OUR HISTORY

INNOVATION NEVER STOPS

It all started with a bar of soap. Trace the evolution of ADA Cosmetics, from one man’s simple yet revolutionary idea, to a global success story.

MAKE IT PERSONAL

In 1979, Andreas Dahlmeyer had a vision – of personalized hotel cosmetics. When entering their hotel bathroom, guests would no longer be greeted with a generic bottle of shampoo and plain soap. Instead, they would find their stay enhanced by elegantly branded products, perfectly reflecting their surroundings.

Produced in a small workshop, our founder’s first product was a bar of soap, sold in a gold-leafed black box. Soon, hoteliers were able to have the packaging printed with their logo – a simple and highly effective way to communicate their brand. It’s no surprise that the idea was an instant hit.

A PIONEER SINCE THE BEGINNING

ADA was the first hotel amenities company to introduce a dispenser system: the game-changing press + wash, in 1990. Further innovations soon followed, including our bestselling Smart Care and patented SHAPE dispensers, both of which offer best-in-class hygiene as well as recyclable design, while saving countless small bottles.

We are also a pioneer in eco-friendly cosmetic collections, launching our first green line in 2008, and continually seek to set new standards for sustainability in hotel cosmetics. ADA Cosmetics is the first and only hotel cosmetics manufacturer whose entire product portfolio is Cradle to Cradle Certified® Silver. 

ALL ABOUT EXPERIENCES

From day one, our mission at ADA has been to create hotel cosmetics that provide enriching experiences for both our customers and their guests. In a hotel stay, it’s often the small details that make the difference. These details have been our passion for more than 40 years, as we continue to put beauty into travel every day.

Chapters of a success story

Our business was born with the development of a completely new product concept: personalised hotel cosmetics.

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR HISTORY

1979
Andreas Dahlmeyer founds ADA Cosmetics International.
1986
Peter Nielsen founds Scanamenities.
1989
The company expands to France and Benelux.
1990
ADA Cosmetics International launches the groundbreaking innovation press + wash.
1991
Lara Morgan founds Pacific Direct.
1993-1995
Pacific Direct s.r.o. establishes itself as "Speciality manufacturer of hotel toileries and guest amenities".
2001
Launch of the ILLI dispenser system - Scandinavian design, quality made in Europe.
2003
Introduction of new production facilities.
2007
ISO certified process optimization. Expansion of international activities. Subsidiary companies in Dubai & Hong Kong.
2009
Launch of the Green Collection accessories, a forerunner in the area of sustainability.
2012
ADA introduces a new, innovative generation of closed dispensers: the Smart Care system.
2013
Launch of the SmartCare XL dispenser.
2015
ADA Cosmetics International buys Scanamenities and Pacific Direct.
2016
Introducing ADA International – the new joint umbrella company.
2017
Acquisition of RDI Malaysia.
TODAY
Today, ADA Cosmetics serves hotel customers around the world with 600 employees and a wide range of products.
Launch of the new closed dispenser SHAPE: Sustainable Hygenic Aesthetic Pump Evolution
AN UNUSUAL STORY

NOBODY THOUGHT
ANYTHING OF IT

Except for one person … On passing through an imposing entranceway, you’re surrounded by luxurious comfort. Just a few metres further on, there’s a white gravel path lined with lush flowerbeds. In the centre, there’s an arrangement of fountains in pale marble. You have arrived at last. An assiduous gentleman in livery opens the car door for you, welcomes you. You exchange a few pleasantries about your hopefully (...)

WE TRANSCEND BORDERS

OUR GLOBAL PRESENCE

Present in more than 50 countries and five continents, we offer worldwide distribution with short delivery routes, thanks to local warehousing and global logistics networks. Our expert customer service consultants around the world provide professional advice, out-of-the-box thinking, and workflow management tools to ensure a smooth and successful partnership from day one.