Upcoming Trade Shows in Germany for Perfumes

Germany’s perfume industry may not have the same romantic allure as France’s or Italy’s, but its contributions to the global fragrance market are undeniable. Germany is the country to first pioneer synthetic scent production and today houses some of the most storied perfume houses in history. The country’s influence can be traced back to the 19th century with Leipzig-based Schimmel & Co., a pioneering manufacturer of synthetic scents. A big breakthrough occurred in 1858 when Albert Baur accidentally developed synthetic musk molecules while working on gunpowder formulations. This discovery led to one of the earliest fragrance patents, marking a turning point in the industry and placing Germany at the forefront of scent chemistry. We also have to mention the work of Haarmann & Reimer (now Symrise) in further advancing synthetic scent production. These innovations allowed perfumers to create long-lasting and complex compositions without relying solely on natural ingredients. But synthetics are now on the outs as Germany’s perfume industry is increasingly aligning with sustainability trends. Germany’s signature contribution to the world of perfumes is undoubtedly Eau de Cologne. Giovanni Maria Farina, an Italian immigrant, created the first Cologne in the early 18th century, naming it after his adopted home city. The fresh, citrus-infused scent quickly gained popularity among European royalty and became a staple in personal care. In recent years, there has been renewed interest in Germany’s historical perfume houses. J.F. Schwarzlose, a Berlin-based brand founded in the 19th century, has been revived by a team dedicated to preserving its legacy. Once a global enterprise with factories in Budapest and Prague and distribution in Australia, Spain, and Cuba, the company faded into obscurity after World War I. Its resurrection exhibits a growing appreciation for heritage brands and the unique olfactory profiles they offer.