A world leader in the development, manufacture and packaging of nail polishes and nail care products, Fiabila has built a large part of its reputation on unrivaled technical know-how and quality standards. Upon his arrival, Filippo Manucci, who took over as Chairman and CEO in March 2024, was struck by the extent of the company’s scientific and technological heritage.
“I discovered a very healthy company, with a remarkable heritage of innovation. The mindset of the staff, the library of formulas and the mastery of all the complex technologies available in this industry make Fiabila a real gem,” he says.
Technicality and inspiration
The new manager immediately pointed the need to build upon these assets while promoting them further. “Fiabila’s history is founded on a scientific and technological approach, patents and reliability. I have identified the need to make this extremely valuable heritage more explicit and accessible to brands on a marketing level, so that they can make it their own and exploit the countless possibilities open to them.“
The appointment of Candice Jagut as Chief Marketing Officer is part of this strategy focused on technical expertise, innovation and rapid adaptation to global trends.
“Thanks to the in-depth work led by Candice Jagut over the last few months, our offer is now structured to facilitate brand decision-making,” highlights Filippo Manucci.
Indeed, with customers across all segments — from luxury to masstige — Fiabila plays a key advisory role in developing products adapted to the specific needs of each market. “Of course, the selection of ingredients may vary according to the specifications, but they will always meet our high standards of quality and safety.”
A transforming market
Although it has clearly started to rise again, the nail color & care market is experiencing a transformation, driven by new expectations.
Among the major trends that are emerging, ‘skinification’ emphasizes nails’ health as a prerequisite for their beautification.
“In the same way as a foundation for the skin, or a dye for the hair, a polish must be applied to a healthy nail to fully reveal its beauty,” explains the manager.
With this in mind, Fiabila develops nail polishes that are enriched with active ingredients to maintain healthy nails while offering clean, vegan, Halal formulas and from natural origin, depending on the brands’ preferences.
The capacity for innovation is obviously a major asset. Fiabila works with data and trend agencies and specialist consultants, who analyze consumer behavior. The company also has its own panel of 800 female consumers, with whom they carry out tests on duration, comfort, shine and so on. “Our long-term aim is to be able to certify these features so as to suggest objective claims to brands.”
Among its various development avenues, Fiabila explores cutting-edge technologies such as UV-Gel formulas reducing exposure to sensitizing agents, which were recently presented at MakeUp in Paris, water-based polishes, or even care from natural origine. This capacity for rapid innovation opens up opportunities to create exclusive collections and meet growing expectations for customization.
Moreover, Fiabila does not hesitate to think outside the box and seek innovation beyond the cosmetics sector. “Our in-house R&D, guided by Olivier Nouguerede, is always one step ahead. We will continue to explore the world of nails by cooperating with university institutes, keeping a close eye on trends and the market, and maintaining our proximity to consumers,” continues Filippo Manucci.
Global platform
With ten factories located in France, Poland, India, Japan, the United States and Brazil, Fiabila positions itself as a true global player capable of meeting the diversity of regional expectations and serving its customers throughout the world.
“The U.S. consumer, for example, who is the world’s number 1 nail polish user, is very demanding in terms of special effects. The design of our formulas is made in France, then customized locally according to expectations. Our laboratories employ 55 people worldwide. With a view to market proximity, we also guarantee the reproducibility of our products.”
However, no matter where the product is sold, Fiabila remains uncompromising on the safety of the formulas. “We are very strict about keeping to our ingredient blacklist and have set up a strictly controlled supply chain. We source chemical components responsibly. We know how to significantly reduce nitrosamines. Our UV-Gel technology for professionals also reduces exposure to sensitizing agents. As for our factories, they comply with ISO 22716, IFS, SMETA, COSMOS and HALAL standards, some being fully certified and others in progress,” insists Filippo Manucci.
Added to this is an exemplary CSR policy, whether it concerns water recycling, waste management or emissions control, which led Fiabila to be rated EcoVadis Platinum.
“Fiabila is now ready to welcome new brands and launch creative collaborations throughout the world,” concludes the new manager.
