Associate Allied Chemicals (AAC), a Mumbai-based supplier of aroma chemicals, essential oils, and natural extracts, has announced that its European subsidiary, AAC Europe, is developing a new greenfield facility in Grasse, France.
Grasse is widely regarded as the “perfume capital of the world” and is a key sourcing hub for global perfumers seeking essential oils, concretes, absolutes, and other fragrance raw materials.
AAC Europe, established in France in 2012, said construction of the new Grasse facility is scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2026, with operations expected to commence in the third quarter of 2027. The project represents a significant multi-year investment and reflects AAC’s confidence in the long-term growth of the fragrance and speciality ingredients sector.
The purpose-built site will feature state-of-the-art laboratories, modern office spaces, and an integrated warehouse. It is being designed to support AAC’s core activities, including the distribution of speciality ingredients, along with regulatory, quality control, and documentation capabilities aligned with European and international standards.
“Once operational, the site will enable just-in-time delivery through local stockholding of a wide range of SKUs sourced directly from origin, improving speed, flexibility, and supply-chain reliability for customers,” said Mr. Manan Gandhi, Founder of AAC Europe. “The laboratory and technical infrastructure will also support quality assurance, evaluation, and customer-specific regulatory requirements.”
The Grasse facility is expected to significantly strengthen AAC’s presence in Europe by bringing services closer to key fragrance and flavour customers. The company said the site will serve as a regional hub for collaboration, market access, technical and regulatory support, and distribution across Europe, while continuing to leverage AAC’s global sourcing and manufacturing network.
In October 2025, AAC, in partnership with Mr. Nikunj Harlalka—Founder of fnfsurplus.com and CEO of Nishant Aromas Pvt. Ltd.—acquired Sirius Bio, a French aroma chemicals company, from France-based natural ingredients group Robertet.