Givaudan trains Egyptian farmers to grow jasmine, project blossoms toward sustainability

28 Sep 2022 --- Jasmine, the queen of flowers, is reigning to become ever more sustainable after 240 Egyptian jasmine producers were instructed on sustainable agriculture techniques by Givaudan. The Swiss company has implemented the use of organic fertilizers and insect traps and taught farmers how to produce their own compost.

“Initiatives such as this allow us to go beyond the typical customer-supplier relationship and support the entire community,” says Maxence Billas, head of procurement, fine fragrances and active beauty at Givaudan.

“These partnerships are essential to make our sustainability commitments a reality while maintaining the production of a high-quality jasmine grandiflorum, appreciated by the world’s greatest perfumers for its beautiful scent,” he notes.

Jasmine is one of the most emblematic flowers in the Mediterranean, together with rose, orange blossom and mimosa.

Tracing from the flower root
Givaudan is implementing an approach they call “Natural at Origin,” buying 80% of its naturals directly from local producers all around the world to ensure traceability from origin.

“Our ‘Naturals at Origin’ strategy brings benefits on many different levels. It allows us to support local communities and safeguard the future of our industry, while at the same time offering our customers an unparalleled and ever-increasing palette of responsible naturals,” says Valerie, business development director of naturals at Givaudan.

“These carefully selected ingredients can then be used to create exciting new formulations to inspire nature-conscious fragrances,” she continues.

The company flags that its strategy helps protect jasmine in Egypt, Cardamom in India or Patchouli in Sulawesi, for example, which are “essential” for the future of perfumery. 

Moreover, collaborating directly with farmers and producers helps improve supply chain robustness, a salient issue the last few years.

The jasmine flower in Egypt blooms for seven months a year. Credits: Givaudan.Pesticide and fertilizer reduction
Before using traps, farmers addressed the issue of pests and insects through pesticide-based solutions, which led to health risks and soil degradation. Furthermore, the agriculture sector struggled to integrate safe and sustainable plant protection measures.

Through organic fertilizer use, farmers also don’t have to worry about out-of-control fertilizer costs – which according to the UN have doubled this year – avoiding altogether trading with Russia, the largest producer of potash, phosphate and nitrogen-containing fertilizers. 

Fragrance royalty
The Egyptian jasmine grandiflorum grows predominantly in the Nile Delta region – home to 90% of the flower fields. 

The local variety blooms for seven months a year.

“Jasmine remains one of the most central and cherished ingredients of all time. With its multifaceted sensuality and honeyed scent, the mythical white flower nurtures the imagination and endlessly unveils new creative possibilities,” says Givaudan.

YSL Beauté also focused on protecting jasmine through more sustainable practices as it sources the flower from The Ourika Valley in Morocco.

Symrise and Groupe Neroli established long-term projects with local farmers in France to promote the richness of emblematic flowers such as jasmine. In 2021, the two company alliance announced their intention to generate greater capabilities in flowers and Mediterranean materials. 

By Marc Cervera