This Filipino Fragrance Brand Just Won at the Asia Perfume Awards

The future looks (and smells) bright for Philippine perfumery as a homegrown niche fragrance brand earns global recognition. Wren Atelier has just been named the Emerging Perfume Brand of the Year at the Asia Perfume Awards.

Held in Hong Kong last November 12, the ceremony took place during the 28th edition of Cosmoprof Asia, a premier beauty trade show where innovators gather to unveil trends, exchange expertise, and celebrate industry breakthroughs. The finalists and winners were showcased before an audience of over 60,000 attendees.

“We accept this recognition with immense humility, knowing that our passion is only possible because of everyone's support,” wrote Renato Lopena Jr., the perfumer behind Wren Atelier’s original compositions, in an Instagram post. “To my fellow local Filipino brands, co-finalists across three categories, I extend my warmest congratulations.”

He added that every homegrown brand is a winner when it comes to “elevating Filipino craftsmanship.”

In a separate post, Renato reflected on the inspiration behind his award-winning fragrance, Smoky Gourmand, which was drawn from his childhood memories in his mother’s province of Pangasinan. Growing up, he often watched locals make tupig, a traditional rice cake wrapped in banana leaves and grilled over charcoal. Capturing that essence, the tropical perfume carries smoky hints of rice, coconut, and pandan. It serves as both a tribute to heritage and a reflection of Filipino identity.

The Asia Perfume Awards are presented annually to recognize excellence in the fragrance industry and to promote the growth of Asian perfumery. Alongside the Emerging Perfume Brand Award, honors were also given to a Niche Perfume Brand and to both Emerging and Niche Perfumers. Winners were selected through a rigorous judging process led by experts with over a decade of experience and a proven track record in the craft.

The awards were established by the Asia Perfume Foundation (APF), regarded as the region’s leading certified provider of perfume education and qualifications. Founded in 2015, the APF has accredited course providers across Asia and beyond, including BC Scent Studio in Quezon City.