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Robertet Group: Rooted In Grasse, Blooming In Dubai
With 175 years of expertise, Robertet Group champions natural perfumery in the Middle East
For 175 years, Robertet Group has been at the forefront of natural perfumery, mastering the art of sourcing and crafting the finest raw materials.
As the company strengthens its presence in the Middle East and Africa, it remains committed to sustainability, creativity and authenticity.
In an exclusive interview with ParfumPlus, Benjamin Ogrizek, Managing Director for the region, shares insights on Robertet’s heritage, its new creative centre in Dubai, and the significance of initiatives like the Taif Rose Project in preserving the essence of Middle Eastern fragrance traditions.
ParfumPlus: Robertet has a deep-rooted legacy spanning 175 years. How has its heritage in Grasse and its status as a family-run business influenced its expertise in natural ingredients?
Benjamin Ogrizek: Robertet’s heritage is deeply rooted in Grasse, the birthplace of perfumery, which was recently awarded UNESCO World Heritage status for its rich tradition and contribution to the industry.
As a family-run business, we embrace a long-term approach, prioritising quality and sustainability over short-term gains. For 175 years, Robertet has mastered the art of sourcing, extracting, and crafting the finest natural ingredients.
The company has built strong, long-term relationships with farmers, growers, and distillers worldwide, allowing it to source today more than 1,700 raw materials from 60 countries.
PP: As the Managing Director for the Middle East & Africa, how do you see Robertet’s values, heritage and leadership in natural raw materials shaping its growth in this region?
BO: Natural ingredients are the essence of Middle Eastern perfumery, and Robertet’s expertise in naturals aligns perfectly with the region’s deep-rooted fragrance traditions.
With our diverse palette of high-quality natural ingredients, we co-create unique fragrances that resonate with the region’s rich olfactory heritage and uncompromised pursuit of excellence.
Our family legacy and Mediterranean roots have allowed us to develop strong, long-term partnerships with Middle Eastern companies, Robertet is guided by 4 core values that we share with our Middle Eastern clients: Passion, Daring, Caring and Excellence.
Our perfumers engage with clients in the region like no other. Their creations embody unique expertise, passion, creativity, and respect for the Grasse heritage. They have access to an exclusive pallet of natural ingredients and know exactly how to use it in their creations. They also excel in communicating their creative vision and connecting with clients who share values of authenticity, passion, and innovation.
For example, perfumers like Amandine Galliano and Jérôme Epinette have spent their entire careers at Robertet, beginning at the Robertet Perfumery School. Their extensive experience and unique journey have helped them build strong, lasting bonds with clients.
PP: The Robertet Perfumery School has been instrumental in shaping future perfumers. How does this initiative contribute to nurturing the next generation of fragrance creators?
BO: Perfumery is both an art and a science and training the next generation is essential to keeping this tradition alive. Our school provides hands-on experience, teaching young perfumers how to blend creativity with technical expertise.
What sets Robertet Perfumery School apart is its focus on mastering natural ingredients, which require a completely different approach than synthetics.
PP: With Robertet’s new creative centre in Dubai, what opportunities do you see for the company’s expansion in the region?
BO: Dubai has become the global hub for the fragrance industry, home to the latest creative trends, the fastest-growing brands, and the largest exhibitions. The region’s rapid growth makes it the ideal place to expand our presence.
With our new creative centre, we can be closer to our clients, respond faster to market trends, and collaborate more effectively. Our presence here also fuels and enriches the creativity of our global Creation teams. Robertet Middle East is based in Dubai Science Park, where the outstanding facilities allow us to operate state-of-the-art labs.
As mentioned, the region has become the new global hotspot for perfumery and hosts some of the industry's largest exhibitions — including the upcoming Beautyworld Saudi Arabia in April 2025.
Our perfumers will present their exclusive collections and engage directly with our clients. Maintaining a strong presence in this strategic Saudi market is essential.
PP: The Rose Taif Project is one of Robertet’s key initiatives. What makes this project significant, and how does it contribute to preserving the authenticity of natural Middle Eastern perfumery ingredients?
BO: The Taif Rose is an iconic ingredient in Middle Eastern perfumery, yet its production remains quite limited. Our goal is to preserve and enhance this precious raw material by developing a local and sustainable supply chain in Saudi Arabia.
Robertet is building a state-of-the-art facility in the Taif region, which will soon produce Taif Rose Essential Oil along with other natural extracts. This initiative will support all stakeholders - farmers, distillers, and perfume brands - while promoting globally the region’s rich heritage in natural perfumery.
PP: The Middle East has a deep-rooted fragrance culture, particularly in natural ingredients. How does Robertet adapt its sourcing and offerings to meet the
region’s preferences?
BO: Our rich palette of natural ingredients is key to crafting fragrances that align with the region’s olfactory preferences.
With the finest qualities of rose, jasmine, orange blossom, amber, patchouli, and more, we create bespoke fragrances that honour Middle Eastern traditions. Robertet is constantly exploring new local sourcing opportunities to expand its natural offerings, with the Taif Rose project being a prime example.
PP: Robertet is globally recognised as a leader in natural raw materials. What is the company’s sourcing philosophy, and how does it ensure ethical and responsible procurement of ingredients?
BO: We are committed to sustainability, traceability, and responsibility. For 175 years, we have worked closely with local communities worldwide from 60 countries, ensuring ethical sourcing, fair wages, and environmental responsibility.
This unique approach is encapsulated in our philosophy: “Seed to Scent.” Robertet is a proud member of the Union for Ethical Biotrade. 55 of our strategic supply chains have been certified.
PP: If you could define Robertet Group’s vision for the Middle East in one natural ingredient, what would it be and why?
BO: If I had to pick just one, it would be the Taif Rose. It’s elegant, deeply rooted in the region’s heritage, and represents the balance between tradition and innovation that Robertet stands for.
PP: What message would you like to share with ParfumPlus readers?
BO: Fragrance is more than just a scent; it’s an experience, a memory, a legacy, and a piece of culture and heritage. At Robertet, we are passionate about bringing the best of nature and tradition into every creation. The Middle East is a key part of this journey, and we’re excited about what the future holds!
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