I've recently started to research into the world of perfume and discovered that each corner of the globe has a completely unique preference. This is quite possibly due to the changes in climate and environment from continent to continent, but some believe your taste in perfume depends on the flavours you experience at birth.
Due to this huge variety of taste perfumers create specific scents for certain regions that are exclusive to that place, making certain products seen as almost limited edition to the rest of the world. Perfume is also one of the only products that the majority are still bought in person rather than online for obvious reasons, however experts are currently looking into the ability to send a scent through a computer meaning the need for face to face sales will decrease.
America:
America is one of the most in demand markets for perfume, especially South America, due to their intense heat and humid climate. The need for scent is much greater than climates such as our own. Preferences in North America fall with strong and sweet scents such as vanilla and strawberry. Where as in South America, perhaps the perfume capital of the world, Brazilians prefer strong, fresh and fruity scents. Which due to their weather conditions, would make sense as their need for stronger scents are greater than other regions, as well as the likelihood of showering multiple times a day would mean applying scent after each time. Mexico however likes a fruity and floral scent on a woody background creating a long lasting perfume. Even fabric softeners in Mexico have a perfume content that's three times higher than the rest of the globe due to this demand for long lasting and intensity of smell.
Europe:
Globally renowned for signature scents such as Chanel No 5, Chanel Coco Mademoiselle, Dolce and Gabbana Light Blue and Versace Bright Crystal Europe's preferences in scent vary slightly more than other continents, however on the whole a light, floral and seductive scent is most popular. In England a classic floral english garden is in biggest demand, where as in Russia perfume is a sign of status. France on the other hand have their own traditions with regards to perfume, where mothers take their daughter at age 12-13 to find their first scent. These tend to be quite a light and fresh scent, however as you mature into a woman your scent follows into something darker and spicy, much more sensual and seductive.
Asia and Africa:
Asia is very much made up of a younger consumer, due to the increase in disposable income and creates the largest market revenue from anywhere across the globe. In China it's quite unusual that it's not uncommon for men to wear women's scent and women to wear men's perfume as they tend to like something fresh and understated. Floral and citrus families are very popular as the natural sweet freshness is delicate on the skin. In China scents can be seen as quite intrusive which is unacceptable unless at work, at a formal event or in contact with western customers, hence why the delicacy is so important when searching for a scent. Similarly to this a natural based perfume is what goes down best in Africa, where as in the Middle East perfume is seen as a luxury item and when worn it's to display wealth through luxury labels and a delicate scent.
What surprised me when doing this research is how varied the global market really is, and just how difficult it is to create a scent that's popular in all regions.
St.
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