According to the company, the integration of Forest Essentials into the existing Estée Lauder brand portfolio will strengthen the corporation’s position in the Indian market, FashionNetwork writes. As a result, India may become the largest emerging market for the group. Forest Essentials’ net revenue is also expected to grow by double digits, which will help Estée Lauder to increase its share in the prestige cosmetics segment.
Estée Lauder Companies president and CEO Stéphane de La Favery said the companies’ partnership has been built on trust and mutual respect for nearly two decades. He said Forest Essentials, founded by Meera Kulkarni, has become a landmark brand for the Indian market due to its combination of tradition and premium positioning.
The companies’ collaboration began in 2008 when Estée Lauder acquired a minority stake in Forest Essentials. In 2020, the stake was increased to 49%, and the new deal will allow the corporation to gain full control over the brand. The company emphasizes that the decision to invest further reflects confidence in the brand’s potential, its focus on sustainability and its vertically integrated production model.
Forest Essentials founder and managing director Meera Kulkarni emphasized that over 25 years, the brand has evolved based on the principles of authenticity, craftsmanship and Ayurvedic heritage. She said the partnership with Estée Lauder is important because the company respects the founder’s vision and helps scale the brand internationally.
Forest Essentials was founded in 2000 with the concept of “luxury Ayurveda”. Today, the brand operates approximately 200 company-owned stores. Following the completion of the transaction, the company will remain headquartered in New Delhi and all manufacturing and operational infrastructure will continue to operate in India.
