Reflections from Göteborg: ATTIA Members at IFEAT 2025

IFEAT 2025: The International Federation of Essential Oils and Aroma Trades

When the global essential oils industry gathered in Göteborg this year for IFEAT 2025, three ATTIA members — Timothy Cassegrain (Cassegrain Tea Tree Oil), Glenn Donnelly (Blue Dog Agriculture) and Dee-Ann Seccombe (Down Under Enterprises) — made the long trip to represent the Australian tea tree oil sector.

Each returned with a unique perspective on the tone of the conference, the issues dominating discussion and the direction the global market is heading. 
While their impressions varied, a common theme emerged: this year’s conference felt very different. 

Timothy described the event as having a “strong commercial feel overall,” noting that while science still had a place, it was clear that commercial pressures and market realities shaped the conversation. Glenn agreed but went further, observing that sustainability and regulatory issues now loom so large that they have changed the atmosphere entirely. The mood, he said, was “subdued,” reflecting a sector grappling with complexity, uncertainty and global constraints. 

For Dee-Ann, IFEAT remains both challenging and valuable. “Although IFEAT is expensive to attend,” she admitted, the opportunity to maintain international relationships and gather global insights continues to make it worthwhile. She emphasised that face-to-face engagement at this level is impossible to replace and increasingly important. 

Among the sessions and conversations that stood out, Timothy highlighted a compelling presentation from a major fragrance house demonstrating what genuine sustainability leadership looks like when it is woven into every part of a business. It wasn’t just theory; it was practical, internalised and culturally embedded — a signal, he felt, of where global expectations are heading. 

Dee-Ann echoed this sense of rising pressure, pointing to the regulatory updates as the most important — and sobering — part of the program. These sessions reinforced that the Australian industry must remain active, vocal and evidence-driven in international forums if it is to protect market access and counter emerging risks. 

Glenn focused on the market indicators and international chatter around tea tree oil. He noted a “clear increase in awareness around the pressures impacting tea tree oil,” suggesting that global buyers and regulators alike recognise that the category is under real strain. 

Across all three reflections, however, one message rang loudest: the tea tree oil industry cannot afford to be passive. 

As Dee-Ann put it plainly: “Tea tree oil is in a dire situation. We will most likely survive this, but we must be proactive.” 

This aligns strongly with ATTIA’s current priorities — from EU regulatory advocacy and WTO engagement to strengthening scientific evidence and promoting the Code of Practice as the global benchmark for quality, authenticity and integrity. 

ATTIA extends its thanks to Timothy, Glenn and Dee-Ann for their insights and for representing the Australian tea tree industry on the international stage. Their reflections provide valuable direction as we continue our work to protect and advance the future of pure Australian tea tree oil. 

If you are considering attending IFEAT in 2026 or beyond, please contact ceo@attia.org.au for guidance or support. 

Regards, 

ATTIA Ltd.