SAEOPA contributes to first standard published for SA’s essential oils industry

The Southern African Essential Oil Producers’ Association (SAEOPA) was formed in 2000 by women and continues to be run mainly by motivated and dynamic women who work in the natural products industry.

“We produce essential oils and vegetable oils for cosmetics, toiletries, perfumery, flavourings, aromatherapy and pharmaceutical applications. Women are involved along the complete value chain,” explains Karen Swanepoel, executive director of SAEOPA.

SAEOPA has been instrumental in establishing the new SANS 4731:2021 standard for Rose Geranium through SABS. Essential oil of rose geranium produced in South Africa now has an officially defined standard based on its unique chemical composition. This formally sets the South African product apart from geranium essential oil produced in China and North Africa and enables local producers who are exporting to negotiate a better price based on quality and country of origin.

According to SABS, this is the first standard published in support of the local essentials oil industry, which ultimately helps South Africa be more competitive on the international essential oils market.  

Working together for industry development

“The role players from SEAOPA who collaborated with SABS were mainly highly motivated and skilled women, who worked together as a team,” says Karen, adding that her advice to aspiring female entrepreneurs in the South African essential oils and vegetable oils industry is to adopt a unified approach.

“Work with existing role players who will guide you, save your school fees and get us further faster as a unified industry. Let’s take hands and do better together,” she comments.

An industry where women make a difference

Within the natural products industry:

• 68% of the total workforce is women
• 80% of these women work in rural areas
• 78% of the businesses are women owned, according to SAEOPA’s records

Women within the natural products industry work in government and academia. They are pioneers, organic producers, conventional producers and manufacturers. These women produce agricultural products, work in laboratories as chemists, are aromatherapists, they manage community projects, are formulators, marketers and exporters, they are guardians of culture and tradition, run consultancies, are trainers and entrepreneurs, are experts in quality control and regulatory matters, and they contribute to tourism and run spas.

To celebrate national Women’s Month, SAEOPA is acknowledging all the women involved in the South African essential and vegetable oils industry, including those behind the scenes. Look out for a special article on this in SAEOPA’s next newsletter and keep an eye on the association’s Facebook page and LinkedIn group.