Bell Flavours & Fragrances has had its roots in Leipzig for almost 200 years. Through its project ‘A Fragrance for Leipzig’, the company aims to give something back to the city where it is based: its very own perfume, the character of which will be shaped by the people of Leipzig.
What if… Leipzig were a fragrance?
A perfume for our hometown
Rooted in Leipzig
For Bell, Leipzig is more than just the company’s headquarters; it is also its home. More than 300 people work here, the company’s roots lie here, and fragrances that are used all over the world have been created here for generations. It was this sense of connection that inspired the idea of dedicating a perfume to the city for the first time.
Most people don't realise how much of our work is behind the scenes. With the 'Fragrance for Leipzig', everyone can now see for themselves how perfume is made. What's more, we're not developing this fragrance for the city in which we all live and work on the drawing board, but in collaboration with the people who shape Leipzig.
Road to the fragrance launch
The initiative was spearheaded by the company’s own staff, many of whom reside in Leipzig and have already shared their personal associations and memories, as well as offering insights into potential fragrance profiles. This preliminary work forms the basis on which the city-wide survey is now being conducted. Bell’s perfumers will analyse the results, identify recurring themes and, drawing on their expertise and the findings of internal sensory tests, refine these into fragrance profiles.
Leipzig will then hold a public vote on the two most fitting creations: from 24 October to 6 November, voting will take place at stations in Leipzig city centre that are freely accessible – a process supported by the City of Leipzig and retail partners.
The final perfume is scheduled to be unveiled in spring 2027.
Next steps:
Online survey: 7 September to 9 October 2026, on leipzig-duft.de (German)
Public Vote: 24 October to 6 November 2026, at public spots in Leipzig’s city centre
Fragrance launch: Spring 2027
