MONTEGO BAY, St James — Fontana Pharmacy, one of Jamaica’s leading suppliers of beauty and wellness products, is giving its full support to the inaugural staging of the Jamaica International Beauty Expo set for August 10 to 12 this year at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in Rose Hall, St James.

The company’s support as a main sponsor of the expo, comes as it marks its 50th year of operation.

Fontana’s marketing administrator Craig Wilmot-Simpson explained why his organisation decided to sponsor the expo. “We found it vital to partner with the Jamaica International Beauty Expo to showcase our cosmetic products and services, while continuing to demonstrate our dedication to the growth of Jamaican brands.”

In addition to showcasing its beauty, and wellness products and services, Fontana’s team members from its Cosmetics Department will be on hand to demonstrate the use of those products, including the latest in beauty trends.

Other stakeholders in the highly competitive beauty industry are in preparation mode for the Jamaica International Beauty Expo, where, for the first time in Jamaica, on this scale, businesses, large and small, will meet, network, educate and connect with consumers of beauty; giving them the opportunity to experience the latest trends, best products, and the best in style and glamour in an industry that is said to be averaging $6 billion annually.

The expo will feature some of the best in hair, nails, make-up, fashion and wellness, locally and internationally. There will also be presentations and demonstrations, workshops and sharing best practices with existing and potential entrepreneurs in the industry.

Exhibitors are promising patrons “specials” on goods and services at the marketplace for the duration of the expo, which will also feature the launch of new products by enterprising Jamaicans.

A feature of the Jamaica International Beauty Expo will be the establishment of an electronic ‘Job Seekers Registry’ for beauty professionals and trainees, running the course of the event. The service will also facilitate individuals seeking financing to bolster or establish their operation.

Organisers of the expo, to be staged annually, are positioning it to be an integral initiative to increase awareness of the opportunities available globally that could see Jamaica playing a more prominent role as one of the leading exporters of products in the beauty and wellness industry.