Our
History
Our
History
The
Inception Year
Post-independence, India emerged as a country full of aspirations. The perfumery sector remained fragmented, constrained by high taxes, import restrictions, and complex regulations.
It was then a group of passionate manufacturers and traders gathered in Mumbai, and a question was raised—“Why don’t we form an association?”
This led to the formation of “The Perfumery Raw Materials Trade Association” with 38 members on board, each investing INR 50 annually to secure the industry's future.
Evolution of the Perfumery
Raw Materials Trade Association
The Perfumery Raw Materials Trade Association on February 27, 1971, transitioned into an all-India body, officially becoming the Perfumes & Flavours Association of India (PAFAI).
The first seminar, held on December 17, 1972, in Mumbai, saw participation from 300 delegates. This was followed by the Silver Jubilee celebration in 1974 alongside the second PAFAI seminar.
Advancing further, the PAFAI, in 1977, established its own office at Marine Lines, Mumbai.In 1979, the association organised its first study tour to Europe, allowing 35 members to explore global trends in the industry.
Knowledge,
Collaboration, Progress
In 1983, the first Residential Perfumery Course was introduced, marking a significant step in professional education.
In 1985, PAFAI organized its first industrial exhibition in Mumbai, a four-day event that brought the industry together on an unprecedented scale.
PAFAI contributed Rs. 1 million to establish the Perfume & Flavour Technology Centre at the Institute of Chemical Technology in Mumbai.
In 1989, PAFAI organized the XI International Congress of Essential Oils, Flavours and Fragrances (ICEOFF), India’s first congress of its kind. The event welcomed 1,250 delegates from 47 countries.

Moving Towards
Modernization & Innovation
In June 1992, the second study tour to European countries was organized with a delegation of 40 esteemed members.
The 14th seminar was conducted in January 1999 in Jaipur, celebrating the Golden Jubilee of the association, themed "Fragrances & Flavours in the 21st Century".
The rebranding of PAFAI to FAFAI – Fragrances and Flavours Association of India was also done in the same year.The inaugural issue of “The FAFAI Journal” was also released in April 1999, symbolising the new era of knowledge sharing and industry growth.
FAFAI
Data Bank Office
The intent behind launching the FAFAI Data Bank Office in 2006 in Ahmedabad was to serve as a hub for industry insights, collaboration, growth, and cementing FAFAI’s leadership in the coming years.
A study tour was organised to China in July 2007, with around 35 members participating with the aim of gaining valuable insights into international industry advancements. 

Continuing Towards Industry
Education & Global Exposure
In February 2016, an educational field trip was organized to Jojai, Assam, to study the region’s fragrance and flavour industry.
Later in December 2016, a trip to Kannauj, the perfume capital of India, was also conducted.
In May 2019, a study tour to Bulgaria, the land of roses and lavender, was organised to explore the country’s rich tradition in essential oil extractions and perfumery.
Advancing Through
Research and Development Excellence
A dedicated R&D centre for fragrance and flavour testing was established in 2023. In addition, Biosafety and Biodegradability divisions were also added to assess the overall impact of ingredients on health and the environment.
Dr. Ram Vishwakarma, Chairman of PCD 18 at the Bureau of Indian Standards, collaborated with Mr. Shakti Vinay Shukla and his team at the Fragrance and Flavour Development Centre (FFDC) to publish the Indian Fragrances and Flavours Reference List of Ingredients.
The first edition of the list was released in 2020, followed by the second edition in 2023.
A glimpse of FAFAI’s journey
commemorating it’s legacy of 75 years.
A glimpse of FAFAI’s journey
commemorating it’s legacy of 75 years.
A glimpse of FAFAI’s journey
honoring it’s legacy of 75 years.
our core
Mission
To serve as the collective voice of India’s flavours and fragrances industry by:
policy advocacy enabling learning and collaboration advancing ethical and
innovative practices for the equitable benefits of all members.
Vision
our core
Championing India’s flavours and fragrances industry.
our core
Mission
Vision
our core
Championing India’s flavours and fragrances industry.
our core
Mission
To serve as the collective voice of India’s flavours and fragrances industry by: policy advocacy enabling learning and collaboration advancing ethical and innovative practices for the equitable benefits of all members.
Vision
our core
Championing India’s flavours and fragrances industry.
STEWARDSHIP
Leading with foresight and responsibility to benefit members and the broader industry.
FRATERNITY
Fostering mutual respect, trust, friendship, and solidarity among members celebrating unity
in diversity where every voice is valued.
RESPONSIBILITY
Acting with accountability and care towards consumers,
environment, and all stakeholders involved in the value chain.
EXCELLENCE
Consistently pursuing high standards in quality, professionalism, and industry practices.
TRANSPARENCY
Ensuring openness, honesty, and clarity in all interaction to build trust with members, stakeholders, and the public.
Our Core
Mission
To serve as the collective voice of India’s flavours and fragrances industry by: policy advocacy enabling learning and collaboration advancing ethical and innovative practices for the equitable benefits of all members.
Our Core
Vision
Championing India’s flavours and fragrances industry.
STEWARDSHIP
RESPONSIBILITY
FRATERNITY
EXCELLENCE
TRANSPARENCY
