To bring today's fragrances to market is a monumental feat. Elaborate marketing plans, packaging, fragrance profiles, and distribution arrangements are all accomplished with an air of scientific expertise.
With fragrances in the United States alone reaching two billion dollars and growing, a bit more should be understood about the lowest profile side of this creative effort, the acquisition of essential oils.
The consumer is often made aware in advertising of romantic names such as patchouli, orris, vetiver, verbena, tuberose and sandalwood, but learns little about what goes into making these precious materials and where they come from.