Biolandes, a French specialist in natural aromatic extracts, is strengthening its international development with the opening of a sales office in China on the site of the Expo 2010 World’s Fair in Shanghai.

The short term goals are to significantly develop our sales to customers in China: new and old. To date our sales in this country have not kept pace with the market,” says Alain Lemaire, Corporate Secretary of the Biolandes group.

Biolandes is one of the world’s leading producers of natural aromatic extracts for companies in the perfumery, flavours and cosmetics industries.

The company’s story began in 1980, in the heart of Europe’s largest pine forest, near the Bordeaux wine-growing region of western France. The founding of Biolandes arose from the idea of distilling maritime pine needles in order to extract their oil for use in fragrances.

Very early on, the company decided to develop a direct presence wherever the most prestigious aromatic plants are grown and gathered: on the French Riviera, as well as in Spain, Turkey, Madagascar, Bulgaria and Morocco. Today the company operates eight production sites around the world and has more than 600 hectares (nearly 1,500 acres) under cultivation, producing aromatic plants. Thus, powered by continuous innovation thanks to a dynamic and well-equipped R&D department, the company has diversified and become a driving force in its sector.

Biolandes offers the finest natural oils, found in the palettes of the world’s best-known perfumers, as well as essential oils prized by aromatherapy specialists, an original line of concentrated waters for cosmetics, plus an assortment of the most marvellous natural flavours, including vanilla, cocoa, black currant and iris,” says the company in a release. “By controlling the entire supply chain, from production to transformation, Biolandes is able to offer specific products that meet its clients’ needs in terms of formulation, growing methods, traceability and regulatory compliance. Fully 100% of the company’s production is ISO 9001 certified.