In brief

// Sales of coconut beauty products grew 23% in the year to June 10, 2017, to reach £12 million, according to IRI. The analyst said there was a clear link between this sales growth and the rise in popularity of coconut health foods and drinks such as coconut water.

// Researchers from Japan have identified a pregnancy protein that could help treat eczema in a safer, more effective way. The human leukocyte antigen-G1 (HLA-G1) protein, known to protect the foetus against attack from the mother’s immune system, was found to significantly improve skin lesions in mice with atopic dermatitis.

// The National Anti- Vivisection Society (NAVS) has called on the Government to commit that regulations on animal experiments will not be dismantled once the UK leaves the EU. Home Office figures showed that 3,867,528 animals were used for research last year – a decrease of 201,821.

// Luxury hotel group Q Hotels hosted its annual National Spa Awards, recognising the spas in its portfolio that give the best customer experience. The Westerwood in Glasgow took home the Spa of the Year title, while Bridgewood Manor in Chatham was awarded Operational Spa of the Year and Belton Woods in Grantham Most Improved Spa.

// Katherine Connolly has joined Parisian skincare brand Anne Sémonin as global director of retail and spa operations. Previously international business director for Espa and part of the team that developed the Cowshed brand, Connolly brings 30 years’ experience and will be responsible for brand strategy.