European Federation of Retail Perfumers – Challenges facing the perfumery sector

European Federation of Retail Perfumers – Challenges facing the perfumery sector: The Presidential Council of the European Federation of Retail Perfumers – FEPD – met in Vienna on Saturday the 4th of November. The core issue for the meeting was the harmonisation of European professional training in the perfumery sector. In addition, the delegates discussed current market developments as well as the aspects of potential further development of selective distribution.

European Federation of Retail Perfumers – challenges and developments

At the meeting of the European Federation of Retail Perfumers – FEPD, delegates from various European countries discussed current developments and challenges for the sector. In this regard, apart from current market trends (especially in the large European countries), problems relating to case law and development options for small and medium-sized countries were also on the agenda. Furthermore, the ability of the manufacturers to deliver, goods logistics, and problems of selective distribution were the subject of intense discussion.

Training and continuing education as opportunity and mission

“Training and continuing education is not just a challenge, but equally a great opportunity for the specialist trade,” says William G. Koeberlé, President of the European Federation of Retail Perfumers, and President of the French member association FFPS. Accordingly, the subject of professional training took up a good deal of time. In spite of differing national professional training systems, this was a matter of a creating common basis in terms of content for the qualification of specialist personnel. As well as the dual apprenticeship systems in Germany and Austria, France and Italy are also working on the development of corresponding certification and training concepts.
Prospects for small and medium-sized companies

Prospects for small and medium-sized companies

“Product innovations are no longer successful,” reported Mag. Josef Wanas from the New Design University at St. Pölten. New business models are therefore required for small and medium-sized companies in particular. As part of a project of the Austrian Chamber of Commerce, new concepts are therefore being sought which can still be successful in three, five, and ten years. Initial ideas on business models and new approaches for presentation of goods are expected in September 2018.

Discussion continues – aim is joint positions

The discussion is being continued accordingly. The same applies to the challenges surrounding selective distribution and the harmonisation of professional training. The positions of the European member associations on these topics are collected, discussed, and summarised without prejudging the outcome. The aim is a shared European position on the subjects discussed. No easy task: “Particularly for selective distribution, many people see a requirement for urgent action,” says FEPD Director Elmar Keldenich of the proceedings. The next meeting will take place in Cologne in February 2018.

[Text/image: FEPD]