PARIS – Robertet, a leader in natural raw materials for fragrances, flavors and active ingredients, is adding plant-based biotechnologies to its repertoire with an investment in Aethera Biotech.
Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, but the investment is to be completed in two phases over three years, contingent on certain, undisclosed market conditions. In the long term, a joint venture will be 50-50 owned by the two groups.
Faced with ever-mounting concerns about environmental and geopolitical uncertainties, the fragrance and cosmetics industries continue to augment their biotech know-how.
“Through this reinforced partnership, Robertet initiates a new, targeted biotech strategy focused on the development of advanced cosmetic active ingredients,” the two companies said jointly in a statement Friday.
Aethera, which focuses on producing active cosmetic and health market ingredients, was founded in 2016. Based in Camisano Vicentino, in Italy’s Veneto region, its specialty is the research, development and production of active ingredients from the cell multiplication process. Athera, which employs 25 people, is a subsidiary of Italy’s family-owned Cereal Docks Group, which specializes in primary agro-food transformation.
“Athera Biotech is a pioneer in phyto-complex biotechnologies through its proprietary, multipatented CROP, or Controlled Release and Optimized Plants platform,” according to the companies. That was inspired by natural plant mechanisms and allows for the secure production of natural extracts in controlled conditions, independent of climactic, agricultural or geopolitical constraints.
“By significantly reducing environmental impact, CROP offers a sustainable and high-performance alternative to traditional production methods, fully illustrating the concept of ‘Augmented Naturality,’” the groups said.
Ginger is a raw material Robertet uses.
Courtesy of Robertet
Their collaboration enables Robertet to strengthen its biotechnology expertise, enter the market for topical cosmetic active ingredients, secure sustainable and resilient access to innovative natural ingredients, and support longterm growth, the companies said.
“This joint venture reflects our conviction that biotech will play an increasingly important role in the development of high-value, sustainable solutions,” said Jérôme Bruhat, chief executive officer of Robertet, in the statement. “It supports our ambition to reinforce our leadership in naturals while opening new pathways for innovation and growth for our customers.”
“After nearly two years of close collaboration, this next step further advances our vision of ‘Augmented Naturality’ and reflects the strong alignment between two family-owned groups sharing the same values,” continued Olivier Maubert, group innovation director and head of the Health & Beauty division at Robertet. “Aethera Biotech’s CROP technology offers a unique and complementary approach to developing natural extracts and active cosmetic ingredients, enabling us to address growing market demand while accelerating innovation in skin science, a key pillar of our Health & Beauty roadmap.”
“By joining forces with a global leader in natural ingredients, we are creating a powerful platform that combines biotechnology, industrial expertise and a shared commitment to sustainability,” said Francesco Berti, managing director of Cereal Docks Group. “This will enable us to fully leverage the potential of our CROP technology and accelerate the development of next-generation, high-quality plant-based phyto-complexes, and benefit from Robertet’s global consumer network.”
Robertet, which is based in Grasse, France, was founded in 1850. The group is controlled by the Maubert family.
