The World Perfumery Congress (WPC) 2026 concluded last June 25 after bringing together perfumery professionals, suppliers, brands, researchers, and innovators from more than 30 countries for three days in a meeting focused on training, networking, and collaboration within the sector.
Organized by the American Society of Perfumers (ASP), the event featured a comprehensive program of conferences, keynote speeches, technical sessions, and an international exhibition showcasing the latest advances in fragrance ingredients, technologies, and sustainability initiatives that are defining the future of perfumery.
One of the highlights of this edition was the creation of the WPC Exhibitor Awards, awards that recognize exhibiting companies for their achievements in ingredient innovation, technology, and environmental responsibility. The awards consisted of trophies specially designed for the occasion by New Jersey visual artist Damien Davis.
The winners of the WPC Exhibitor Awards 2026 were:
- Most Innovative Ingredient: MANE, for ELIXIRIS, a natural co-extract obtained by co-distillation of iris roots and cedarwood essential oil.
- Most Outstanding Ingredient Technology: Givaudan, for PlanetCaps™ S, an easily biodegradable fragrance encapsulation technology for personal care and fabric care applications.
- Eco Champion: Pura, for the reusable and modular design of its booth and for transforming old soundproof call booths into fragrance olfactory evaluation stations.
The congress also served to recognize professionals whose contributions have helped shape both the perfumer profession and the American Society of Perfumers itself.
John Gamba, Senior Perfumer at Givaudan, received the American Society of Perfumers Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his outstanding professional career and his prolonged contributions to the fragrance industry and the art of perfumery.
For her part, Paula Kundu, Senior Perfumer at Arylessence and Co-Chair of the ASP, was honored with the William Lambert Service Award, an award that recognizes exceptional service and dedication to the American Society of Perfumers and its mission to promote the development of the profession.
The ceremony highlighted the fundamental role that both business leadership and volunteer work continue to play in the growth and future of the international fragrance community.
Closing the congress, ASP President, Roger Howell, thanked the contribution of all the people who made the event possible:
"To all session participants, speakers, sponsors, exhibitors, and attendees, please accept our most sincere and profound gratitude. Your generosity in sharing knowledge, insight, and passion has made this congress much more than a gathering among colleagues; it has transformed it into a celebration of the creativity, connection, and artistry that defines our industry.
Each of you has contributed to an experience marked by excellence, inspiration, and shared purpose. It has been a true privilege to convene in such distinguished company. As we conclude this gathering, we hope that the ideas shared will continue to inspire new initiatives, strengthen meaningful collaborations, and guide the future of perfumery with imagination, purpose, and elegance. Until we meet again, may this congress remind us that our greatest achievements are never reached alone, but together."
The organization also gave special thanks for the support of Givaudan, Diamond sponsor; dsm-firmenich and MANE, Platinum sponsors; and Associate Allied Chemicals and Sacheerome, Gold sponsors, for their collaboration and commitment to advancing the global fragrance industry through education, cooperation, and innovation.
As preparations begin for the next edition of the World Perfumery Congress, the ASP is meeting with sponsors and strategic partners in the sector to gather feedback and evaluate different venue options for the 2028 event.
Details about the host city and plans for the World Perfumery Congress 2028 will be announced soon.