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For more than three decades, Simppar has established itself as a unique event in the fragrance landscape. Designed as a space for discovery and exchange between raw material producers and perfumers, the trade fair deliberately fosters a convivial format, far removed from the fast-paced rhythm of major international congresses. Following a first Grasse edition in 2024 that was widely praised, the event is now confirming its roots in the world’s perfume capital, where it will take place on May 26 and 27. Between logistical challenges, the opening up to new exhibitors from around the world, and a commitment to preserving its historical identity, Simppar continues to evolve without losing the spirit that made it successful. We meet its organizer, Thierry Duclos.
While SIMPPAR had long been a purely Paris-based event, its first Grasse edition in 2024 was a major success. What lessons did you take away from it?
The first SIMPPAR in Grasse in 2024 responded both to requests from many long-standing exhibitors from the original Paris editions who are based in the region, and to the wish of the Mayor of Grasse to finally host a major international event in the city following the failure of the WPC in 2018.
Organizing the event required three years of preparation in order to put solutions in place for the main logistical challenges, particularly accommodation, access and parking. Once the project’s feasibility had been confirmed, this first edition essentially served as a test, as many uncertainties remained — mainly due to the fact that the fair takes place outdoors. If it proved successful, the idea was to alternate future editions between Paris and Grasse, which is ultimately what happened. Although a number of challenges remain, starting with limited space and difficult access, all the groundwork carried out beforehand now makes it possible to hold the event every two years.
For those who have never attended SIMPPAR, could you explain its key ingredients and what makes it such an essential event for the industry?
Originally created 35 years ago by the SFP, SIMPPAR was designed to allow its members — primarily perfumers — to meet raw material producers and manufacturers. Over the years, the event has grown and become more professionalized without ever moving away from its founding principle: placing every exhibitor, whether a small producer or a multinational company, on equal footing by offering a standardized booth format and limiting the number of exhibitors in order to preserve the event’s convivial spirit. SIMPPAR is, above all, a trade fair dedicated to discovery. Its purpose is to give perfumers and industry professionals the time to explore new products and meet new suppliers. In many ways, it is the complete opposite of the usual speed-dating atmosphere of large industry conventions. Today, it is the trade fair that welcomes the highest number of perfumers.
2026 seems to confirm Grasse as a permanent fixture for the event, alternating with the Paris edition. What can visitors expect this year… and in the years ahead?
This year, we have around fifteen more exhibitors than in 2024, including twelve first-time participants from Austria, Bulgaria, China, Egypt, Spain, Greece, India and, of course, France. Each of them brings new or innovative products that further enrich the range of raw materials showcased at the fair. SIMPPAR 2027, scheduled for June 2–3, 2027 in Paris, will follow the same direction, with a carefully controlled increase in the number of booths and the arrival of new exhibitors, allowing perfumers and visitors alike to continue discovering new raw materials.
SIMPPAR, Grasse, May 26–27, 2026.
Nez is partnering with the event and will be present at the Palais des Congrès, where the team will be selling books.
Click here to access the event website.
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