What is the Immortelle flower?
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. Can we do it? Yes we can!
Meet our Immortelle Producers
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 practise 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.”
A flower that's grown organically and sustainably
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.
“I was the first to grow immortelle flowers in Corsica – although it was a complete unknown to me. You do this job because you are passionate about the flower, not for financial gain. And then, one day, without realising it, you manage to earn a living! Some people never live out their passion and I am proud to do so.”
