IFEAT 2023 Report

The PCW team comprised of Xavier Blaizot, Eléonore Thore and Patrice Blaizot spent an exhilarating week in Berlin, from the 9th to the 12th of October, immersing themselves in the enriching experience of the IFEAT conference. This year there were over 1500 delegates in attendance. 

IFEAT, short for the International Federation of Essential Oils and Aroma Trades, boasts a global presence, with 690 members hailing from 68 different countries. This expansive network covers the entire spectrum of the industry, from dedicated farmers to discerning consumers. The federation encompasses an array of products and companies spanning fragrance, flavour, and aromatherapy.

At PCW we are highly specialised in the trade of fragrance ingredients and it’s important that we stay abreast of market dynamics. The conference is one of the key events on the ingredients calendar for the business and each year provides a forum to meet partners and to seek new opportunities. PCW has been in attendance for a number of years now, and each visit allows the team to keep up to date with market observations and to spot movements and trends.

This year the team found that the market conditions were more challenging for the Chinese suppliers with limited access to the US markets. Also noteworthy was the increased representation of Indian companies at IFEAT, signalling a notable shift. Additionally, new market entrants are making waves, crafting generic, top-tier synthetics at highly competitive price points.

Each year Xavier, Eléonore and Patrice return with insights and renewed enthusiasm for the industry. The conference serves as an invaluable learning opportunity for the team, fostering cross-cultural relationships that are indispensable in today’s global landscape.

It was an absolute pleasure to connect with fellow industry members and we look forward to next year’s conference in Bangkok, Thailand.