Update 02/19: Korres responded that they won't be selling in stores in mainland China, and they will bypass all animal testing by selling direct to customers online only. Thank you Korres for sticking to your principles, and I hope you'll have no distributors in PRC as it was implied in the press releases.
Here's their full response:
"We confirm that Korres does not and will not conduct animal testing for its products.
Our belief is that we ought to supply Korres to consumers everywhere (including China) who care about the environment, are against animal testing and who wish to be able to find great products like Korres. Until we can supply these customers directly we will reach them via internet sales through our Hong Kong partner, therefore remaining loyal to our principles."
Korres announced that they will enter the Chinese market in 2018. They recently partnered with Morgan Stanley Private Equity Asia and Profex, a Chinese skincare distributor, in order to boost their sales in Asia, and more particularly in China.
As part of the agreement, Profex will have an exclusive license to distribute Korres products "in the People’s Republic of China, Hong Kong and Macau".
This means that Korres will start testing on animals in mainland China, where it's required by law, and will no longer be a cruelty-free company. I've already removed Korres from my list of cruelty-free brands.
Here's the statement from Giorgos Korres, founder of Korres:
"In 2018 it will be a year-long time for the KORRES Group, as we proceed to an excellent partnership that offers us the possibility of further development. A strategic agreement that is the result of the consistent effort of our team over the past 21 years. The goal of the agreement with Morgan Stanley and Profex is to expand international markets and brand consolidation worldwide, beyond Europe, North and Latin America, where we have already set the foundations for a successful development path.
The values and philosophy of KORRES remain the same, we continue to focus on Greek herbs, the network of collaborations with growers, product innovation, scientific research, extractions - everything that expresses the heart of the brand remains unchanged. What is being strengthened in the context of the strategic agreement we are announcing today is the dynamic and unique prospects for the KORRES Group, as we continue with the same passion our efforts in the competitive global environment."
Source: Morgan Stanley. Image: Korres
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I’ve just read your up date as of 2/19 and I am so pleased to hear that Korres WONT be testing on animals now or in the future! I wish more Branded names would follow suit, there is simply no EXCUSE for testing on animals.
So, are they still or not cruelty-free? This post confused me…
Yes, the brand is still 100% cruelty-free. By selling online only they are able to avoid any testing requirements.
Hi Suzi I’m curious/confused why Korres is not back on your cruelty free list if they are not selling in mainland China?
OMG I am so happy I just read the update! If they had chosen to actually test on animals, I would have been so devastated. That would SO not align with their philosophy.
So sad to see brands switching from cruelty free to selling in the China market. In 2018 we should be seeing nothing but the opposite!
http://www.crueltyfreebeautybee.com
I am saddened by this and even though I have been using and loved their products I will no longer purchase Korres products
Glad to know the update!
BTW this means that KORRES should be on the cruelty-free brand list again
(Just noticed that Kitty hasn’t updated the cruelty-free brand list. Also, please read my comment down below the list, and you’ll notice that Burt’s Bees should be on the list again as well.)
I’m so happy for today’s update! The thought of them selling in mainland China again, after having rebuffed that, was incredibly disappointing The almond oil and calendula hand cream, in particular, is one of my faves and I’m quite hopeful their updated message holds true.
We confirm that Korres does not and will not conduct animal testing for its products.
Our belief is that we ought to supply Korres to consumers everywhere (including China) who care about the environment, are against animal testing and who wish to be able to find great products like Korres. Until we can supply these customers directly we will reach them via internet sales through our Hong Kong partner, therefore remaining loyal to our principles. Please find more details : http://www.hkgcce.org/en/industry-2015-011.htm
Thank you, I updated the post and added your statement at the very top.
So disappointing. I got a sample of one of their products and loved it enough that I was going to go purchase the full size tomorrow. Glad I saw this first though!
this annoys me so much! i’m looking everywhere for a good moisturizer with spf and i thought korres was an option.
She has updated this if you haven’t seen it yet! Korres is and remains cruelty-free 🙂 !
No way! I JUST added Korres to my safe list…
What a shame. Why do I feel like after a while there will be no cruelty-free brands left ughh. I Hope that never happens, but it just seems like every brand is selling out.
A shame their “passion” doesn’t extend to animal welfare!
Thank you for this update! I haven’t tried anything from this brand but now I definitely will not be purchasing from them!!
Marie-France | thesoulfulbunny.com
Extremely sad to hear this. KORRES has been my go-to brand for years!