Robertet returns to the Leaders & Newsmakers issue with a one-on-one with CEO Jérôme Bruhat to discuss key company highlights, major influencers for innovation and becoming more global to meet customer needs.
Robertet Group
Grasse, France
2023 Sales: €721 million
Can you share three key company highlights for the last 12 months?
Jérôme Bruhat [JB]: 2023 was another year of growth for Robertet, in terms of both sales and operating margin. In the midst of a highly uncertain backdrop, the company is expanding and has reported another year of over 5% growth (at comparable exchange rates) compared with 2022. Our operating margin remained steady and our EBITDA margin increased, demonstrating our robust business model and our ability to withstand persistently high inflation. Our Fragrance and Flavors operating divisions made strong contributions to our growth. Their creativity and agility have helped win over numerous customers. We also continue to believe strongly in the potential of our active and natural ingredients in the Health&Beauty division.
Robertet Group CEO Jérôme Bruhatcourtesy of Robertet
Robertet's main success is first and foremost its unique model, which integrates the product from the field, in partnership with suppliers, to the product we deliver to our customers with excellent traceability.
Robertet continues to stand out for its commitment to innovation. We have developed a full range of green alternatives to traditional extraction processes and introduced upcycling initiatives. In 2023, we introduced the cleanRscent range of eco-designed absolutes, based on patented technology, responding to growing demands for more responsible perfumery. These innovations demonstrate our commitment to staying at the forefront of the industry and offering sustainable solutions.
Our globalization strategy has intensified with significant investments abroad. In 2023, we acquired Aroma Esencial in Spain and Sonarome in India, strengthening our presence in these key markets. These acquisitions testify to our ambition for international growth and our desire to diversify our global portfolio.
We have also redefined our brand platform and revised our strategic approach to better communicate our vision and values, introducing a new expression of our mission: FUTURING NATURALS. FUTURING embodies our bold vision and relentless quest for innovation, while NATURALS symbolizes our DNA and attachment to tradition.
What are the major influencers for innovation in 2024 leading into 2025?
JB: We have taken significant steps towards Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), registering a new record of 55 certified natural supply chains. Our efforts are aimed at promoting sustainable agricultural practices, such as organic farming, and supporting forest preservation within our supply chains. In addition, we work closely with our suppliers to encourage the adoption of less energy-intensive processing equipment, thereby reducing our carbon footprint.
Organic farming is at the heart of our innovation strategy, helping to protect rural biodiversity and preserve soil quality. We are also investing in precision farming to further improve our agricultural practices.
In our quest for innovation, we have acquired a BioPod, an autonomous greenhouse developed by Interstellar Lab, which accelerates plant growth while limiting environmental impact. This technology, combined with our expertise in innovative extraction methods such as CO2 and microwaves, will enable us to create a range of natural products extracted using environmentally-friendly solvents.
Finally, we aspire to become the global hub for natural product innovation, with the launch of Villa Blu by Robertet, our first startup accelerator dedicated to visionary projects in the natural products ecosystem. This initiative aims to reinforce our leadership by attracting the most innovative young companies and stimulating collaboration and innovation in our sector.
We are convinced that the Robertet Group's ability to meet new challenges depends not only on the responsible and sustainable management of our environment, but also on our ability to draw inspiration from the genius of the living world.
What are your main company focuses and/or goals for the next 12 months?
JB: We are convinced that natural products have yet to reveal all their many benefits. Nature represents an inexhaustible source of inspiration for our research, our applications, and our creators.
New natural ingredients, added to the 1,700 ingredients we already source from 60 countries, the agronomy of the future, evolving extraction methods and the creative freedom given to our teams are all part of what we offer to our partners. Leading the way in understanding and respecting the environment is a source of pride for us, and also represents a unique resource for our customers.
We are modernizing the company to increase its international potential and improve efficiency. Reinforced governance, regional managers, more frequent exchanges between countries, and more effective creative and communication tools will help us achieve this. We are investing in our people, our industry and our information systems.
The future of Robertet is a company that cultivates its expertise, grows and innovates. Robertet is also becoming even more global and responsive to our customers’ needs.
