Framework questions
This section addresses key questions about THE IFMO methodology, sources and analytical approach.
1. What is a signal?
A signal is an observable development that may contribute to a meaningful change in the fragrance market or in the wider forces shaping it.
Signals can originate within the fragrance industry, in adjacent industries or outside the industry. Their relevance depends not only on what has happened, but also on the mechanism through which a development could affect the fragrance market.
2. What sources does THE IFMO use?
THE IFMO operates on publicly available information and sources.
These include official company and brand communications, retailer activity, industry publications, news media, institutional sources and selected digital platforms. No confidential, private or non-public information is used.
3. How are signals assessed?
Signals are reviewed for source quality, context, evidence strength and strategic relevance.
They are considered alongside existing observations, supporting evidence, counter-evidence and alternative explanations. As new evidence emerges, earlier signals and interpretations can be reassessed, strengthened, challenged or revised.
4. What does an IFMO report contain?
Each report provides a snapshot of THE IFMO's evolving intelligence on the global fragrance market at a specific moment in time.
It brings together the most relevant signals, structural developments and wider market forces, while showing how earlier observations and interpretations may be developing as new evidence emerges. Where relevant, the report also makes uncertainties and confidence levels explicit.
5. Does THE IFMO make predictions or provide recommendations?
THE IFMO does not predict specific outcomes or provide strategic recommendations to individual brands or stakeholders.
It identifies emerging developments, structural changes and strategic uncertainties that may influence the fragrance industry, while distinguishing between observable evidence, interpretation and what remains uncertain.
6. How often are reports published?
IFMO reports are published on the first day of each month.
Each edition captures the current state of THE IFMO's intelligence, including significant new developments and relevant changes to earlier observations and interpretations.
7. Who is THE IFMO designed for?
THE IFMO is intended for professionals working in and around the fragrance industry.
This includes brands, retailers, distributors, investors and other decision-makers seeking an independent and structured understanding of the forces shaping the market.
Access and subscription questions
This section explains how access to IFMO reports is structured, including subscriptions and The Library.
8. What is the difference between a subscription and The Library?
A subscription provides access to all new IFMO reports published during the active subscription period.
The Library contains the complete collection of published IFMO reports, which can be purchased individually at any time.
9. What do I receive with a subscription?
Subscribers receive access to every new IFMO report and accompanying audio edition published during their active subscription.
Reports are published on the first day of each month. Subscribers are notified by email when a new report becomes available, with direct access to both the report and its accompanying audio edition.
Each report captures the current state of THE IFMO's intelligence, including significant new developments and relevant changes to earlier observations and interpretations.
10. Do I get access to previous reports with a subscription?
No.
A subscription provides access to reports published during the active subscription period. Reports and accompanying audio editions received during the subscription remain available through your account after the subscription ends.
Reports published before the subscription start date are not included and can be purchased separately through The Library.
11. How does purchasing a report from The Library work?
Reports available in The Library can be purchased individually.
After purchase, the report and accompanying audio edition are made available digitally and can be accessed through your account.
12. How long are reports available in The Library?
Reports remain available in The Library after publication and can be purchased individually at any time.
13. In what format are the reports delivered?
All IFMO reports are delivered as digital PDF documents and include an accompanying audio edition.
The PDF and audio formats allow readers to access the intelligence in the format that best suits their workflow.
14. Can I cancel my subscription?
Yes.
The Monthly Subscription has a minimum initial term of three months. The Yearly Subscription is billed annually. After any applicable minimum term, subscriptions can be cancelled through the Customer Portal available within your account.
Cancellation takes effect at the end of the current billing period. No further reports or audio editions will be added after the subscription period ends, while editions already received remain available through your account.
15. When will I receive new reports as a subscriber?
New reports are published on the first day of each month.
Subscribers receive an email notification when a new report is published, including direct access to the report and its accompanying audio edition.
If your question is not addressed here, you can contact us at info@theifmo.com.
Get monthly access to the IFMO reports
THE IFMO delivers monthly intelligence reports based on continuous, structured observation of the global fragrance market. Analysis is built on publicly observable data and a consistent analytical framework.
Each report provides a snapshot of an evolving intelligence process, showing what is changing, which signals are strengthening or weakening, and how earlier observations develop over time. Together, the reports build a continuous view of structural market dynamics across regions, time periods and industry developments.
Access is available through an active subscription, while individual reports can also be purchased separately through The Library.