Xi Niu Cai Jing·2025-12-12 08:31Core Insights - The beauty industry is increasingly focusing on the fragrance business as a key growth area, with major brands like Estée Lauder and L'Oréal ramping up investments in this sector [2][3][7] - The fragrance market is seen as a new opportunity for beauty brands to break through current market challenges, with the "fragrance economy" emerging as a significant trend [2][5] Investment and Strategic Moves - L'Oréal announced a €60 million investment to double the production capacity at its historic Gossy factory in France, which serves luxury brands [3] - Kering Group has entered a long-term strategic partnership with L'Oréal, allowing L'Oréal to acquire the high-end fragrance brand Creed and gain 50-year licenses for several iconic brands [3] - Estée Lauder made a minority investment in the Mexican high-end fragrance brand XINÚ through its New Incubation Ventures [3][4] Market Trends and Consumer Behavior - The fragrance category is evolving from a secondary role in beauty to a primary emotional driver for consumers, with a growing willingness to spend on emotional value [5][6] - According to a report, the primary reasons for purchasing fragrances include self-pleasure and enhancing emotional value, with social gifting being secondary [5][6] Market Potential and Growth - The fragrance market in China is still in a "blue ocean" phase, with low penetration rates compared to mature international markets, presenting significant growth opportunities [6][7] - Data shows that fragrance imports in China surpassed body care products for the first time in Q1 2025, with a 20.5% year-on-year growth in the first half of 2025, reaching $600 million [6][7] Financial Performance - L'Oréal's fragrance business now accounts for 40% of its luxury division's revenue, with a compound annual growth rate of 20% over the past five years, projected to exceed €6 billion by 2025 [7] - Estée Lauder reported a 14% year-on-year increase in fragrance revenue, reaching $721 million in Q1 of the 2026 fiscal year [7][8] Competitive Landscape - The fragrance category offers high margins and a longer product lifecycle compared to other beauty products, making it an attractive segment for brands [8] - As the market becomes more competitive, brands must find unique positioning and storytelling to connect emotionally with consumers, whether through high-end or niche fragrances [8]