The air at Hotel Novotel Mumbai wasn’t just scented with fine perfumes—it was charged with purpose. At the 4th edition of the FICCI Fragrance Business Summit, over 200 industry leaders, scientists, policymakers, and entrepreneurs gathered to shape the future of India’s fragrance industry, blending tradition, innovation, and sustainability into one compelling narrative.

Under the theme “The Fragrance Industry: Driving Innovation & Powering Growth,” the summit offered more than just panels and presentations—it offered a glimpse into India’s aromatic ambitions. From the lavender fields of Uttarakhand to the labs of CSIR-CIMAP, the country’s fragrance ecosystem is evolving rapidly, and this summit made it clear: India is ready to lead.

The day began with keynote addresses from FICCI leadership and CSIR scientists, who shared breakthroughs in aromatic crop cultivation across 15 geo-climatic zones. Their message was clear: India’s biodiversity is not just a resource—it’s a responsibility.

Panel discussions ranged from global safety standards and IFRA harmonization to biodiversity ethics and MSME empowerment. But what made the conversations memorable were the human stories—farmers transforming their livelihoods through lavender, startups crafting neuro-fragrances, and women-led enterprises redefining scent as self-expression.

One of the summit’s most powerful moments came during a discussion on cross-border partnerships. Industry veterans and young innovators sat side by side, exploring how India could become a hub not just for manufacturing, but for fragrance R&D, storytelling, and sensory wellness.

The summit also spotlighted the Aroma Mission, a CSIR-led initiative that’s quietly revolutionizing India’s aromatic agriculture. With support from six leading institutes, the mission is helping farmers transition to high-value crops while preserving ecological balance.

Outcomes That Matter

– A roadmap for aligning India’s fragrance safety standards with global benchmarks 

– Renewed focus on MSME participation and skill-building 

– Strategic alliances to boost exports and ingredient traceability 

– A shared commitment to sustainability, transparency, and innovation

As the day closed, attendees didn’t just walk away with business cards—they left with a sense of shared purpose. The fragrance industry, once seen as niche, is now a symbol of India’s soft power, scientific prowess, and cultural depth.