Firmenich, the privately-owned perfume and taste company, has signed an exclusive partnership with Coop SCA3P, a leading producer of natural lavandin, covering business, diversification and innovation, as well as contribution to a sustainable farming model to secure the future for hundreds of local producers. 
 
Firmenich has shared a long relationship with Coop SCA3P, which is a member of NaturalsTogether, the think tank in naturals that Firmenich created in 2014. As the largest Coop SCA3P customer for lavandin essential oils, Firmenich reinforces its leadership position in both naturals and sustainability in Provence and Grasse, through this new agreement.
 
“With this partnership, Firmenich confirms its long-term investment in the region of Grasse, a Unesco World Heritage site. We are proud to uphold the centuries-old traditions of the best naturals, from the legendary lavenders of the mountains of Provence to the exquisite roses blooming in the fields around Grasse,” explained Gilbert Ghostine, CEO. “Together with SCA3P, we guarantee a state-of-the-art supply chain for our customers and a responsible business model for the talented farmers and distillers who have dedicated their lives to producing the finest quality lavandin in France.”
  
In addition to securing  the growing needs of Firmenich’s customers for lavandin, lavenders and sage, the Firmenich-SCA3P partnership allows the 230 members of the Coop to anchor their productions on aromatic plants, expanding their current surfaces and bringing in new crops to further diversify their portfolio. The partnership also focuses on best practices in sustainable agriculture, including water and fertilization management, disease control and biodiversity promotion. This collaboration illustrates the ambition of the NaturalsTogether program to reflect on the best ways to ensure a successful future for natural ingredients.
 
“Years of collaboration have built mutual confidence and encouraged innovation between Firmenich and SCA3P,” says Jean-Michel Cotta, President of SCA3P. “Our farmers and distillers need this type of long-term support from the industry. Our exclusive partnership shows that we are here to succeed in the future and to encourage the successful production of natural materials in France.”
 
This partnership also strengthens Firmenich’s involvement in the cradle of modern perfumery in the region of Grasse. Acquired in May 2020, Firmenich’s third Fine Fragrance Atelier Villa Botanica will formally open in Grasse in Spring 2021, showcasing natural ingredients and innovations. Firmenich’s Center of Excellence in Grasse treats over 80 raw materials from around the world each year to produce more than 800 natural ingredients for its palette. The innovation platform in Grasse hosts Master Perfumers on a regular basis to stimulate and elevate the creation of new ingredients.