Estée Lauder Companies (ELC) is strengthening its UK manufacturing operations by integrating select luxury candle and home fragrance capabilities into its network from long-standing partner, Contract Candles.
This “strategic investment” will enable the UK to serve as ELC’s primary manufacturing base for candles across its prestige portfolio worldwide, including brands Jo Malone London, Tom Ford and Aerin.
It will enhance ELC’s “operational control and long-term resilience in a strategically important category, while reinforcing the UK as a centre of excellence for fragrance craftsmanship and manufacturing”, read a company statement.
This announcement has been made as ELC celebrates the 60th anniversary of its Whitman Laboratories UK manufacturing facility in Petersfield, Hampshire.
The facility is a strategic part of ELC’s global manufacturing network, producing more than 90 million units annually for distribution across the UK, Europe and other select markets worldwide.
This includes skin care and fragrance products for brands Jo Malone London, Estée Lauder, Clinique and La Mer.
Contract Candles is a UK-based creator of luxury candles and scent diffusers, which ELC has partnered with for more than 20 years.
As part of this new “strategic investment”, ELC will assume the lease of one of Contract Candles’ two UK facilities, which is situated close to its Whitman Laboratories facility, adding new research, development and quality capabilities to the company.
ELC will also welcome approximately 50 employees over time.
“The UK plays a significant role in our global manufacturing network, and this investment in candle and home fragrance manufacturing reflects our continued commitment to British craftsmanship and innovation,” said Roberto Canevari, Executive VP, Chief Value Chain Officer, ELC.
“Bringing these activities more closely into our manufacturing network will strengthen resilience, and support our ability to continue delivering the exceptional quality and artistry that define our brands."
Jo Malone London candles
Home fragrance continues to “represent a significant opportunity” for ELC’s fragrance brands, “driven by growing consumer interest in premium scent experiences and elevated home environments”, the company said in a statement.
For example, six of the UK’s top ten home fragrance franchises belong to Jo Malone London*, according to sales data from market analyst Circana.
Since fiscal 2020, ELC has invested US$72m in its UK-based Whitman Laboratories facility, spanning automation, quality systems, sustainability initiatives and advanced manufacturing capabilities.
Not to mention investment in apprenticeship and STEM outreach programmes in partnership with local universities.
“For 60 years, Whitman has reflected the craftsmanship, quality and innovation that have defined the Estée Lauder Companies since my grandparents founded the business,” said William Lauder, Chair of the Board, ELC.
“When my family established our manufacturing footprint here in 1966, we recognised the remarkable depth of British artisanal skill, and we are proud to continue investing in that legacy today.”
*Source: Circana, LLC, UK Prestige Beauty, Fragrance Category, Fragrance Home Scents and Fragranced Ancillaries Combined, (Excluding Non-Branded Home Scents) Parent Brand, ELC Luxury Definition 2026, Sterling Sales, April – March 2026.
Lead image credit: Courtesy of Walpole; second image credit: Jo Malone London
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