Roles within the fragrance house

Question 1

Account manager/ sales marketing manager

Answer 1

• maintain the account of a specific sector/client and liaises with the client directly
• initiates the retrieval of relevant information by asking the right questions.
• work closely with the fragrance evaluator by updating new info/ addressing any queries with the scent development team
• maintain dialogues with clients even after submission

Question 2

scent creation team: perfumer

Answer 2

• defines the perfume types and fragrance ingredients suitable for a particular application
• translates words and emotions into the sensory impact
• develop 1-2 ideas for performance evaluation

Question 3

scent creative team: Fragrance evaluators

Answer 3

• manages the project by defining the work scope, timeline, and budget ( maximize profitability)
• coordinates the scent development work with account managers, perfumers, application chemist, and sensory evaluation team to ensure complete product delivery
• tweak fragrances based on in-house repertoire for small projects
• keep up to date on market trends on fragrances and product categories.

The scent creative team will follow through the performance evaluation so that they can modify or enhance certain notes/ accords at various stages of evaluation.

Question 4

Application chemist

Answer 4

• applies fragrance in the product bases
• performs testing and provide technical advice and aid in troubleshooting any problem or issues encountered in the performance evaluation process of the fragrances
• monitor the fragrance stability in the base over time, parameters include viscosity, odor intensity/integrity, discoloration, malodours etc

Question 5

Sensory evaluation team

Answer 5

• coordinates sensory evaluation for limited or full panel depending on the resources available
• trains panelists ( internal staff or public)

Question 6

Benefits of limited panel testing

Answer 6

Fragrances that pass technical performance will first be considered for a limited panel test.

• utilize limited resources
• reduce the number of fragrance candidates to a reasonable size
• trained panelist are company employees

Question 7

Benefits of full panel testing

Answer 7

Fragrance shortlisted from the limited panel testing will be submitted for a full panel testing

• obtain a more realistic and complete picture of consumer preference
• increases the likelihood of a successful product launch
• a trained panelist would expand to the general public

Question 8

Tests to assure the shelf life of the fragrance in the product

Answer 8

Accelerated aging tests is performed to evaluate the integrity of products as specified by clients. 
Stability issues ( base discoloration, changes in fragrances profile or malodours, any effect on the clients packaging) 
Reformulating and application process are repeated until positive results are obtained in every stage of the evaluation.