MEET OUR IMMORTELLE PRODUCERS
Our relationship with our Producers is precious, and built on trust and mutual respect. They're the ones who grow the locally sourced, traceable ingredients that lie at the heart of our products. We have long-term, non-exclusive contracts with our Producers, pay them a fair price, and provide them with technical and financial support. But we want to go even further…
Our aim: to have a Fair Trade relationship with all our Direct Producers by 2025.
“Our relationship is based on trust, and we are true partners. When I had technical problems, the L’OCCITANE team helped me find solutions. It’s not just a commercial contract; it’s a genuine partnership, with a human touch at its heart. I feel free but supported at the same time.”
Cathy Sanci
Cathy Sanci
Catherine Sanci
Catherine was born in Corsica and originally followed her passion as a horse riding instructor. Catherine discovered the island on a horseback and was interested in learning about aromatic plants. She started alongside another producer of Immortelle, who taught her how to harvest and eventually became a wild Immortelle picker in 2008. We were introduced to Catherine, through Stephan and the relationship grew from there. Built on trust and a genuine partnership, with the human aspect at the heart, the team at L’OCCITANE work with Catherine to help find solutions when technical problems arise.
“I had to learn about the plant from the ground up. There were very hard years and I learned everything on the job. My father always said, if something is worth doing, it’s worth well. I learned about distillation through the Immortelle Plant and thanks to this outstanding flower, I started to fall in love with my job. You can climb mountains when you are passionate about what you do. Now I’ve mastered distillation, but I still have the desire to discover plants I don’t know. It has been an enduring adventure beyond my wildest dreams!”
Pascale Chérubin
Pascale grew up in Marne County and later moved to Corsica, where she initially taught agriculture. Pascale was always in touch with existing or future farmers, either through the advice or the technical support she was giving them. As she was keen to practice what she preached, Pascale started looking for farm land, as she wanted it to become a real life project for her and her family. L’OCCITANE was looking for Immortelle growers and a previous company Pascale had worked for put us in touch. Thanks to them, we partnered and it was perfect timing, she found farm land at the same time and started planting. L’OCCITANE helped Pascale technically and financially, and as a result she now have 7 productive hectares!
“Life is made of opportunities and those opportunities pave your way! I have the chance today to grow 7 hectares of Immortelle Flowers. My family and I live in the middle of our fields, even if I’m not there every day. It defines the rhythm of our lives and it is an integral part of our daily life.”
Stephan Francisci
Stephan was born in Corsica and always dreamt of working the land. His family did not have land and it took him 20 years to achieve his dream! Stephan believes that patience and perseverance is important, but passion is the key! In 2003, L’OCCITANE were looking for farmers who would grow Immortelle Flowers to partner with and Stephan took up the challenge and became the first Immortelle grower in Corsica. Later down the line, L’OCCITANE encouraged Stephan to open his own distillery in 2011. As the partnership grew, we helped to set up the distillery by supporting him technically and financially. Today Stephan is in complete control of the whole process, from growing to distilling.
“Life is made of opportunities and those opportunities pave your way! I have the chance today to grow 7 hectares of Immortelle Flowers. My family and I live in the middle of our fields, even if I’m not there every day. It defines the rhythm of our lives and it is an integral part of our daily life.”
Meet Catherine Sanci - Immortelle Producer
Our Immortelle Ingredient
The Immortelle Flower - a natural treasure that lives an exceptionally long life. Made with 100% Organic Essential Oil, it is rich in active molecules, with unique anti-ageing properties. For over 18 years, L'OCCITANE has been working on its anti-ageing properties and has already six patents registered in France. Our award winning Immortelle Skincare Collection is infused with this luscious oil, offering complete solutions that bring instant suppleness and comfort to the skin. It is 100% Traceable and 100% Made in Corsica.
