The expression ‘we eat with our eyes’ is well known and describes the importance of the presentation of not only food, but the surroundings in which we eat.

A slice of watermelon tastes so much better sitting in the shallow, warm waters of a tropical island than it does at home. Unless you happen to live on a tropical island!

So, if we eat with our eyes, what do we  detect scent with?

Answer: the brain!

To be more precise, it is the olfactory bulb which lies at the base of the forebrain and sends olfactory information to other areas of the brain for further processing.

Our sense of smell is closely linked to previous events, situations and people, both positive and negative. Research carried out at the Rockefeller University by Leslie Vosshall, suggests that we can differentiate one trillion different scents.

Shakespeare famously said:

“What’s in a name? that which we call a rose
By any other name would smell as sweet.”

Apologies to all Shakespearean fans, but he got it wrong. The labelling of scents is, in fact, vital. In a study in 2001, participants were presented with two scents. Unbeknown to them, both scents were identical. The participants responded more favourably to the scent when it was labelled “parmesan cheese” rather than “vomit”!
(Source: Journal of Neurophysiology 2008).

Although this is fascinating, it doesn’t quite have the same appeal as the Bard himself! 

It is no accident that supermarkets have their bakery close to the front of the store as the smell of bread makes us salivate and we then become less discerning shoppers. A study carried out by a well known sports company found that some petrol stations with cafes pumped round the smell of coffee. This resulted in a 300% increase in the purchase of coffee
(Source: scentmarketing.org).

This nebulization technology includes ‘scent logos’ which are becoming as important as other branding techniques and are unique to the company. A large toy shop in the U.S. uses the chemical clone of the scent of pina colada. Result?  Parents lingering longer in the store!
(Source: independent.co.uk).

Although this technology is still in its infancy, we at Ripple Effect Gifts have long been aware of the importance of fragrances. We offer a range of fragranced items to please the sense. From candles to coffee and bedroom to bathroom.

Our contribution to fragrancing your bath time lies in our wide range of scented products. Our soaps, bath products and body lotions, provide a stylish addition to your rest and relaxation routine and allow you to layer your fragrances as you choose.

We are confident that our natural products with their variety of delicious fragrances are sure to please your eyes, nose and brain!