The company PROTEIN SA (COLNATUR range) which is currently based in Spain, specialises in the production of natural collagen-based products which are used to create two product ranges: dietary supplements and creams for muscles and joints.

The range of dietary supplements in particular is composed of hydrolysed collagen, which is used to combat problems linked to joints, bones, muscles or skin. The products are mainly distributed to pharmacies.

PROTEIN SA benefits from over 40 years of experience in this market. Over 100 people are currently employed at the company’s production site near to Girona, Spain and they also have distributors across Europe, as well as a subsidiary in Italy.

The creation of an initial subsidiary in France

In order to develop its impact on the French market, PROTEIN SA sought the assistance of Business-Parks.com last November, who then helped the company to identify the ideal location for its first French subsidiary.

As the company was searching specifically in the south-west of France as a strategic location close to the Spanish border, Business-Parks.com put them in touch with a contact from the region Nouvelle-Aquitaine who was able support PROTEIN SA’s search for premises in the Bordeaux urban area.

The company decided on the premises in centre of Bordeaux last December, at which point they had been searching for a month.  The company plans to spend spend several months developing their products before marketing them for sale in France.

The advantages of the region Nouvelle-Aquitaine, south-west France, for the cosmetics industry

Cosmetics companies who decide to develop their business in Nouvelle-Aquitaine benefit from the region’s many advantages:

• The regional dynamic ‘silver economy’ which gathers 430 businesses in 6 sectors to respond to the needs of the region’s aging population
• A large distribution network for cosmetic raw materials (Apiomarine, Bayer HealthCare, Berkem, Care Activ, Fermentalg…)
• A partnership established in 2015 with the competitivity cluster Cosmetic Valley, the world leading resource centre for the perfume and cosmetics industry
• The region Nouvelle-Aquitaine is officially recognised in France for its strength in the industry and is also home to internationally renowned brands such as Lea Nature, Beauty Success, Cosmalia, Cottage, EQ Evoa, Herbeo, Institut Arnaud…

Today, the health and cosmetics industries are key for France and for the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region. Please do get in contact if you would like in further information about Nouvelle-Aquitaine, setting up your business in France or the support we can offer you to facilitate your expansion to France.