Givaudan unveils Fine Fragrance Creative Centre in Shanghai, China

The first transformative bridge connecting Givaudan with Chinese brands to co-create the future of fine fragrances, Givaudan has opened L'Appartement 125, a state-of-the-art Fine Fragrance Creative Centre located in Shanghai, China. This innovative space is designed to foster co-creation between Givaudan's talented perfumers and Chinese brands, setting a new standard for fragrance development in the region.

L'Appartement 125 positions Givaudan as a leader in the Haute Parfumerie market segment in China. (Source: Givaudan)

Gilles Andrier, CEO of Givaudan, stated: “Since our entry into the Chinese market in 1988, Givaudan has witnessed remarkable growth and transformation. China is not just a key market for us, it is a vital source of inspiration and innovation. The unique cultural richness and evolving consumer preferences here drive us to create fragrances that resonate deeply with local consumers. As we continue to invest in this dynamic market, we remain committed to fostering partnerships that reflect the essence of China’s vibrant fragrance landscape. We are now opening a new page to accelerate our growth in Fine Fragrances with L’Appartement 125”.

A unique visionary design

Located in the commercial district of Shanghai's former French Concession, and designed by renowned Chinese designer Mr Ma Wen, L'Appartement 125 blends modern technology with traditional craftsmanship, western perfumery know-how and eastern sensitivity, poetry and inspirational vibrancy, creating a minimalist space that encourages imagination and sensory exploration.

The design incorporates natural materials and elements inspired by traditional Chinese aesthetics, fostering a calming and inspiring atmosphere. Features, such as a fully operational laboratory, an interactive fragrance wall and a sensory garden, allow our customers to engage with fragrances in innovative ways, making the creative process both enjoyable and educational.

Xavier Renard, Global Head of Fine Fragrances, said: “The design of L'Appartement 125 reflects Givaudan's essence — an invisible dialogue between the modernity and the tradition. This space is a testament to our commitment to innovation and collaboration, where fine fragrance perfumers and customers can co-create fragrances that tell unique stories. A dedicated fine fragrance team, starting with talented perfumer Jasmine Liu, will be permanently established in Shanghai, working in close connection with our global fine fragrance team. We will make sure these collaborations infuse and generate new ideas and concepts allowing us to push even further the boundaries of fine fragrance creativity and success stories.”

The future of Givaudan’s Fine Fragrances in Shanghai – one team behind

As part of Givaudan's 2025 strategy, L'Appartement 125 positions the company as a leader in the Haute Parfumerie market segment in China. The creative centre will not only serve Chinese brands but also nurture other customers by providing insights into the latest trends in the Chinese market, including the increasing demand for personalised and highly premium fragrances. It will also host workshops, training sessions, and fragrance exhibitions, further solidifying Givaudan's role as a thought leader in the industry. By engaging with local talent and fostering innovation, Givaudan aims to create a vibrant community of fragrance creators. Yaling Li Head of Fragrances China & Korea said: “Our diverse and inclusive team is dedicated to bridging regional and global needs. With the opening of L'Appartement 125, we are excited to offer a comprehensive end-to-end solution for fragrance creation that meets the evolving demands of consumers in China.” L'Appartement 125 stands as a significant milestone in Givaudan's journey, further solidifying its leadership in the fine fragrance industry and its commitment to creating fragrances that consumers love.