Esxence 2026 confirms the strength of artistic perfumery

The international exhibition dedicated to artistic perfumery and organised by BolognaFiere Cosmoprof, welcomed more than 20,000 visitors to Milan from 3–6 June. The event brought together 400 brands from over 40 countries, including 108 first-time exhibitors, across 20,000 m² of exhibition space. Held under the theme "Sensing the World", this year's edition reaffirmed Esxence's position as a global showcase for independent fragrance creation and an incubator for emerging perfume houses.

The conference programme was equally extensive, featuring 26 sessions with more than 60 international speakers. Topics ranged from artificial intelligence and neuroscience to TikTok and the development of Asian fragrance markets. Art installations, curated exhibitions, a specialist bookshop and the Experience Lab, dedicated to niche beauty, complemented the exhibition, while the Fuori Esxence programme extended activities to venues across Milan.

The organisers also highlighted several key trends shaping the niche fragrance market. These include the growing emphasis on increasingly immersive multisensory olfactory experiences, the convergence of fragrance and gastronomy, and the emergence of distinctive regional identities, from the rich, opulent creations of the Middle East to the more minimalist aesthetic favoured in Asia. Packaging also continues to gain strategic importance, with increasing attention paid to renewable and upcycled materials, travel-friendly formats, and the design of bottles and caps, which have become powerful tools for brand differentiation.

The next edition of Esxence will take place in Milan from 24 to 27 February 2027.