Italian cosmetics brand KIKO Milano plans to double its retail footprint in India by the end of 2026, strengthening its presence in one of the world’s fastest-growing beauty and personal care markets. The expansion is being driven by its partnership with Reliance Beauty and Personal Care, combining physical retail stores with digital sales channels.
According to Global Cosmetics News, KIKO Milano currently operates 20 points of sale across eight Indian cities, comprising 11 standalone stores and nine outlets through Reliance’s beauty platform, Tira. The brand entered India in 2019 and accelerated its expansion following its partnership with Reliance in 2024.
KIKO Milano’s India Expansion Strategy
The brand’s growth plans reflect its ambition to establish India as a significant contributor to its global business. KIKO Milano expects India to become:
- A top-15 global market by 2027.
- A top-10 market between 2028 and 2030.
- One of its five largest global markets by 2035.
Its strategy combines standalone stores, Tira’s retail network and e-commerce to expand consumer access to its product portfolio.
Premium Makeup and the Indian Beauty Market
KIKO Milano occupies a position between mass-market and luxury cosmetics, targeting consumers seeking premium-quality makeup at accessible price points.
Key aspects of its business include:
- Makeup-led portfolio: Makeup accounts for approximately 80 per cent of the brand’s sales.
- Italian manufacturing: Around 75 per cent of its products are manufactured in Italy.
- Potential local production: Third-party manufacturing in India remains a possible longer-term consideration.
- Omnichannel distribution: Physical stores, Tira and e-commerce support product discovery and purchasing.
India’s Growing Importance to Global Beauty Brands
India’s beauty and personal care market is projected to reach US$40 billion by 2030, creating opportunities for international brands to expand their retail networks and reach increasingly beauty-conscious consumers.
KIKO Milano’s expansion also highlights the growing importance of partnerships that combine international brand portfolios with established domestic retail and digital infrastructure.
By increasing its physical presence while strengthening online distribution, the brand aims to build a stronger position in India’s competitive premium beauty segment. Its planned expansion signals continued confidence in the country’s long-term potential as a major global cosmetics market.
