Today, Kering Beauté announced that it has made a minority investment of Matière Première, the French niche fragrance brand. The financial details of the investment were not disclosed. Caius von Knorring, the CEO of Matière Première, expressed excitement about the brand’s rapid growth and the new phase of development that this investment represents. In 2023, Matière Première experienced a remarkable 70 percent increase in retail sales, amounting to 30 million euros.
The collaboration between Matière Première and Kering is built on shared values and a long-term vision, particularly their mutual recognition of perfumes as a luxury. With the infusion of funds, Matière Première plans to expand its physical retail presence by opening its own stores, starting in Paris this year. Additionally, they are actively seeking a space in London and aiming to establish 20 freestanding boutiques in Germany, the United States, the Middle East, and China.
Matière Première was founded in October 2019 by Caius von Knorring, perfumer and artistic director Aurélien Guichard, and general manager Cédric Meiffret. The trio remains the majority shareholders of the brand, which aims to offer the highest quality contemporary French perfumery to the global market.
The new funds will not only support the expansion of physical stores but also strengthen the team at the brand’s Paris headquarters, provide regional support, and accelerate e-commerce growth worldwide. Furthermore, Matière Première plans to launch an updated version of its website, matiere-premiere.com.
This investment marks the first minority stake taken by Kering Beauté in a beauty brand since the reinstatement of Kering’s beauty division in February 2023. Kering Beauté recognizes the significant growth potential in the niche fragrance category, which is currently the fastest-growing segment in the fine fragrance market. In June 2023, Kering Beauté acquired Creed, another brand operating in the niche fragrance segment.
Matière Première previously raised 1.3 million euros in its first funding round in October 2020, with the participation of ten international investors. Today, the brand has a presence in over 50 countries worldwide and is available at nearly 400 selective sales points.
