Key takeaways on new event for niche fragrance
- Fragrance is forecast to reach US$64.47bn globally in 2026, with continued growth through 2030.
- A new B2B‑focused event, International Maisons of Fine Fragrance, will debut in London in February 2026.
- The show will spotlight fine fragrance houses, niche perfumers, innovation and global scent artistry.
- Social media and younger consumers are reshaping the fragrance market, particularly for niche brands.
- Emotional connection, individuality, sustainability and performance are driving fragrance’s renaissance.
Fragrance continues to be one of the beauty industry’s most lucrative categories and is forecast to keep on growing.
According to data firm Statista, in 2026 the global fragrance market is projected to generate revenue of US$64.47bn, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.18% forecast between now and 2030.
To celebrate the ever‑growing popularity of scent, a new event, International Maisons of Fine Fragrance, is set to take place at London’s Frieze Gallery from 18–20 February 2026.
The three‑day event aims bring together the world’s leading fragrance houses, niche perfumers, innovators and industry tastemakers to honour fine perfumery and the art of global scent artistry.
International Maisons of Fine Fragrance is the brainchild of Valérie Kaminov, founder and Managing Director of International Luxury Brand Consultancy (ILBC). Kaminov has spent decades in the beauty industry, working with iconic brands such as Elemis, Penhaligon’s, Argentum, Amouage and Miller Harris.
While the first edition of the event will take place in London, Kaminov said she has plans for a global roll out, with the next one in Japan.
Here, she explains why niche fragrance is resonating so strongly with today’s consumers and what visitors can expect from the inaugural show.
Cosmetics Design‑Europe (CDE): Hi Valérie, we were excited to hear about the new event. Why do you think the fragrance category is more popular than ever with beauty shoppers?
Valérie Kaminov (VK): The fragrance industry has been experiencing an incredible renaissance in recent years. Its recent evolution and innovation are finding new ground within the overall beauty industry, which is also inspiring younger generations.
To me, the true power of fragrance is emotional connection: it isn’t simply about what it does, but how it makes you feel. When you combine this with key trends such as the rise in niche perfumes, bolder formats and more functional benefits, mood‑boosting ingredients, a desire for personalisation and individuality, sustainability, quality and efficacy with longer‑lasting performance, you can see why fragrance is now very much part of our cultural conversation.
Social media has played a big part in this. There are over three million videos tagged #PerfumeTikTok, reflecting the importance of Gen Z and Millennials as a cornerstone consumer base within the fragrance industry. Many niche brands in particular highlight that around half of their customers are under the age of 45. This bodes well for the future of perfumery and its continuing popularity.
CDE: Why do you think more people are so interested in niche perfumes now?
VK: Since my earliest days in the perfume industry, I have seen the power of fragrance as a form of self‑expression and individuality. Niche perfumes offer a more personalised and creative olfactory experience that aligns with the consumer desire for something more individual and expressive of their personality.
Ethical practices and sustainable sourcing have become baseline expectations within the industry, and niche perfume brands have often been ahead of the curve with their authentic and transparent approach to fragrance creation. These values, along with typically higher‑quality ingredients and longer‑lasting performance, are enhanced by distinctive authenticity and storytelling born from the artistic vision and craftsmanship of the perfumer. Niche perfumes are designed to offer the freedom to experiment, explore and express.
VK: Why did you decide to create this event now?
CDE: I have been in the beauty industry for over 30 years and fragrances have always been a passion of mine. During that time, I worked with established brands such as Penhaligon’s, Miller Harris as well as some new emerging names from around the world and have attended hundreds of trade events. Through this experience and the work I do with International Luxury Brand Consultancy in global business development I recognised there was a need for a more boutique and tailored event that introduces fragrance houses to new markets and audiences in both a creative and commercial way.
International Maisons of Fine Fragrance is not your typical trade show; it has been deliberately styled to provide a handpicked collection of perfume brands a more targeted and personalised opportunity to introduce their collections. Rather than being mass-market in approach I have customised each element to create a more intimate and expressive event that complements the true art of perfumery. It is also why we have introduced The Olfactory Garden, which has been styled to enhance the sensory experience for the visitors.
International Maisons of Fine Fragrance celebrates the world of perfumes with brands coming from Australia, Europe, Middle East, UK and Asia. This global diversity creates an incredible platform to discover something new, whether you are a buyer, influencer or consumer.
