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Fragrance News

Fragrance more important than ever

The Covid-19 pandemic has heightened appreciation for fragrances and consumers are now seeking out scents that reinforce positive wellbeing and a sense of good hygiene, according to research from Firmenich, leading fragrance and flavour company.

The Swiss fragrance company conducted research with 6400 consumers in 11 countries, including UK, to find out how Covid-19 had impacted lifestyles, needs and fragrance preferences. Findings from the research conducted so far indicates 56% of consumers appreciated fragrances more during covid-19 lockdowns and, again, 56% took more comfort in the scents they used.

‘Fragrance reinforces feelings of safety, calm and happiness for consumers dealing with stressful situations,’ says Ilaria Resta, present of global perfumery at Firmenich.

Pic credit: Freepik.com

Ashleigh & Burwood get festive

Looking ahead to Christmas gifting 2021, Ashleigh & Burwood have a new festive supplement to their main brochure. Within it they welcome back some bestselling Christmas favourites and share various brand new festive gifts in The Scented Home collection. Registered users of their trade website can download a copy today, or a hard copy can be requested from the customer operations team: COT@ashleigh-burwood.co.uk.

Enesco virtual showroom success

The leading giftware company’s virtual showroom, launched at the end of December, means you can view their products anytime, anywhere. Extremely well received, it allows you to see all their new products and order them from the website. They also have a new digital asset management system that allows their customers instant free access to all of their creative and imagery. Many of their new collections are available in launch packs with display material, and finally they have created a full set of catalogues which are automatically mailed to all of their customers and are available to download from the website: enesco.co.uk. Any new account enquiries should contact: uksales@enesco.co.uk.

Fresh scent + hint of escapism

Mintel global beauty analyst Margaux Caron identified ‘fresh’ as the top scent European consumers looked for in their perfumes, and suggests manufacturers take this one step further, adding escapism and multi-functionality amid covid-19 disruptions. ‘Consumers need to be reassured and a fragrance can help them do that,’ she says. ‘Complimenting a clean scent with hues of escapism will win consumers over.’

Pic credit: unsplash.com

Smell. A Very Short Introduction

This book by Matthew Cobb discovers how smell can conjure up memories, take us back to very specific places and emotions, and even help us find a mate. And yet, despite the importance in our mental life, our scientific understanding of how smell works is limited. The author explores why some people like a given smell, while others find it unbearable. He ends by speculating on the role of smell in a world of robots. A great read for all Home Fragrance lovers, published by Oxford University Press.

Fragrance News

Lesser & Pavey reveal results of home fragrance survey

Lesser & Pavey conducted an online poll during the fi rst two weeks of operation to fi nd out what makes fragrance products so popular. Here are the results:

Why do people like to introduce diff erent fragrances into their homes?

The survey revealed that over 84% simply seek to create a lovely smell in the home, with 44% using fragrance to create a calming atmosphere and 34% seeking to reduce unpleasant smells such as pets and shoes. Some found scented products create a romantic atmosphere and are fashionable, both recording over 6% of the vote.

Where in the home do you use home fragrance?

A home has many rooms, but the favourite seems to be the lounge with over 74% positioning fragrance products here while other results show a range of rooms they display perfume enhancement - over 37% in bathrooms which may refl ect the desire for a calming atmosphere; and over 36% stated that they place fragrance enhancers all over the house. Other rooms that received votes were the kitchen at 32% and 30% for the bedroom.

Seasonal times of year were also refl ected upon with nearly 8% using them at Christmas time and 12% generally in the winter period, but over 85% stated that they use fragrance products all year round which may be why Lesser & Pavey have seen such increases in sales of these products.

Top fragrances chosen?

The feedback was mixed but, generally, fl oral and fruit smells came out on top followed by woody, citrus and spicy respectively; the woody and spicy fragrances outcome may suggest a more masculine trait rather than perhaps traditionally thought of sweeter perfumery.

Favourite home fragrance product categories?

Nearly 87% respondents stated that they favour burning candles, wax melts and oil warmers; over 60% prefer diff users, over 47% aroma lamps which may refl ect these are a very new products to the marketplace; and just under 19% humidifi ers which became particularly popular during the Covid-19 lockdown.

What do the Pantone Colours of the Year smell like?

Firmenich, the world’s largest privately owned perfume and taste company, has partnered again with Pantone to bring its 2021 Colours of company, has partnered again with Pantone to bring its 2021 Colours of the Year to life through fragrance and taste experiences.

As there are two Pantone Colours of the Year for 2021, there are two diff erent fragrance families to accompany them.

In response to Ultimate Grey, Firmenich worked on three scents called Clean Slate, Claystone and Smoked Minerals, centred around mineral notes and cashmere wood. In response to Illuminating, Firmenich In response to Illuminating, Firmenich created three fragrances entitled Sunshower, Citrus Spirit and Golden Hour Sunshower, Citrus Spirit and Golden Hour around bright solar notes and comforting around bright solar notes and comforting musks. image credits: Freepik.com