Whilst preparing the new edition of Esxence, we naturally took into account that sporting, political and military events could have a significant impact on the months leading up to the opening, which we had to postpone until early June this year. Between the date change and international uncertainties, some expected a drop in applications to participate, but instead… we have broken yet another record, with over 500 brands applying to take part in the 2026 edition. More than 200 brands have applied to participate for the first time, demonstrating the number of new brands entering the market.

Let us not forget, moreover, that a number of previous exhibitors will not be taking part because, in the meantime, they have successfully consolidated their international distribution networks and, to our great satisfaction at having been able to support them, have attracted the interest of investment funds and multinationals.

We have also noted the number of local trade fairs that have sprung up in the meantime. All these are signs of the vibrancy and dynamism of a sector whose international development we are proud to have contributed to, just as we are proud to have supported the entire supply chain, from glassware to packaging, from logistics to distribution and, last but not least, the development of new retail formats and e-commerce.

As I write these lines, we do not yet know what will happen between now and June, and at the moment, to borrow a Latin phrase, Mala Tempora Currunt!

We can only hope that the waters will calm, that there will be no dire energy crisis, and that the ongoing conflicts in Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Africa may take a positive turn and that, at the very least, a ceasefire will be reached and normal transport operations (and costs) will resume.

Personally, I am very confident that we will not witness any crisis in the sector and that we will have only excellent opportunities to develop and strengthen it.

The more the art of perfumery evolves, the more we wish to provide opportunities for creative expression from different continents and nations, to encourage the emergence of local distribution networks and, above all, to spread an olfactory culture that helps break down ideological and physical barriers.

More and more brands have, as part of their mission, the intention to represent the cultural roots, histories and values of different cultures, not to highlight their differences but to promote understanding and reflect an increasingly multi-ethnic and multicultural reality.

Together with the Technical Committee, we have identified and selected a vast number of new proposals, and through essencional.com we have sought to give a voice to these initiatives both in our articles and in the themes of the workshops to be held at Esxence 2026.

Certainly, issues such as knock-offs, counterfeits, the increasingly strict limits on the use of ingredients that have been commonly used for centuries, the focus on recycling and energy saving, as well as the various proposals regarding the protection of intellectual property rights for formulas, remain fundamental issues; but I must say that it is with great interest that we note the growing presence of specialist perfume courses and schools around the world, and welcoming these students – the future leaders of our sector – will, as always, be an immense pleasure.

Please see the full events calendar.