Circle of Champions Shows Whom Perfumery Honors Beyond Its Creators

New fragrances usually receive all the attention: their note pyramids, bottles, campaigns and perfumers’ names. Circle of Champions takes a different approach. It is The Fragrance Foundation’s format for professionals whose work influences perfumery beyond a single release.

The meaning of this kind of recognition is clear from recent honorees. In 2024, the organization celebrated Nata Dvir, Macy’s chief merchandising officer; her contribution concerned the way customers encounter fragrance in major retail. A year later, the award went to Jerry Vittoria, head of fine fragrance at dsm-firmenich and chair of The Fragrance Foundation’s board.

Together, these examples trace the professions without which a fragrance rarely reaches people in the form its creators intended. A perfumer composes the formula, but alongside them are those who build assortments, support teams, articulate the category’s value and connect brands with their audiences.

That is why Circle of Champions should not be read as another fragrance ranking. It is closer to a portrait of the industry at a particular moment: one that recognizes influence measured not by a single successful launch, but by sustained work with people, ideas and the market.

The Fragrance Foundation’s official post confirms that the 2026 dinner took place, but the materials available to the editorial team do not include a verifiable list of its honorees or speakers. When the organization releases those details, they will offer a clearer view of the kinds of achievement at the centre of this year’s evening.