ParfumPlus Arabia

Proprietary captives and innovative accords drive originality. And our commitment to sustainability and neuroscience anchors us in the future. PP : HOW DO YOU VIEW THE FRAGRANCE MARKET IN THE MIDDLE EAST TODAY? BK : The Middle East is the birthplace of perfumery, with a heritage of more than 5,000 years. Fragrance here is not just luxury—it is identity, ritual, and cultural pride. Oud, incense, layering traditions, and sacred rituals remain central. Today, the region stands as the third-largest prestige fragrance market, with one of the fastest growth rates worldwide (+12%). It is also the fastest in creative development, with new launches conceived and brought to market in record time. SE : What makes the Gulf unique is its youthful, digital-savvy population, high purchasing power, and deep cultural connection to scent. Social media has transformed Arabian perfumery into a global trend phenomenon (#TikTok), amplifying its influence far beyond the region. This is more than a market. It is a creative powerhouse shaping global fragrance trends. PP : TAKASAGO HAS EXPRESSED AMBITIONS TO ACCELERATE GROWTH IN THE MIDDLE EAST. WHAT DRIVES THIS STRATEGY, AND WHAT VALUE DO YOU AIM TO BRING? SE : The Middle East region is now a $7.4 billion fragrance market (Euromonitor), with prestige fragrances growing at +12% CAGR. Saudi Arabia alone already represents more than 40% of regional prestige sales and is on track to rival the UK by 2028. Takasago is perfectly positioned to thrive here: High creativity, blending Japanese refinement with French artistry and regional olfactory traditions. Uniqueness and Innovation thanks to in-house captives with outstanding olfactive impact and active molecules or accords, with scientifically proven benefits. Cultural Relevance with a deep knowledge of the consumers and the market trends, both globally and locally. Agility, thanks to our entrepreneurial mindset, to match the region’s dynamism. BK : We aim to be not only a fragrance supplier, but a creative partner, helping shape the future of “A-Beauty” - a movement where Arabian perfumery traditions gain global recognition. PP : SUSTAINABILITY IS BECOMING INCREASINGLY CENTRAL. HOW IS TAKASAGO’S COMMITMENT SHAPING INNOVATION? SE : Sustainability is not a trend for Takasago; it is a legacy. Since 1920, we have viewed nature as inspiration and responsibility. We are a Green Chemistry Pioneer. Since the 1980s, we have led research in biobased ingredients and biotech molecules with reduced carbon impact. We valorise Transparency & Traceability. We were the First fragrance house to disclose the renewable carbon content of our Biobased ingredients (Biobased Index, 2014) and to have externally certified our natural sourcing policy ❚ BASSEL KOUCHACJI, MANAGING DIRECTOR FRAGRANCE MIDDLE EAST AT TAKASAGO P A R F U M P L U S 46