California fragrance firm enters RP market

CEBU, Philippines - The discriminating taste of the Filipino market when it comes to fragrances has prompted the Hollywood sensation Gendarme to make strong entry in the Philippines, including Cebu.

Gendarme was introduced to the Cebuano market recently with no less than its president and chief executive officer Jonathan Risco flying in for the occasion.

In a press briefing, Risco bared his company’s plan to enter the Asian market with the Philippines as gateway.

Through its partnership with Rustan’s Department Store, Risco said that the company is confident to make a strong brand penetration in the Asian market.

“Filipinos love fragrance. They [Filipinos] have good taste and very well educated in fragrances,” said Risco.

Despite economic constraints, Risco said Filipinos are known to have a knack for “affordable luxury”, and they prefer to buy products that offer good value for money, the reason why Gendarme has picked the Philippines as its entry point to the Asian market. 

Risco said Filipinos are known to splurge on fragrances saying “fragrances make them feel good and is uplifting to the senses.”

Because of Filipinos’ strong interest in wellness, this California-based fragrance company expressed confidence to grow well in the Philippines and later in the entire Asian market.

Gendarme’s unique scent has won the admiration of Hollywood luminaries such as Tom Cruise, Hugh Grant, and Marcus Allen among others.

Originally designed to give fresh and crisp cologne fragrant to men, Gendarme has also gained popularity among women, especially after word got out that celebrities Debra Messing, Sharon Stone, Brooke Shields, and Janet Jackson are also wearing the scent. 

Gendarme’s signature scents are made of top notes --- Lime, Orange Blossom, Lemon Basil, and Verbena blended with mid notes—Lavender, Lemon Balm, Ginger Flower, and finished off with Basel Notes of Lilac, jasmine, Tonka and Bergamot.

Aside from cologne, Gendarme’s fragrances for men include variations such as Grabazzi by Gendarme, Gendarme Eau de parfum, Gendarme Recharger and Gendarme Sky.

“Over the years, Gendarme has changed the way people think about fragrance. Many imitations have entered the market but no one else has matched the complex elegance of formulas that come to life as the simply fresh scents of Gendarme,” Risco said.