Industry News

Unilever Opens US Fragrance Lab in Connecticut

The expansion is part of the Happi International Top 30’s 100-million-euro global investment to build world-class in-house fragrance capabilities.

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By: Lianna Albrizio

Associate Editor

Unilever’s latest milestone in its 100-million-euro global investment has arrived to a US fragrance lab in Connecticut.

Located within the company’s existing Trumbull, Conn. Research & Development (R&D) facility, the expansion is part of the Happi International Top 30 company’s investment to build world-class in-house fragrance capabilities in a key market. The expansion will accelerate growth and productivity via fragrance design and ingredient buying, while continuing to work closely with key global fragrance house partners.

A lab inauguration ceremony was held on July 23.

“The opening of our US fragrance lab is a bold step forward in accelerating how we innovate,” said Paula Campos, associate director, Unilever US Fragrance Creative Center. “This milestone strengthens our local expertise in a key market and equips our teams to move faster, combining cutting-edge science, digital technologies, and consumer insight to craft more meaningful brand experiences with fragrances that truly resonate.”

The lab will serve as a collaborative space for industry-leading perfumers, scientists and product developers to innovate together, using state-of-the-art tools and digital-first capabilities to accelerate the creation of unique, future-forward scent experiences, officials said.

Amenities

The facility is housed with a fragrance R&D lab – a compounding facility where new fragrances are blended and developed – and evaluation booths where products are tested to assess performance and preference. What’s more, the site will be digitally enabled end-to-end, including digital modelling, analytics and the use of AI to drive fragrance development.

First In-House Fragrance Unveil

The opening of the US lab comes on the heels of Unilever’s debut of its first in-house fragrance creation, developed by its US team and featured in the Dove Rose Berry Bouquet range, and part of the wider Dove Garden Tea Party collection. The body care collection, inspired by springtime tea gatherings, launched last month.

The innovation was inspired by TikTok’s interest in Rococo and Regency Romance — a half-billion views on which have captivated audiences with its elegant aesthetic, blending rococo fashion, floral landscapes and garden-inspired gatherings.

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