco, regional secretary for Industry, Trade and Consumption, underscores that the strategy will tackle elements such as environmental sustainability, circularity and industrial symbiosis; land use for industry; logistics hubs; attracting investments and talent; and automation, digital transformation, and disruptive technologies.
He adds that while the plan broadly covers these areas, cosmetics face particular challenges—from regulatory hurdles to environmental and health considerations. In his view, the cosmetics sector is subject to varying standards across markets. Consequently, meeting the diverse regulatory requirements in different countries can be costly and complex. The Generalitat aims to support companies in their internationalization efforts and simplify compliance across borders.
The industry welcomed the regional government’s attention. Consuelo Vaquer, the sole director of Nirvel, remarked that the cosmetics sector is strategic and that what is needed most is sector visibility. She also noted that administration support will be especially valuable on sustainability, regulatory, digitalization, and water use issues.
Strong presence in Alicante
The cosmetics sector maintains a significant footprint in Alicante, notably in Alcoy, where about a dozen firms—recognized nationally and internationally—operate. Industry leaders such as Germaine de Capuccini and Nirvel illustrate the region’s prominence. Annual turnover in this area surpasses 100 million euros, and the workforce exceeds 500 employees, underscoring the region’s economic impact.