Commerce Catalysts

01.29.2025
Marketplace partnershipEcommerce managementBlog

Rubicon x Front Row Webinar: Removing Friction from Internationalization

Marketplace partnershipEcommerce managementBlog

Expanding into international markets presents exciting growth opportunities, but it also comes with unique challenges. Navigating regulatory compliance, optimizing logistics, and localizing marketing strategies can often become roadblocks for brands looking to scale globally. In a recent webinar hosted by Rubicon Bridge and Front Row, industry experts discussed practical strategies to remove friction from international expansion, particularly in the food supplement and cosmetics sectors.

The Opportunities in International Expansion

Many brands hesitate to expand internationally due to perceived complexities, but the European market offers immense potential. The European food supplement market is projected to grow from $40.7 billion in 2023 to $65.4 billion by 2030, while the cosmetics industry is expected to nearly double in size by 2032. Compared to the U.S., competition in Europe is structured differently, often providing brands with more room to differentiate and grow. While compliance can seem daunting, adhering to EU regulations builds consumer trust and credibility, offering a strategic advantage.

Key Steps to a Frictionless Internationalization Process

The first step is a business readiness assessment, where brands must determine regulatory requirements such as registering as a Food Business Operator (FBO) or appointing a Responsible Person (RP) for cosmetics. It is also essential to conduct a compliance review early to ensure products align with local standards before launching. Brands should verify product formulations against EU regulations, as certain ingredients, such as melatonin, may be permitted in some countries but banned in others.

Labeling must meet country-specific language and ingredient disclosure laws. Localization goes beyond translation; cultural nuances must be considered to align product messaging with consumer expectations. Logistics decisions, such as whether to use Amazon’s Fulfillment Network (FBA) or a third-party logistics provider, are crucial for optimizing costs and meeting delivery expectations.

Common Roadblocks and How to Overcome Them

Regulatory complexity varies across EU countries, requiring meticulous compliance checks to prevent listing removals on Amazon and other platforms. Rubicon Bridge’s RegTech tool simplifies this process. Many brands lack in-house regulatory experts, making it beneficial to leverage external specialists to reduce the risk of non-compliance and costly mistakes. Logistics and brand awareness challenges arise when brands enter a market without a local presence. To address this, Front Row helps brands create region-specific strategies that enhance discoverability and consumer trust.

How Technology is Solving Compliance Challenges

Rubicon Bridge introduced their RegTech tool, a software solution that streamlines compliance by automating formulation and labeling checks to ensure adherence to EU and UK regulations. It also generates localized translations that meet strict regulatory requirements and offers real-time updates on regulatory changes, helping brands maintain compliance effortlessly.

Setting Your Brand Up for International Success

Successfully expanding into new markets requires a combination of strategic planning, regulatory expertise, and localized marketing approaches. The collaboration between Rubicon Bridge and Front Row helps brands eliminate common friction points in internationalization, making market entry smoother and more efficient. For brands looking to expand globally, understanding and addressing these challenges early can make all the difference.

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Rubicon x Front Row Webinar: Removing Friction from Internationalization