Cocunat increases sales from 4 to 32 million in one year

The boom in online commerce and natural products has boosted the sales of Cocunat, a pioneer brand in the non-toxic cosmetics segment that was born in Barcelona in 2013. From 2019 to 2020, the company has gone from 4 to 32 million euros in turnover, says Sara Werner, founder of the business together with Ignacio Faus. Meanwhile, the ebitda (gross profit) has stood at 2.3 million.

In an interview, the entrepreneur argues that online commerce has increased by more than 20% due to confinement. However, in her case, growth is explained above all by the boost from international sales. “We took advantage of the closure of physical cosmetic stores to enter the United States with a strong online marketing strategy. The formula has worked for us: we sell on both coasts and this country already accounts for 38% of the total”. In addition, the start-up markets its products in European markets such as France, Italy or the United Kingdom. Exports already account for 62%.

The workforce of the company, which designs and distributes toxic-free products, has grown from 15 to 62 people

To cope with this growth, the company has increased its workforce from 15 to 62 people. They work at the Sant Just Desvern plant, from which they formulate the products and distribute them all over the world. Production is subcontracted to five cosmetic manufacturers from different cities in Spain, such as Barcelona, ​​Valencia or Madrid. In total, the company has around 60 references, including products for skin and hair care and also make-up items, recently introduced on the market.

The company has always positioned itself in the non-toxic beauty segment. “We attach great importance to R&D, we invest 5% of resources in innovation. We have a patent that protects a long-lasting deodorant and we are processing another one”.

The products are aimed at the young and female consumer. "We sell to people between 20 and 45 years old, with an urban profile and digital experience." Werner assures that it already has a base of 600,000 clients a year and that more than 95% of transactions are made online. A small percentage is produced in the stores of the Druni chain, with which she has an agreement to experience consumer behavior in the physical store.

Ownership of the company is in the hands of the founders, Werner and Faus, who hold the majority of the capital. A minority percentage is controlled by the Cabiedes fund and various private investors (they entered in 2015 after investing a total of 700,000 euros). The start-up is not interested in starring in more investment rounds because it has already found a sustainable and expanding model.

This year, Cocunat plans to continue on the path of growth, strengthening its presence in the US The goal is to reach 100 million revenues in one or two years.