Robertet

Robertet Group (Euronext: RBT) is a leading global manufacturer of flavours and fragrances that specialises 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 recognised 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 flavours and perfumes worldwide. The company’s initial focus was on natural raw materials and essential oils, enabling it to capitalise on the growing demand for natural products in the flavours 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. Chauve was soon 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. Chauve was soon 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 cutting-edge factory designed by Gustave Eiffel. This milestone led the company to be awarded a gold medal at the 1900 World Expo and the start of its international reputation. 1880: Innovation in Instant Coffee Robertet patented the first process to manufacture instant coffee, demonstrating the company’s innovative mindset early in its history. 1883: Move to Grasse Robertet moved its headquarters from Paris to Grasse, the cradle of French perfumery, further consolidating its position within the industry. 1900: Recognition at the World Expo Under the leadership of Jean-Baptiste Maubert, Robertet received a gold medal at the 1900 World Expo, 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 for obtaining natural essences, such as the "Colorless" essences in 1935 and the authentic "Butaflors" aromas in 1950. This innovation earned 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 company by investing in fragrance compositions and food flavours. 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 USA Robertet went public on the Paris Stock Exchange in 1984, ensuring the company’s independence. In 1986, the acquisition of Jay Flavors enabled Robertet to assert its leadership in the natural flavours 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-technology model factory for food flavours in the USA, 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, starting a joint venture with a large Indian group and investing US$30 million in the expansion of the Flavours division in the USA. 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 manufacturer of flavourings and natural food extracts based in the United Kingdom. This strategic move further expands the company’s global reach and offering in the industry. In addition, the Robertet Group acquired Aroma Esencial in 2023, a company based in Girona specialising in the processing of natural products such as vetiver, patchouli, cedar, ylang-ylang and other essential ingredients for the aromas industry. Aroma Esencial brings valuable expertise, state-of-the-art industrial tools for fractionation and molecular distillation, and strategic products serving the fine perfumery market. Robertet is enthusiastic about integrating Aroma Esencial into its operations and continuing to provide high-quality ingredients to better meet the needs of its customers. Today, Robertet is a leading global manufacturer of fragrances and flavours in more than 50 countries. The company’s journey, marked by innovation, expansion and a commitment to quality, has secured its place as a pioneer in the world of fragrances and flavours.