Allergens remain a talking point for the industry as new regulation comes in, and the event made sure there was time dedicated to the topic with a session on the morning of day two hosted by the International Fragrance Association (IFRA), looking at the need to build consumer confidence through effective risk management.
Julie Girling, MEP, argued that the industry needs to be more honest about allergens in fragrance products so that consumers better understand that any product carries a risk but that the risk is comparatively small.
Emerging markets
Other areas of focus at the show were growth opportunities, particularly in emerging markets, and Asia’s flourishing market, which accounts for 24% of the global fragrance market, was on people’s lips.
There were dedicated sessions on this from Kao, Takasago, Kelkar, Euromonitor, Eurofragrance, and SevenScent.
Emmanuelle Moeglin from Mintel identified that cross-category inspiration will be a key driver in generating and satisfying consumer demand, while Ruth Sutcliffe, senior marketing director and fragrance designer at Coty, agreed that the industry could do more to offer consumers with a wider choice of products that include fragrance.
In the exhibition hall, visitors were able to network with 80-plus fragrance, ingredient and service suppliers and discover the latest launches, technologies and research that will put their products ahead of the game.
Success
More than 1,100 leaders and 80-plus exhibitors from across the value chain gathered at the event and program director, Jeb Gleason-Allured, was pleased with this year’s outcome.
“I wish to thank all who made the 2014 World Perfumery Congress such a dynamic success, driven by passionate industry experts who are shaping the future of this creative and technical industry,” says Gleason-Allured.
“I am also delighted that the 2014 WPC hosted a historic meeting among global perfumer societies—including American, French, British and German groups—ensuring the conference was truly a global event focused on the enhancement of the recognition of perfumery.”