German fragrance industry appoints new president

A Symrise employee will head the German fragrance association for the second year running following the hand over from Horst-Otto Gerberding to Wolfgang Blume, currently the vice president of fragrance sales for central Europe fragrances at Symrise. Blume has highlighted his mission to gain new members as a key element of his position, focusing on continuity and transparency - qualities that are said to be essential to this plight and in maintaining the trust of established association members. Speaking of the direction of the association following his appointment, Blume said, "Of course we have to take new paths to make the association even more appealing. We are trying to make the association the key point of contact in the industry as a way of drawing in as many new members as possible​". After moving its headquarters to Brussels, the association has become more aware of European issues and has stated that it will now be making a targeted approach to recruit in the new EU member states. Likewise, it will now step up its assistance to fragrance professionals who have to deal with new fragrance legislation, such as the IFRA's revised code of practice that includes the 42^nd​ amendment. Pressure from consumers and the media has increased with an emphasis being placed on the desire to be fully aware of what chemicals go into products, and what procedures take place to get these ingredients into products. Legislation such as Regulation, Evaluation, Authorisation of Chemicals (REACH) has been implemented by the EU to further peace of mind, however, it has placed a strain on businesses that now have to take extra measures to wade through the red tape. With sales of fragrances beginning to increase, and awareness of ecological issues surrounding fragrance buying, consumers will no doubt continue in their quest for knowledge. Blume stated, "Fragrance manufacturers have an obligation to provide detailed and extensive information about their products, and this obligation grows in direct correlation with the extent to which consumers use cosmetic products, soaps, cleaners and detergents". ​ Indeed, a strong part of his proposal about the future of the association relies on making consumers aware that it is up to date with the modern industry. "The questions that people have about our industry are questions we have to take seriously. The association plays an important part in this as a neutral authority"​ Blume stated. The decision to change leadership followed eight years in office for Gerberding, who opted to stand down. Traditionally the position falls to a representative of the largest fragrance manufacturer represented in the association, with the latest appointment consolidating Symrise's lead as the leading company in the sector.