Our Fragrance Manufacturing Process

From initial concept to finished product on shelf. A 7-stage process refined over 20 years, designed to deliver exceptional fragrances with clarity and confidence at every step.

The 7-Stage Process

Every KeepMe project follows our proven 7-stage process. Each stage is managed by your dedicated account manager, ensuring a seamless journey from brief to delivery.

Brief & Discovery

Every project begins with understanding your vision. We discuss your brand identity, target market, fragrance direction, price positioning, and commercial objectives. This stage establishes the foundation for the entire project and defines your critical path.

Brand positioning and target audience definition
Fragrance direction and scent family preferences
Budget parameters and quantity planning
Timeline and milestone setting
Dedicated account manager assigned

Fragrance Development

Our perfumers create fragrance submissions based on your brief. You receive samples for evaluation and provide feedback. The process includes multiple rounds of modification until the fragrance is exactly right. Alternatively, you can select from our library of over 200 stock fragrances.

Initial fragrance submissions based on your brief
Multiple rounds of modification and refinement
Stability and performance testing
IFRA compliance verification
Final fragrance sign-off

Componentry Selection

Select your bottle, pump, cap, and closure from our extensive stock range of over 100 moulds, or commission bespoke components through our global supply network. We provide physical samples for evaluation and ensure all components are compatible.

Bottle selection from stock or bespoke glass development
Pump and spray mechanism specification
Cap and closure selection
Component compatibility testing
Sample approval before production

Design & Branding

Our in-house design studio works with you on packaging design, decoration specifications, and 3D visualisation. This includes bottle decoration (screen printing, hot stamping, spray coating), label design, and secondary packaging artwork.

Packaging design and artwork development
Bottle decoration specification
3D visualisation and mock-ups
Secondary packaging design (boxes, cartons)
Print-ready artwork approval

Production & Filling

Your fragrance is mixed and macerated to specification, then filled into your chosen bottles on our UK-based production lines. Capping, crimping, labelling, and secondary packaging assembly complete the production process.

Fragrance mixing and maceration
Precision filling on calibrated lines
Capping, crimping, and labelling
Secondary packaging assembly
Production batch documentation

Quality Assurance

Every batch undergoes rigorous quality checks at multiple points throughout production. We test for fill accuracy, spray function, visual appearance, labelling accuracy, and overall product integrity. Full regulatory documentation is prepared.

Multi-point in-process quality checks
Fill weight and spray function testing
Visual inspection and appearance checks
CLP labelling verification
Complete batch documentation and certificates

Delivery & Support

Finished goods are palletised and delivered to your warehouse, fulfilment centre, or direct to your retail partners. We offer warehousing and stockholding solutions, and your account manager supports you with reorder planning and ongoing production.

Professional palletisation and dispatch
Delivery to your specified location
Warehousing and stockholding options
Reorder planning and scheduling
Ongoing account management support

Explore our process in detail with our interactive development tool.

Interactive Development Process

Timelines

How long your project takes depends on complexity. Here are the three typical pathways.

Fast-Track

Approximately 12 weeks

Using stock fragrances and stock components, our fast-track programme delivers finished product in the shortest possible timeframe.

Ideal for brands that need speed to market, using pre-developed fragrances and existing componentry.

Standard

6 to 9 months

The standard timeline accommodates bespoke fragrance development, custom decoration, and tailored packaging design.

Ideal for brands developing custom fragrances with some bespoke elements in their componentry or packaging.

Complex Bespoke

12+ months

Complex projects involving custom glass moulds, master perfumer collaboration, and luxury finishing require extended development timelines.

Ideal for luxury and prestige brands requiring maximum exclusivity and bespoke componentry from scratch.

What Sets Us Apart

KeepMe is not just a manufacturer — we are your fragrance partner, combining deep expertise with a genuinely collaborative approach.

Dedicated Account Managers

A single point of contact who understands your brand and manages every detail of your project from brief to delivery.

In-House Design Studio

Our creative team provides packaging design, 3D visualisation, and brand identity support — all under one roof.

Visit our studio

Global Sourcing Network

Access to premium raw materials, glass, and componentry from across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East — at competitive pricing.

Low MOQs from 500 Units

Accessible entry points for startups and small brands, with the infrastructure to scale seamlessly as you grow.

Learn about low MOQs

Explore Related Services

Fragrance Creation

Filling & Assembly

KeepMe Studio

Launch My Fragrance

View Our Work

See the results of our process — explore the brands and products we have brought to life.

View our portfolio

Fragrance Manufacturing Process FAQs

How long does the process take from start to finish?

Timelines vary depending on complexity. Our fast-track programme using stock components and fragrances can deliver finished product in approximately 12 weeks. Standard projects with some bespoke elements typically take 6 to 9 months. Complex bespoke projects involving custom glass moulds, bespoke formulation, and luxury packaging may take 12 months or longer. We provide a detailed critical path at the start of every project.

What do I need to get started?

All you need to get started is a clear idea of your brand concept and target market. Our team will guide you through the rest. It helps if you can share your fragrance preferences (e.g. scent families, references), target price point, desired packaging style, and initial order quantity. If you have an existing formula, we can work with that too.

Do you help with fragrance formulation?

Yes. Fragrance formulation is a core part of our service. You can work with our perfumers to develop a completely bespoke fragrance exclusive to your brand, or choose from our library of over 200 stock fragrances and customise from there. The formulation stage includes multiple rounds of submissions and modifications until you are completely satisfied.

Can I bring my own formula?

Absolutely. If you have an existing fragrance formula, we can manufacture it for you. We will assess the formula for compatibility with our production processes, carry out stability testing, and ensure it meets all regulatory requirements. Your formula remains your intellectual property throughout.

What about regulatory compliance?

Regulatory compliance is handled as a standard part of our process. We manage all IFRA compliance, CLP labelling, EU Cosmetics Regulation documentation, and safety assessments. Every product we manufacture is fully compliant and market-ready, with complete documentation provided to you.

How do reorders work?

Reorders are straightforward. Once your initial production run is complete, we retain your formulation, componentry specifications, and quality standards on file. When you are ready to reorder, simply contact your account manager with the required quantity and we schedule it into production. Lead times for reorders are typically shorter than initial runs, especially when components are held in stock.

Start Your Fragrance Journey

Ready to bring your fragrance concept to life? Get in touch and let us guide you through every stage of the process.