The FRSH Scents team has had a super-busy 2022, developing new products and fragrances, building strong business relationships with new and existing distribution partners, and, with the relaxing of most Covid restrictions, exhibiting at important Trade Shows worldwide.
But 2023 will be even more hectic, believes FRSH Scents co-founder James Rankin. “The quality of our products and the importance of our sustainability message with The Plastic Bank has really resonated with retailers and consumers across the world this year, and that has created its own momentum for the brand. So in 2023 we know we will need to launch more new products, work with more new distributors, and attend even more trade shows – that will be challenging and exciting in equal measures, and we’re up for it.”
A quick look at 2022’s highlights will illustrate the scale of these challenges. “We released the eye-catching Vacations Collection of brightly coloured hanging card and vent clip air fresheners in early 2022” explains Rankin, “and within a few weeks of going on-sale the swimming pool inflatables range was identified as a #1 seller by a leading automotive retail chain – that’s an impressive result for a new brand with a new product range!”
This success did not go unnoticed. “We were soon fielding enquiries from retailers and distributors who had identified the sales potential of the FRSH Scents range for their customers”, says Rankin, “leading to us working with new distributors in the USA, Middle East, Australia and multiple European markets.”
As well as attending a multitude of local and regional trade fairs across many countries, FRSH Scents also exhibited at the industry’s two major global trade shows in 2022, Automechanika in Frankfurt and AAPEX in Las Vegas. As Ollie Page, FRSH Scents’ other co-founder, discloses, “These Shows took place in September and November, so the new leads they generated will come to fruition in early 2023 when we will be appointing new distributors in Latin America, Asia, the Middle East and Africa, as well as some additional European markets.”
So, what does 2023 have in store for FRSH Scents?
Page was keeping his cards close to his chest, but did reveal, “We are always working hard in the background on developing new product ranges because this process involves a heavy amount of research to ensure we understand and appreciate what consumers want. And that is not always the same in every market!” However, he wouldn’t be drawn further. “Watch this space!” was the only clue he was giving on new products.
James Rankin was much more forthcoming and visibly passionate about the FRSH Scents commitment to sustainability and reducing the usage of plastic in products and packaging. “I am hugely proud of the Certified Plastic Neutral status of FRSH Scents, and of the work we do already with The Plastic Bank to reduce plastic waste and support communities throughout the world affected by plastic pollution. But we know this is not enough.”
Page agreed and added, “We need to take more effective action at the source – so, for example, a key priority for me and our New Product Development team is to reduce the levels of plastic even further in all our products, we want to be an ambassador for change in our industry.”
In 2023 the FRSH Scents team will be showcasing this message and their new products to existing and new distributors at several high-profile trade shows, including Feria Expopartes in Bogota in June, Equip Auto in Lyon in September, and AAPEX in Las Vegas at the end of October.
So it looks like 2023 will be another turbo-charged year at FRSH Scents. If you want to find out more about joining FRSH Scents on this exciting journey, as a distributor or as a retail stockist, please contact the team today.