Groupe GM, a provider of resort and hotel cosmetic amenities, is a family company that was started in France in the 70s by Georges Marchand, the father of the current president, Laurent Marchand. Georges Marchand met with various luxury cosmetic companies that liked the idea of promoting their brands in resorts and hotels worldwide, and signed licensing contracts with them. He developed the idea in France and in other European countries, using an international network of manufacturers.

“Then my father decided to create a company with his other European partners, and Groupe GM was born,” said Laurent Marchand. “Then Groupe GM signed a contract with Novotel in the Accor Group, and started to offer its expertise to other international chains. At the same time, our international network expanded in the Middle East and Asia. Now Groupe GM works with 23 exclusive distributors worldwide, and is able to deliver to resorts and hotels all over the world.”

Groupe GM designs, produces and distributes cosmetics and accessories for the hospitality industry in more than 45 countries across every continent. Drawing on an international network of agents, Groupe GM distributes a unique portfolio of 30 cosmetic brands. In addition to its own brands such as DAMANA, Groupe GM signs exclusive worldwide licensing agreements with recognized international brands, including luxury cosmetic and spa brands. The company started doing business in the U.S. in 2004, and in 2007, TY Group became its U.S. distributor.

With an understanding of today’s consumer interest in “green” products, Laurent says Groupe GM is commmitted to offering natural and organic cosmetic products. “At the moment, some countries may feel more concerned than others about organic products, but in the end, all countries will be affected by this movement. It will impact everyone worldwide in all levels of society. We strongly believe that the increasing interest in organic products is not fashion, but a long-term modification of our society. In the past, the amenity market went through various trends or fashions that didn’t last, but the organic trend is different. More and more countries have their own organic label and certification organization, but the one we are using is ECOCERT.”

To claim to be organic, a cosmetic product must meet precise specifications elaborated by a control and certification body that guarantees the genuine practice of environmental respect throughout the production line, respect for the consumer and the promotion of natural substances of a superior ecological quality. ECOCERT is a control and certification organization whose activities are governed accordingly by the public authorities and legislation. ECOCERT works to promote organic products through its control and certification activities in over 80 countries.

“Organic products have the reputation to be expensive, but we managed to launch an organic line at a reasonable price: N-Ki organic bath line. We even created an organic personalized line for international chain Concorde Hotels, and this is only the beginning. We strongly believe that many other chains will soon be looking at developing their own organic line.

“In 2011, we are going to launch the first organic line in the DAMANA range, DAMANA organic bath line, which is enriched with Aloe vera extracts. Soon we will also launch our first organic branded spa line, Themae, a spa concept based on tea, and strongly developing in hotels worldwide. This shows how much emphasis we place on the development of organic products, and it also shows that brands strongly believe in the organic trend. It is not a temporary fashion,” explained Laurent.

Another soon-to-be launched product is the Sundari hospitality line, an American spa brand from Indian origin, based on Ayurvedic inspiration. According to Laurent, Sundari combines adherence to Ayurvedic principles based on an ancient eastern philosophy, delivering a holistic approach to wellness that results in outer radiance and inner serenity. The Sundari hospitality products are enriched with neem oil, a typical Indian ingredient reknowned for its various medicinal properties.

“We signed with Pevonia Botanica, a famous spa brand, and the hospitality line will be ready this year. And we just signed a licensing agreement with Caswell-Massey, the most famous traditional U.S. brand, and we are planning to launch the first Caswell-Massey hotel line by the end of 2011,” said Laurent.

We asked Laurent how is the current economic situation is affecting Groupe GM. “This has been a difficult time for the hospitality industry. Due to the economic crisis, travelling expenses have been cut and occupancy rates decreased drastically. It logically impacted hospitality products consumption, and resorts and hotels emptied their stock and lowered their reorders. In 2010, most properties progressively recovered from this bad situation and are now ordering again. But we can say that resorts and hotels become highly price-sensitive and are now very cautious in the quantities they order. Groupe GM has been in the industry for a long time and we’ve been through all sorts of economic situations. Because we have a wide range of brands and products, we are always able to find a solution for any budget requirements.”

Laurent told us that Groupe GM strives to offer premium service, fast deliveries, quality products at the at the best price. “We offer eco-friendly products with green packaging and natural or organic formulas. With over 30 brands, including 11 spa brands, brands now represent over one-third of our activity, and this ratio will continue to grow.”

And what does Laurent see for the future of Groupe GM? “We will increase the number of brands we represent in order to answer all our clients’ needs. We will also continue to develop our natural and organic ranges, and to explore green products fields, especially with the use of biodegradable materials, because this is an in-depth evolution of the market. And finally, we’ll continue to reinforce our international presence through partnerships with new exclusive distributors, especially in India, Kenya, Korea, Australia and South Africa, while strengtheniing our activities in Asia and North America.”

www.GroupeGM.com