Japanese fragrance company Takasago has inked an agreement with Provence Perfume Plants Cooperative (SCA3P) in France for the purchase of Lavandin Grosso essential oil from the cooperative.
The 10-year contract will see Takasago buy Lavandin Grosso essential oil from SCA3P at a stable and fair price. The company says that establishing a direct link between the buyer and the producers guarantees the sale of the oil and ensures a stable income.
Takasago says the move is part of its strategy to source natural ingredients responsibly and sustainably and shows its commitment to Lavandin Grosso, which is one of the most widely used materials in fine perfumery, cosmetics, body care and home care.
“Over the past few years, this market has been extremely volatile, with a constant imbalance between supply and demand. Our aim was to support the sector and reduce the unfavorable impact of this extreme volatility in availability and prices, ” comments Takasago head of strategic procurement initiatives Stéphane Zwaans.
“This agreement allows members of our cooperative to be able to calmly plan the activity, investments and development of their exploitation, and to cultivate new plantations, free of diseases with a better yield, ”states Michel Krausz, director of SCA3P.
He underlines that the partnership contributes to the sustainability of the cooperative, which brings together 230 producers, mainly in the Alpes de Haute Provence and in the Vaucluse regions in France.
Takasago says that the initiative also responds to the growing demand from customers and consumers for traceability, transparency and fair procurement, as well as for good business and environmental practices.
Takasago plans to initiate similar deals around the world.