The fragrance industry
And its value to Europe
The fragrance industry, characterized by its rich heritage and innovative capacity, plays a vital role in Europe’s economy and society.
About fragrance
Cultural heritage
Cultural heritage
Cultural heritage
The roots of the modern fragrance industry in Europe go back more than 250 years, and the sector thus not only embodies Europe's rich cultural heritage but also plays a pivotal role in shaping its innovative, knowledge-driven future.
These specificities and complexities characterize the distinctiveness of the sector.
Social role
Cultural heritage
Cultural heritage
Fragrance has long played a social role. Through the different products delivered to consumers, it can make people feel fresh and clean but also support feeling calm, happy, strong or confident.
If fragrances enrich our lives with pleasant scents, they also play a vital role in neutralizing malodors.
Economic role
Cultural heritage
Economic role
The fragrance industry invests around 8% of its net sales in R&D.
The fragrance sector thus unlocks value and product diversity for a broad variety of markets, from perfumes, cosmetics and home-care products to industrial use in the health and hospitality sectors.
Fragrance is a key product differentiator for consumer products generating €357bn of global sales.
Value chain
About the International Fragrance Association (IFRA)
About the International Fragrance Association (IFRA)
The fragrance industry is at the heart of a sophisticated value chain, supporting jobs for farmers, the chemicals sector, consumer goods manufacturers and retailers.
The European fragrance market is comprised of around 800 firms, including 750 SMEs, and employing almost 20,000 people. Its turnover in Europe is estimated at €8bn.
About the International Fragrance Association (IFRA)
About the International Fragrance Association (IFRA)
About the International Fragrance Association (IFRA)
The International Fragrance Association (IFRA) is the voice of the fragrance industry worldwide.
IFRA has been supporting the safety and sustainability mission of the global fragrance industry since 1973.
Fragrances are unique and complex combinations of ingredients, both natural and synthetic, to create new scents that enrich our daily lives and stir emotions.
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