French cosmetics exports grew nearly 7% in 2024, led by fragrance which carried 35% of the total, topping $8 billion and registering an increase over last year of almost 14%. Interesting fun fact: one in 5 perfumes produced in France is exported to the US. Other regions, notably the Middle East show gains while China posted a decrease. Nevertheless, there is growing global competition.

Circana, the global leader in consumer insight, has reported that fragrance sales in the US in 2O24 logged double digit increases both in units and dollar sales, making it the fastest growing category in beauty. Circana will be at Esxence later this week taking a deep dive into niche fragrance data for Western Europe and the US.

L’oreal has confirmed its position as a long term minority investor in Omani fragrance brand Amouage. The deal is a clear indication of the group’s interest in the Middle Eastern market. Amouage has become one of the most coveted artistic fragrance brand with current valuation estimated at $3 billion.

We continue to ponder the question, what is truly niche? In this article the author exposes some collaborations between brands and fragrance houses while singling out other brands that are truly independent. Essencional is neutral on the topic and simply wishes to keep our readers informed of the discussions circulating on the internet.

Start-up company Exuud has a game changing plan for home fragrance. The controlled scent-release technology intrigued Estee Lauder who is now an investor. Together they are exploring new ways to elevate the efficacy of home scent while liberating the perfumer to have a wider palette of ingredients.

The tradeshow dedicated to innovation and design in packaging just closed its’ doors with record-breaking attendance. The addition of the Pentawards Festival, the world’s leading packaging design competition, was a key attraction. The fair also included numerous workshops where sustainability, innovation, AI and regulatory topics were discussed.

Have you ever had a customer tell you a fragrance doesn’t smell the same anymore (“They’ve changed it!”)? Have you had this experience yourself? Perfumer Miguel Matos explains why this happens as he ponders the question, is the fragrance now ruined or is it trying to survive?

Can perfume bring out the animal in you? Amongst a sea of sweet and sugary fragrances comes a wave of animalic, sensual scents largely coming from independent fragrance brands. Sometimes polarizing but always creative this article celebrates and highlights a selection of creators and their audacious perfumes.

Imagine a world where everyone has lost their memory and the way to get it back is through smell and memory. Now imagine that as a video game and that’s the premise behind Givaudan’s latest venture, Guardians of Memories, an entertaining and educational game targeted at Gen Z and Alpha.