Award
The German Society of Perfumers is pleased to announce the
German Award for Young Perfumers (DGP) 2026
A prize given for the craftsmanship of creative perfumery. We invite you to create freely,
to imagine your own authentic interpretation of an Eau de Cologne. As part of a legendary fragrance family, Eau de Cologne has been well known for its light and refreshing, yet spontaneous fragrance style. Since its first appearance in 1709, generations of
perfumers referred to its cultivated style of authentic well-being. It marked the beginning of a
new era. Looking back, Eau de Cologne has always been associated with an immediate feeling of purity, which was considered hygienic and sophisticated, making it very popular in society.
Today it´s your turn!
Your creation can have a traditional structure or be born of pure imagination to anticipate the
future of this legendary fragrance. We invite you to participate and share your most authentic perfume creation.
Applicants
Young perfumers or students (under the age of 35) of any nationality are encouraged to participate.
The applicants should submit their creations to the DGP office until 15 April 2026.
All applicants must declare in writing that
– the submission is their own personal creation*
– they are submitting only one reference
– the submission is not available on any market
– the submission is at 10% solution in line with EU Cosmetic Regulation and IFRA Standards.
The applicant can provide further samples of the perfume that may be needed for promotion and presentation for the award ceremony. All candidates undertake to respect the current rules.
Legal action is excluded.
*AI should not be used during the process
Submission
Please submit:
I. Your creation in alcoholic solution (5 x 10ml) in screw cap vial without sign of any company or other distinguishing mark. To anonymize your submission please mark the bottles with a chosen code consisting of one letter and three numbers (e.g. X123)
II. A short note which describes your inspiration for the submitted scent in relation to the topic “Eau de Cologne – Legacy and Future” (printed text with your code)
III. A sealed neutral envelope (only your code
outside) with following information inside
a. Name of the applicant
b. Date of birth
c. Address, telephone number, email address
d. Signed declaration of honor as outlined
above.
Submit to the German Society of Perfumers latest until 15 April 2026.
Address:
Deutsche Gesellschaft der Parfümeure
im SEPAWA e.V.
´German Award for Young Perfumers 2026´
Dorfstraße 40
D – 86470 Thannhausen
Jury
The decision on the fragrance creations is made by an independent, neutral expert jury of the German Society of Perfumers (DGP). The fragrances are evaluated in a non-public session. The winner will be informed latest 15 September 2026. The name of the winner will be kept secret until the award ceremony.
Award
The winning creator will be honored with 2000 EUR and a certificate.
Promotion
The DGP is pleased to announce and honor the winner during a formal award ceremony at the SEPAWA CONGRESS on Wednesday, 14 October 2026, at 14:00 in Berlin.