Kate Somerville and Spruce Korea have joined forces to deliver the California-based skincare brand to Korea, beginning in early 2013.

The alliance marries Kate Somerville’s success in North America with Spruce’s track record introducing luxury beauty brands to Korea.

Currently, the department store cosmetics industry in Korea is worth well over US$2 billion, and the market is recognised as a trendsetter in Asia, followed by neighbouring markets such as China, Japan, Taiwan and Hong Kong.

Prior to partnering with Kate Somerville Skincare, Spruce launched and developed Fresh in Korea, sold in department stores such as Hyundai, Shinsegae and Lotte. In just 10 years, the Spruce team built the business from the ground up and developed the luxury lifestyle cosmetics brand into a US$30 million household name.

“Kate Somerville is going international, with presence already in Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and Malaysia,” said Michelle Taylor, CEO of Kate Somerville Skincare.

The skincare brand was founded by Kate Somerville who is a paramedical esthetician with over 18 years of experience in clinical skin care.

GB