French flavour and fragrance industry shows resilience

Member companies of the French National Association of Aroma Product Manufacturers (Prodarom) posted growth in the opening months of 2026, despite geopolitical tensions, increasingly stringent regulatory requirements and rising production costs.

In the first quarter, responding companies in the Grasse region reported combined turnover of €452 million, up 2.3% on the same period in 2025. Exports increased by 2.8%, while the perfumery business grew by 2.4%. Natural raw materials recorded the strongest performance, with growth of 22.9%. Employment also continued to rise, with 4,069 people employed across the Grasse area, an increase of 2.6%.

At national level, participating companies generated combined turnover of €568 million, up 4.4%, including €427 million in export sales (+3.8%). Perfumery activity rose by 5% over the quarter.

Prodarom nevertheless highlighted a number of challenges for the months ahead, including the impact of international trade tensions — particularly US import tariffs — as well as higher costs for raw materials, transport, energy and packaging. The association also pointed to mounting regulatory pressure in both France and across the European Union, warning that it could weigh on innovation and the sector's international competitiveness.