Fragrance Development Process
A detailed 10-stage guide to developing your fragrance product — from initial brief through to post-launch support. Each stage includes timelines, deliverables, and key decision points.
10
Key Stages
12-16
Weeks (typical)
500+
Unit MOQ
Project Brief
Define your fragrance vision, target market, quantities, timeline, and budget. This is the foundation for everything that follows.
Client Brief
- Fragrance type and market positioning (luxury, masstige, mass)
- Target audience demographics and psychographics
- Volume and production quantities
- Launch date and project timeline
- Budget parameters and constraints
Component Design Requirements
- Bottle and vessel specifications
- Pump mechanism selection
- Collar design preferences
- Cap and closure functionality
- Preferred decoration techniques
Concept & Feasibility
Develop initial design direction, assess technical feasibility, and evaluate stock versus custom component options.
Design Inspiration & Moodboard
- Initial aesthetic direction development
- Trend analysis and market research
- Competitor benchmarking
- Material exploration and options
Technical Feasibility Assessment
- Stock vs custom mould evaluation
- MOQ and timeline compatibility
- Component compatibility analysis
- Manufacturing capability assessment
- Budget impact analysis
Component Selection & Mould Decision
Choose between stock moulds from our library of 100+ designs or commission bespoke components through our global supply network.
Stock Mould Route
- Browse existing mould library
- Review 3D visuals and specifications
- Assess material and finish options
- Evaluate customisation possibilities
- Fast-track to prototyping
Custom Mould Route
- Create bespoke CAD designs
- Generate 3D renderings for review
- Engineering design finalisation
- Tooling cost estimation
- Timeline projection and planning
Sampling
Produce physical samples for evaluation — clear glass, decorated finishes, and component fit testing.
Stock Mould Sampling
- Clear stock sample production
- Material and finish samples
- Decoration application tests
- Colour matching trials
Custom Mould Sampling
- Technical drawing creation and approval
- CNC sample production (3D print or resin)
- Pre-tooling review and modifications
- Final approval before mould creation
Sample Review Criteria
- Aesthetic evaluation
- Functionality testing (pump, spray, seal)
- Ergonomic fit and feel assessment
- Brand alignment verification
Tooling (If Custom Mould)
For bespoke components, precision moulds are fabricated and tested. This stage is skipped entirely with stock moulds.
Tool Manufacturing Process
- Precision mould fabrication
- Quality control checkpoints
- First article inspection
- Sample production for review
- Revision iterations if needed
- Final production approval
Decoration & Branding
Apply branding and decoration to your components — from screen printing and hot stamping to spray coating and electroplating.
Decoration Techniques
- Screen printing setup
- Hot stamping die creation
- Custom Pantone colour matching
- Metallic foiling application
- Etching and engraving patterns
- Debossing and embossing details
- Electroplating finish options
Brand Application
- Logo placement optimisation
- Typography selection and sizing
- Regulatory text integration
- Quality mark positioning
Testing & Compliance
Rigorous testing ensures your product meets all performance, safety, and regulatory standards before production.
Component Testing Protocols
- Fragrance compatibility verification
- Leak and pressure testing
- Drop test certification
- Temperature stability assessment
- UV resistance evaluation
Regulatory Compliance
- REACH compliance verification
- IFRA standards conformity
- Market-specific regulations
- Safety assessment documentation
- Certificate of conformity
Final Approval & Production
With all approvals in place, full-scale production begins — mixing, filling, assembly, and batch documentation.
Pre-Production Setup
- Final client sign-off
- Production schedule planning
- Raw material procurement
- Quality control protocol setup
Mass Production Execution
- Component manufacturing
- Decoration application
- Assembly line setup
- Fragrance filling (if applicable)
- Batch coding and serialisation
Quality Control & Delivery
Every batch is inspected, tested, and documented before being palletised and dispatched to your specified location.
Quality Assurance
- Visual inspection protocols
- Functional testing procedures
- Random sampling checks
- Batch documentation review
- Certificate of analysis
Logistics & Delivery
- Packaging and palletisation
- Shipping documentation
- Customs clearance support
- Track and trace setup
- Delivery confirmation
Post-Launch Support
Our partnership continues after delivery — reorder management, stock monitoring, and planning for future product lines.
Continuous Partnership
- Reorder management system
- Stock level monitoring
- Forecast-based planning
- Product line extensions
- Market feedback integration
- Future innovation planning
Typical Timelines
How long your project takes depends on complexity and whether you use stock or bespoke components.
Fast-Track
Approximately 12 weeks
Stock fragrances, stock components, and standard decoration. Ideal for speed-to-market launches.
Skips Stage 5 (Tooling) entirely.
Standard
6 to 9 months
Bespoke fragrance development with some custom elements in componentry or packaging design.
Most common timeline for new brands.
Complex Bespoke
12+ months
Custom glass moulds, master perfumer collaboration, and luxury finishing from scratch.
For prestige and luxury brands requiring maximum exclusivity.
Development Process FAQs
How long does the entire development process take?
Can steps be done in parallel to speed things up?
What if I want to use stock moulds instead of custom?
How involved do I need to be at each stage?
What are the minimum order quantities?
Do you handle regulatory compliance?
Ready to Start Your Project?
Our team will guide you through every stage — get in touch to discuss your brief.