Grasse (France): Wearing the mask makes the task of the fragrance roses pickers more complex

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While the May rose blossoms in Grasse, the world’s perfume Eldorado, the harvest is thwarted by the implementation of barrier gestures and respect for physical distance.

 

This tradition, which dates back two centuries, takes on a completely new look this year. Picking the Centifolia rose, for which the only tool is the hand, requires particular caution. The pickers, who are used to working face to face in the rows, are accustomed to carrying out their task to the rhythm of conversation and the surrounding enthusiasm.

 

However, in application of health precautions, during the four weeks of harvesting, each picker is assigned alone to his own row and is provided with an individual apron and burlap bag.

 

Above all, everyone is given a mask for picking the Centifolia rose, “working with a mask and not feeling it is a bit frustrating“. Yet these pickers are not short of precision when it comes to evoking the special scent of this rose, and honor the city, listed as a UNESCO intangible heritage site in 2018 for its know-how related to perfume.

 

This year, we’re over five tons, compared to four last year,” says Mr. Gillet, director of the Nerolium cooperative, a partner of the Mul industrial family and the Chanel house. Not much compared to the colossal tonnage of a hundred years ago: Grasse harvests ten times less rose.

 

Read also > SHISEIDO UNVEILS INNOVATIVE SAMPLES IN EXCLUSIVE PARTNERSHIP WITH ID SCENT

 

Featured photo: © Chanel[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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