Olfacto Magazine

In artistic perfumery, numbers are never only numbers. They reveal movements, cultural shifts, and the way scent travels across borders. For Esxence 2026 , the data tells a precise story: 385 brands, 41 countries, one global meeting point for niche and artistic perfumery . At first glance, the exhibitor map confirms what the fragrance world already knows. France leads with 120 brands , followed by Italy with 105 brands . Together, they remain the two dominant poles of artistic perfumery: France with its historic language of composition, maisons, and olfactory heritage; Italy with its instinct for design, material culture, and creative presentation. But the most interesting part of the map begins after the obvious. The presence of the United Arab Emirates, Spain, the United Kingdom, Germany, Turkey, South Korea, China, and the United States shows how niche perfumery is no longer shaped by one centre. It is becoming more plural, more global, and more culturally layered. This refle...

In 2026, Milan will once again become the international capital of artistic perfumery as  Esxence   – The Art Perfumery Event returns for its 16th edition at Allianz MiCo – Milan Convention Centre . Founded in 2009, Esxence has become one of the most important international gatherings dedicated to niche and artistic perfumery. The event brings together perfumers, brands, buyers, distributors, press, and fragrance enthusiasts, creating a space where scent is explored not only as a product, but as an artistic and cultural language. The 2026 theme, “Sensing the World,” reflects the evolving role of fragrance in contemporary culture. Artistic perfumery today goes beyond traditional ideas of luxury. It interprets memory, place, emotion, identity, innovation, and the body itself. To sense the world means to engage with what is invisible yet deeply present: atmosphere, instinct, texture, and emotion. With more than 380 brands from over 40 countries , Esxence 2026 confirms the growi...