Know-how

FRENCH CREATOR OF EXCEPTIONAL AMENITY PRODUCTS

Groupe GM (the new name of Aficom) has pioneered and been offering for more than 45 years tailor-made solutions to the hotel industry as well as to SPA, B&B and clinics.

Our unique portfolio of brands inherited from the worlds of creative design, cosmetics, spa or fashion combined with our know-how in tailor-made design allows us to provide to our clients an unlimeted choice of products, perfectly adapted to their needs.

Creativity, innovation, quality, reliability, customer service and sustainability are our group’s core values and commitment.

History

The adventure starts in 1972 when Georges Marchand decides to create his own business around a simple idea:

to provide added value to the hospitality specialists by offering them quality cosmetic products in partnership with renowned brands. The « personalised amenity product » is born.

L’Oréal with Ô de Lancôme was first to support the project. The immediate success paved the way; 40 years later, with a unique portfolio of over 30 brands, Groupe GM still expands and develops its business with an international network of exclusive agents operating over 70 countries.

1972

Georges Marchand, the founder, reinvents the concept of hotel amenities, starting with Ô by LANCÔME by L’ORÉAL

1975

Creation in France of AFI, the first distributor of the future Groupe GM network, and launch of the brand BIENVENUE

1976

Signing of the first international chain contract with Novotel, Accor Group

1988

Creation of Groupe GM and exclusive global licensing agreement with NINA RICCI

1990

Creation of APLICOM, a company specialised in distribution to hotel chains and independent hotels

1992

Exclusive worldwide license agreement with the YVES ROCHER Group

1997

AFI and APLICOM merged to become AFICOM

2002-2017

AFICOM gradually extends its distribution network to cover a total of 10 countries: France - Netherlands - Germany - Austria - Czech Republic - Slovakia - Morocco - Italy - Belgium - Luxembourg

2004

Launch of the first hotel line for a spa brand: ANNE SÉMONIN

2006

Exclusive worldwide license agreement with the CLARINS Group (CLARINS, AZZARO, THIERRY MUGLER)

2008

Development of the first Ecolabel certified products including the Ecosource airless dispenser, a unique patented and Ecolabel certified system

Exclusive worldwide license agreement with OMNISENS

2009

Launch of DAMNA Organic our first bath line certified by Ecocert and labeled by Cosmebio

2010

Exclusive worldwide license agreement with ALGOTHERM

2013

Exclusive worldwide license agreement with NUXE

Launch of the exclusive GUERLAIN luxury hotel collection

2015

Exclusive worldwide license agreement with ATELIER COLOGNE

2016

Exquisite re-design of its legendary "Eau Impériale" collection with French perfumery GUERLAIN

(By invitation only)

2017

AFICOM acquires AD Distribution, a specialist of personalised accessories

2017

Exclusive worldwide license agreement with URIAGE

2018

Groupe GM France becomes the new name of AFICOM

2018

Exclusive worldwide license agreement with ÉDITIONS DE PARFUM FRÉDÉRIC MALLE

2019

Damana Organic Bath Line certified Cosmos Organic and Cosmos Natural by ECOCERT and accredited by COSMEBIO

Distribution

LOCAL EXPERTISE

Our sales team of more than 50 people, including exclusive local salespeople in 10 countries, guarantees a local expertise and a reliable and responsive local service.
Contact the sales representative dedicated to your region or country

FLEXIBILITY & REACTIVITY

Our warehouse of more than 7,500 pallets located near Paris contains a permanent stock of standard and personalized cosmetic products and accessories. These hotel amenities are available on demand; we guarantee delivery times of 48 to 72 hours in France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Holland, Germany, Austria, Italy, Morocco, Czech Republic and Slovakia.