January has a talent for feeling like three months stitched together with calendar invites and rain. Resolutions quietly faded, inboxes stayed loud and yet, despite the collective fatigue, a lot actually happened.
From international trade shows to major retail moments, new launches and meaningful partnerships, the year has started with momentum. Here’s what’s been keeping us here at FDD super busy.
Connecting on a Global Stage
The year kicked off with Managing Director, Stu and Commercial Director, Nadia, at Cosmoprof North America, one of the most influential beauty trade shows in the region. With over 19,000 attendees and 900 exhibitors from 115 countries, the event brought together buyers, manufacturers, distributors and brand leaders across skincare, haircare, fragrance, makeup, packaging and innovation.
Hosted at the Miami Beach Convention Center, the show offered valuable time with existing brand partners and long-standing industry contacts, alongside introductions to new brands and collaborators.
A standout highlight was the expanded fragrance section, featuring more than 75 international brands, from heritage perfume houses to artisanal and trend-led launches. A focused few days spent connecting, learning and staying closely aligned with what’s next for global beauty.
Our Brands, Front and Centre
Several of our brands took the spotlight across key retail and media platforms last month. Boots’ e-newsletter featured a strong line-up of recent launches, with ONE/SIZE, Wavytalk, Mielle and ANUA all receiving prominent placement.
Adding to that visibility, our brands have also appeared across episodes of Love Island, translating into high-impact exposure both on screen and across social platforms.
Featured, Boxed and In Demand
Anua’s Peach 70 Niacin Brightening Collagen Mask was included in the ASOS Skincare Resolutions Beauty Box, offering fast hydration during peak winter skin season. The brand’s Niacinamide Brightening Pads were later featured on This Morning, highlighted in a segment focused on celebrity beauty trends.
Event Season Is Officially Underway
Haircare event season has arrived, with a busy calendar spanning Boots Conference, brand launches, in-store events, Superdrug Presents, Afro Hair and Beauty and Beauty Unleashed.
The coming weeks will see teams moving between venues, connecting with retailers, consumers and industry partners as activity ramps up across the category.
Wavytalk’s Social Momentum
Following recent influencer activity, four pieces of TikTok content shared across Wavytalk’s channel have collectively surpassed 1.1 million views. Strong reach, high engagement and hair tools firmly holding attention on screen.
Camille Rose Returns with Newness
Camille Rose has launched three new products on Look Fantastic, marking its first NPD since 2023 alongside refreshed packaging. The Rejuva Drops sold out shortly after launch.
The Rosemary Hair and Scalp Drops and Honey Mousse are now live, with both arriving in Boots this month.
Giving Back Where It Matters
Last month, we donated 1,500 haircare products to The Hygiene Bank. Hair products, particularly those designed for textured hair, remain in high demand, making this support especially meaningful.
With millions of adults in the UK experiencing hygiene poverty, access to essential products matters. Supporting initiatives that address this remains a priority.
A Milestone Moment
This year marks 25 years with the business for Dan Clark, former Managing Director and now Chairman. His contribution spans decades of growth and change, helping shape the business into what it is today.
Written by Abbi Little