Almond

For L’OCCITANE en Provence, it’s not just important to create products that delight the senses; it’s also important to have commitments. So, as it developed its iconic Almond range, it was proud to get involved in the reintroduction of almond trees into Provence.

In 1956, an exceptionally harsh winter ravaged the French countryside, including the region of Provence, damaging many almond trees. They were consequently abandoned in favour of more profitable crops. On the initiative of a few farmers famillies, among which the Jaubert brothers who worked as lavender growers on the Valensole plateau, almond trees were replanted in Provence. Once again, they could become part of the Provençal landscape.

An inspirational producer of Almonds

Jean-Pierre Jaubert is the main French partner of L’OCCITANE en Provence for the supply of almonds, his family has been living in the heart of Provence for the last 300 years. Jean-Pierre met Oliver Baussan, founder of L’OCCITANE, in 2000 and L’OCCITANE worked with him and his brother to support and grow his Almond business and research. He has already planted 17,000 almond trees in the Valensole region since 2002. His land covers 75 hectares and his passion and know-how go back three generations!

L’OCCITANE en Provence has made a long-term commitment to almond producers. It's worked with them to implement practices that help to protect biodiversity, and has also found ways to make good use of their reject nuts. In 2015, Jean-Pierre signed a multi-year contract with L'OCCITANE, assuring him of a long-term and major customer for his crop.

"I have a special bond with almonds because my parents and grandparents already grew them. I’m happy to follow in their footsteps and perpetuate this family tradition which I also hope to pass on."

Almonds in Provence

After the snow, comes the white flower: the almond tree is the first tree to bloom in Provence at the very beginning of spring, in February.

It announces the rebirth of nature. One tree produces 8 kilograms of almonds each year, which gives 1 litre of oil! Almond flowers are a great source of nectar and pollen for the bees, which in return are crucial to pollinate the flowers and make them become almonds. 300 beehives are hosted in the middle of Jean-Pierre Jaubert’s almond trees.

An ingredient in all forms

SWEET ALMOND NUT SHELL

SWEET ALMOND OIL

MILK OF SWEET ALMOND

A true treasure of nature and rich in vitamins, it moisturises, nourishes and softens amongst it’s many benefits - sweet almond oil is wonderful for taking care of us from head to toe. At L'OCCITANE, we use Almond in all its textures, oil, butter, crushed cockles, protein and milk. This allows us to recover all the benefits and all the textures of this gourmet ingredient!

From Almond Protein which firm and smooths the hair fibers, boosting shine to Almond body butter that hydrates and nourish with it’s creamy texture.

OUR COMMITMENT

Until the 50’s, the almond tree was a strong symbol of the Provençal landscape. Abandoned for more profitable crops, it almost disappeared from the region. Our commitment is protecting cultivated biodiversity and supporting both producers in the region and traditionally cultivated crops.

DISCOVER MORE

L'OCCITANE x BBC StoryWorks

L'OCCITANE are proud to be featuring on BBC StoryWorks, showing how the cosmetic industry is helping biodiversity. The L’OCCITANE episode will showcase how we have helped to bring the almond tree back to the South of France as well as our responsible sourcing of Almonds, with producers Jean-Pierre Jaubert and France Amande.

The almond tree was all but eradicated from the Provence landscape due to the popularity of olives and Lavender in the region. L’OCCITANE has worked with its producers to replenish the almond trees in the region and today they thrive. The almond tree is at the heart of L’OCCITANE and provides a true and inspirational story of how we can help nature when all seems lost!

See the video below...

OUR ALMOND COLLECTION

NEW: HAIR CARE

Explore our well-loved collection in a new Shampoo & Conditioner

SHOP THE COLLECTION