THE WHAT? Unilever has opened a new fragrance innovation hub in Mumbai, India, as part of its strategy to strengthen global R&D capabilities and accelerate the development of premium beauty, personal care and home care products.
THE DETAILS Located at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Powai, the 400-square-metre facility combines fragrance creation, testing and evaluation capabilities within a single site. The hub integrates AI, neuroscience, digital modelling, robotics and real-time analytics to support fragrance development across categories including shampoos, body washes, deodorants and laundry care products. The facility enables Unilever teams to design, test and refine fragrances more quickly while simulating local market conditions to better align products with consumer preferences. The investment forms part of Unilever’s broader €100 million programme to expand its in-house, digitally enabled fragrance development network globally. The Mumbai hub will also collaborate with academic partners and connect with Unilever’s wider international fragrance innovation network.
THE WHY? Fragrance is a key driver of consumer preference, product differentiation and premiumisation. The new facility is designed to help Unilever accelerate innovation, improve speed to market and create more desirable products tailored to evolving consumer expectations in India and globally.
Source: Unilever
