Fragrance Category Projections 24-26

Grown-Up Gourmand

The gourmand family continues to expand with an unprecedented number of new foodie-inspired fragrances, but there’s a distinct shift: sweet scents of the past have grown up and become more sophisticated. Appealing to nostalgia via comfort food in bottled form, brands cleverly target a wide demographic seeking to smell delicious.

Mainstreaming Affordability

Consumers are increasingly searching for good deals, ensuring they’ve secured the most cost-effective way to try a new fragrance. Body mists are offered as additional layering products for daily scent rituals, while discovery-set samples with vouchers against full-size purchases encourage brand loyalty and wider recognition.

Bottling Cultural Heritage

The increasing diversity among brand owners shows a growing global market, and consumers hungry for newness are loving the unique scent profiles that use indigenous ingredients and inspiration from brands across the world. Meanwhile, the authenticity of fresh voices and their differing cultural references encourage loyalty and self-recognition among customers.

Future Ingredient Trend Focus

The gourmand megatrend shows no signs of slowing down, but we’re seeing important foodie offshoots of cherry and pear – both of which infuse a scent with a ripely “luscious” and “delicious” youthful appeal. Meanwhile, take note that skin musks – “your skin but better” – are moving away from purity and becoming playfully suggestive.