The European Federation of Essential Oils (EFEO) met on May 30, 2024, in Grasse for the 2024 AGM and Conference.
Outgoing president Manolo Donaire of Berje took the stage to first welcome attendees before passing the microphone to the Mayor of Grasse Jérôme Viaud. After Mayor Viaud’s speech, Donaire made his way back to the stage to share a detailed recap of the last 12 months.
Mayor of Grasse Jérôme Viaud.
Most notable, Donaire said, is the derogation for essential oils and other plant-based substances.
Donaire stated (which was met by boisterous applause), “This was not only achieved by the association, but also through the cooperation with sister associations, as well as with the city of Grasse—this was a huge achievement. It’s not one team, it's the industry force behind it.”
Shared the names of companies who joined as EFEO members. Have reached over 100 direct members and over 200 indirect members.
Donaire proceeded by welcoming in the incoming president, vice president and new board member.
The Board’s priority is to strengthen further the value for our members and the influence of our association as THE authoritative and recognized voice of the sector in Europe.
EFEO President June 2024-2026: Andrey Mitov (ADMES)
EFEO Vice President June 2024-2026: June 2024-2026: Eric Angelini (Mane)
New Board member: Filip Lissicharov (CEO and owner Enio Bonchev, Bulgaria)
Donaire then walked through each EFEO committee and its responsibilities and impacts as well as key advocacy events over the last year.
EFEO COMMUNICATION COMMITTEE COMPOSITION
- Chair & EFEO Past President: Elisabeth Vossen
- EFEO Board member & Past President: Steve Smith
- SNIAA General Delegate: Cécile Pinel
- Board member & EFEO Treasurer: Laure Moutet
ACTIVITIES:
• EFEO LinkedIn doubled followers from 700 to over 1600 in one year
• 4th Edition EFEO Directory
• EFEO Conference & Field trip Rose plantation
• EFEO Newsletters & joint communication Statements with sister associations
• Field trip to Murcia (Spain): Lemon orchards & Spanish Lemon oil producers
EFEO TECHNICAL COMMITTEE COMPOSITION
Chair: Maja Zippel & Jens-Achim Protzen
Technical Consultant Members:
- Hervé Eudes (Biolandes)
- Amy Gibbons (FD Copeland & Sons)
- Marie-Christine Peron (V.Mane & Fils)
- David Hauck (Primavera)
- Mar Mulero (Lluch Spain)
- Lars Nickelsen (Frey & Lau)
- Hélène Paty (LMR Naturals by IFF)
- Sabrina Peixoto (Firmenich Naturals Grasse)
- Jaume Riba (E. Ventos SA)
- Hélène Chaumont (PurEssentiel)
- Nathalie Chevrier (Bontoux)
- Pauline Surcin (CIHEF)
- Cristina Arregui (FRA)
- Jennifer Dorts (IFRA)
ACTIVITIES:
• Quarterly Committee meetings in person & hybrid
• Meetings with EU officials & institutions (ECHA & RAC)
Coordinating task forces and committees of sister associations
Issue Joint technical statements
• Response to the public consultation of para-cymene and Tea Tree
• Updates on CITES status of Guaiacwood
EFEO PUBLIC AFFAIRS COMMITTEE (PAC) COMPOSITION
President EFEO: Mitov
Vice President EFEO: Eric Angelini
Chair COMCOM: Elisabeth Vossen
Chair TECHCOM: Maja Zippel
Chair PAC & Immediate Past President: Manolo Donaire
ADDITIONAL PERMANENT MEMBERS:
NOVE Consultancy: Marie Van Raemdonck
EFEO Advocacy Advisor: Charles Laroche
EFEO Technical/Regulatory Advisor:Jens-Achim Protzen
OBJECTIVE: OUTLINE EFEO'S STRATEGY RELATED TO PUBLIC AFFAIRS
• Outline and continuity of Public Affairs activities.
• Partnerships with sister associations.
• Build strong connections between EFEO Board members & EU institutions / national authorities.
Finally, Donaire closed his speech with the next steps and future obstacles—to be published within 5 years by EU Commission; using evidence provided by the sector within three years to keep. How is this possible? Donaire says through the Scientific Platform, a joint collaboration between EFEO and IFEAT.
REACH REVISION: Expected in 2025
• Move from a risk-based assessment to a hazardous-based assessment.
• Increase in REACH dossier requirements, especially for small volumes will be causing extreme hardship to SMEs (Small and Medium Enterprises).
EFEO, with the necessary financial resources, is ready to face and overcome these challenges.
