Five Belizean cosmetic brands participated in the 22nd edition of COSMOPROF North America, which is the leading business-to-business beauty exhibition in the Americas. The three-day event, held from July 15 -17 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Centre in Las Vegas, brought together top beauty innovators from around the world.
Representing Belize were IKooma, Nika’s Sea Moss, Barranco Botanics, Southern Queen Products, and Naturally Belize Products. Their participation is supported by BELTRAIDE and The Nature Conservancy as part of a broader strategy to strengthen Belize’s blue economy and expand access to international markets.
“We are here to showcase the seaweed value-added products that Belize has to offer… We are here to give them the opportunity to explore, network, see what’s out there, and grow their businesses.”
Lorcia Moore, owner of Naturally Belize Coconut Products, called the experience “eye-opening” and said she gained insights into “innovative packaging” to improve her brand. “For Naturally Belize, this means we’re going to be expanding our product lines and seeing better packaging and collaborations, so it’s for sure growth and development.”
Southern Queen Products founder Reena Usher added, “This journey has opened opportunities… that will elevate and grow our brand’s products.” She said this experience has left her inspired after learning of even more opportunities and creating a “very good collaboration” with her “seaweed sisters.”
Nika’s Sea Moss said this has been a first-time experience for her to showcase her brand’s products abroad at such a large scale. It’s an experience that has also left her motivated and “overjoyed.”
Meanwhile, the founder of Barranco Botanics shared that the experience has been nothing short of “amazing”. She said, “My mind was blown,” and is bringing back home innovative ideas to improve her brand and products.
The event concludes today.