Robertet

Robertet Group (Euronext: RBT) is a leading global manufacturer of flavors and fragrances that specializes in natural raw materials. With a rich history dating back to 1850, this French company has established a strong presence in the industry and is recognized for its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and quality. Founded in 1850 in Grasse, France, Robertet Group has grown to become one of the leading developers of additives and ingredients for flavors and perfumes worldwide. The company’s initial focus was on natural raw materials and essential oils, which allowed it to capitalize on the growing demand for natural products in the flavors and fragrances industry. François Chauve laid the foundations of Robertet when he founded "A La Confiance", a factory that processed flowers and plants from Provence. Soon, Chauve was joined by his nephew, the perfumer and distiller Jean-Baptiste Maubert, marking the beginning of a lasting legacy. 1850: Foundation and Early Growth François Chauve laid the foundations of Robertet when he founded "A La Confiance", a factory that processed flowers and plants from Provence. Soon, Chauve was joined by his nephew, the perfumer and distiller Jean-Baptiste Maubert, marking the beginning of a lasting legacy. 1875: Paul Robertet and the Eiffel Factory In 1875, Paul Robertet acquired the company and renamed it. He commissioned a new state-of-the-art factory designed by Gustave Eiffel. This milestone led the company to be awarded a gold medal at the 1900 World’s Fair and to the start of its international reputation. 1880: Innovation in Instant Coffee Robertet patented the first process for making instant coffee, showing the company’s innovative mindset early in its history. 1883: Relocation to Grasse Robertet moved its headquarters from Paris to Grasse, the cradle of French perfumery, further consolidating its position in the industry. 1900: Recognition at the World’s Fair Under the leadership of Jean-Baptiste Maubert, Robertet received a gold medal at the 1900 World’s Fair, consolidating its status as a major player in the industry. 1923: New Management and Innovations Maurice Maubert, the son of Jean-Baptiste, took over the company in 1923. He introduced innovative methods to obtain natural essences, such as the "Colorless" essences in 1935 and the authentic "Butaflors" aromas in 1950. This innovation won the admiration of prestigious Parisian perfumers such as Guerlain, Chanel, and Patou. 1961: Diversification and Expansion The new generation, led by Jean and Paul Maubert, diversified the business by investing in fragrance compositions and food flavors. They expanded the company across Europe, America, and Asia, opening new production facilities and establishing valuable partnerships. 1982-1986: Going Public and Expansion in the U.S. Robertet went public on the Paris Stock Exchange in 1984, securing the company’s independence. In 1986, the acquisition of Jay Flavors allowed Robertet to assert its leadership in the natural flavors market in the United States. 1993-2006: A New Era of Growth Under the presidency of Philippe Maubert, together with his brothers Christophe and Olivier, Robertet experienced a decade of unprecedented growth. They opened a high-tech model factory for food flavors in the U.S., expanded the fragrances division, and established production and processing facilities for raw materials in South Africa. 2007-2011: Global Development Robertet continued to grow, acquiring Charabot in 2007, building a plant in China, initiating a joint venture with a major Indian group, and investing $30 million in the expansion of the Flavors division in the U.S. 2016: Acquisition of Bionov Robertet acquired Bionov, integrating a new natural ingredient for the dietary supplements market and expanding further in the nutrition and health sector. 2019: Acquisition of Sirius The acquisition of Sirius, a specialist in organic essential oils and floral waters, enabled Robertet to strengthen its position in organic products and offer turnkey wellness product ranges. In May 2022, Robertet announced the acquisition of Omega Ingredients, a UK-based manufacturer of flavorings and natural food extracts. This strategic move further expands the company’s global reach and offerings in the industry. In addition, the Robertet Group acquired Aroma Esencial in 2023, a company based in Girona specializing in the processing of natural products such as vetiver, patchouli, cedar, ylang-ylang, and other essential ingredients for the aromas industry. Aroma Esencial provides valuable experience, state-of-the-art industrial tools for fractionation and molecular distillation, and strategic products serving the fine perfumery market. Robertet is pleased to integrate Aroma Esencial into its operations and continue providing high-quality ingredients to better meet its customers’ needs. Today, Robertet is a leading global manufacturer of fragrances and flavors in more than 50 countries. The company’s track record, marked by innovation, expansion, and a commitment to quality, has established its position as a pioneer in the world of fragrances and flavors.