Blackcurrant

Production

Harvest

Blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum) is an iconic crop of the Burgundy region, where it has been cultivated for centuries. While its berries are widely used in gastronomy to produce juices and liqueurs, it is the buds that are of particular interest to the world of perfumery and flavoring.

A precious aromatic raw material

Burgundian origin – The region is renowned for its ideal climate and long-standing expertise in blackcurrant cultivation.
An intensely fragrant bud – Rich in aromatic molecules, the bud develops a green, fruity, and slightly sulfurous scent highly sought after by perfumers and formulators.
Historical use – Valued since the Middle Ages for its medicinal properties, blackcurrant has gradually revealed its full potential in perfumery and food flavoring.

Today, the harvesting of the buds marks a key step in obtaining an absolute with green and fruity facets—a true natural olfactory signature.

Manufacturing

We carefully source our blackcurrant buds (Ribes nigrum) from a cooperative of farmers in Burgundy, ensuring high-quality raw material and full traceability.

A multi-step extraction process:

• Winter harvest – The buds are handpicked between December and February, when their concentration of aromatic molecules is at its peak.
• Stabilization – After harvesting, they are carefully processed to preserve their olfactory qualities before extraction.
• Solvent extraction – Carried out at our facility in Valréas, Provence, this method yields a concrete rich in aromatic compounds.
• Refinement into an absolute – The concrete is then washed with alcohol to isolate the blackcurrant absolute—an exceptionally pure extract with intense fruity and green notes.

Thanks to this carefully controlled process, we obtain a blackcurrant absolute with powerful, natural facets, highly valued for its unique olfactory signature in both perfumery and food flavoring.

Application

Blackcurrant absolute is a precious and expressive raw material, highly prized by perfumers for its olfactory duality.

At low concentrations, it delivers a fruity, sweet, and syrupy note reminiscent of fresh blackcurrants and confectionery—perfect for adding a gourmand touch to a composition.

At higher doses, it reveals its characteristic green and sulfurous undertones—both powerful and vegetal—enhancing the perfumer's palette with depth and originality.

Preferred synergies

• Excellent in floral accords, where it brings texture and a natural feel.

• Valued in chypre compositions, where it acts as a harmonizer or fixative.

• Can also elevate fruity or woody notes, offering impressive longevity.

Blackcurrant absolute adds a recognizable olfactory signature to a fragrance—modern, vibrant, and refined.

Technical and regulatory

Usage tips

Manual:

Flavour. For food. To be diluted first in a fatty substance. Keep out of reach of children. Do not apply directly to the skin. Not recommended for pregnant or breast-feeding women, or by young children (under 6).

Consult our guides: storage and preservation methods and precautions for use