Unilever invests $105m in in-house fragrance innovation

It will be supported by digital tools and AI.

Unilever is investing $105.58m (€100m) to expand its fragrance design and creation capabilities across its global product portfolio.

The investment will allow the company to take greater control over the development of its fragrances, a key element of product appeal and consumer preference.

The new initiative will create a hybrid model where Unilever’s in-house teams, supported by digital tools and AI, will collaborate with external fragrance houses to develop unique scents. 

“This initiative will enable us to create and develop our own fragrances, as well as continue to work closely with our important existing partners in the industry,” said Richard Slater, chief R&D officer at Unilever.

“By recruiting expert perfumers and leveraging new capabilities including digital technology and AI, we will help drive unmissable brand superiority in line with Unilever’s Growth Action Plan, developing fragrances that consumers love and enhancing the overall experience of our products,” he added.