MALAGA-BASED skin care company Y-Not Natural AUST Pty Ltd has signed a memorandum of understanding with Japanese resort and wellness group, Quintessence, for the distribution of its emu oil and avocado skin care products. Under the agreement, Y-Not Natural’s product range will be stocked in resorts, beauty spas and pharmacies. Y-Not Natural managing director Mervin Anderson said the two companies were currently negotiating distribution rights, with an outcome expected in six to 12 months. Mr Anderson said he expected to sign further agreements in the coming months. “At this stage, the countries that we’re looking at exclusive distribution rights with should be Japan, Russia, possibly Germany, the UK, South Africa and Turkey,” he said. Y-Not Natural, which was launched in July last year, has exported to 20 countries to date, including Malaysia, Turkey, parts of Europe, Russia and some countries in the Middle East. Currently, 90 per cent of the company’s product is exported. Mr Anderson said the company’s strategy from the beginning had been to develop an international market. “We wanted to ensure our quality met worldwide standards of acceptability,” he said. Y-Not Natural is planning to diversify into sports medicine and is awaiting approval from the Therapeutic Goods Administration to license its plant in Malaga for the manufacture of medicine products. Mr Anderson said he expected to gain approval from the TGA within six to 18 months. Emily Piesse