Thomas Saujet is re-entering the fragrance industry with his new venture, Saujet Fragrances Group. Previously the president of ICP, a leading fragrance distributor that was sold to Kering as part of their acquisition of Creed, Saujet is determined to leave a lasting legacy rather than simply selling his business and stepping away. With a family-oriented approach under Saujet Holdings, he aims to create a unique distribution model that aligns closely with the brands he supports.
The fundamental principle behind Saujet Fragrances Group is its commitment to equity. Instead of being merely a distributor, the company invests in each fragrance brand in its portfolio—currently comprising four distinct names: Fabbrica Della Musa, Anti, Chambre52, and What We Do Is Secret. This investment strategy allows Saujet to forge deeper connections with the brands, focusing on their long-term visions and strategies while maintaining an independent and boutique presence in the market.
A crucial aspect of Saujet’s strategy involves selective distribution. He emphasizes the need for a tightly-knit approach, showcasing products in specialty stores and a minimal number of high-end department stores. His philosophy is that quality trumps quantity; he’s not aiming for widespread sales channels, but rather for carefully curated partnerships that reflect the brand’s prestige and ethos.
With extensive experience in the fragrance business, he has witnessed significant changes in the retail landscape, including the emergence of major players like Saks Global and the growing influence of e-commerce giants such as Amazon and platforms like TikTok. Saujet believes that the industry will continue to see consolidation and that there are opportunities for nimble companies to capitalize on this transition and reshape market dynamics.
Relationship-building is at the core of Saujet’s business philosophy. He emphasizes understanding the founders of the brands he invests in, seeking out long-term collaborations rather than fleeting partnerships. As the fragrance market becomes increasingly saturated, he is committed to choosing brands that possess unique innovations or credible backgrounds, enabling them to stand out amidst the competition.
Saujet highlights the innovative aspects of the brands in his portfolio, noting that they have distinctive features that set them apart. For instance, Fabbrica Della Musa employs advanced technologies to create scents, while Anti draws inspiration from historic fragrances. The aim is to appeal to both traditional fragrance aficionados and a younger audience eager for fresh and disruptive products in the market. Overall, Saujet’s vision is not constrained by a specific number of brands; instead, he takes a careful, personalized approach, aiming to build a legacy that can endure for generations to come.