IFEAT – The International Federation of Essential Oils and Aroma Trades – is a trade association founded in 1977. It represents the interests of companies involved in the production, processing, trading and manufacturing of the many thousands of ingredients used in flavours, fragrances and aromatherapy.
Recent decades have witnessed rapid growth in these sectors and worldwide every country and almost every individual uses some of these ingredients. These sectors have vast turnovers, employ millions of people, and involve enterprises ranging from small family operations through to large multinationals, involved in essential oil production, aroma chemical manufacture, flavour and fragrance compounding, trading and consumer product manufacturing.
IFEAT’s current membership comprises almost 750 companies from 66 countries. It is managed by an Executive Committee, providing their services pro bono, and elected by Members. More information on the IFEAT Committees and Committee members can be found here.
IFEAT’s principal aim is to advance and protect the Members’ interests in all parts of the world through various activities. These include international collaboration between Members and other national and international organisations, funding research and education programmes, the encouragement of good practices, the dissemination of information and the provision of forums for discussion.
A major activity is IFEAT’s annual international Conference, which has developed into the most important annual meeting of all stakeholders involved in the sectors, affording incomparable business and social contact opportunities.
Other activities include:
- Study Tours undertaken in a different country each year
- Support to flavour and fragrance courses provided at the University of Reading and sponsorship of students attending ISEO and WOCMAP meetings
- Support for research relevant activities, often involving collaborative projects with other organisations
- Regular publications: annual Conference Proceedings, a quarterly magazine (IFEATWORLD), Socio-Economic Reports on specific naturals, and Study Tour books
- A conciliation service
A connected global community
IFEAT brings together producers, traders, scientists, educators and associated professionals from across the world – uniting the essential oils and aroma trades.
It’s more than a membership – it’s a gateway to a global community shaping the future of the flavour and fragrance industry. Whether you’re cultivating raw materials, developing cutting-edge formulations, or navigating global trade, we’re here to help you thrive.
