February 14/Grasse, France/PRNewswire -- The Robertet Group has taken an equity position in Plantes Aromatiques du Diois, a French company specializing in organic essential oils and aromatic plants, as well as the implementation of sustainable development and fair-trade channels of organic aromatic plants around the world.

Terms of the deal have not been disclosed.

Plantes Aromatiques du Diois was created in 1999 by Michel Meneuvrier, in association with an agricultural co-op of aromatic and medicinal plant producers. Based in the northern part of Provence in France, its initial purpose was to commercialize the essential oil and plant productions of this region.

Ten years later, Plantes Aromatiques du Diois has become a major global player in the market for organic essential oils and fragrance plants. While still taking advantage of local production (Provence, Southern Alps, Vercors), it has also developed a worldwide network of producing partners who are consistently supplying a complete range of organically certified essential oils and plants. These partners, which total 102, are located in 27 countries including Madagascar, India and North Africa.

Moreover, as a founding member of the Bio-Equitable Association, Michel Meneuvrier implements each year several local community economic development projects. These fair-trade programs bind over many years Plantes Aromatiques du Diois and local farmers with client users.

Michel Meneuvrier will continue to manage the operations of Plantes Aromatiques du Diois with his team.

From the February 18, 2008, Prepared Foods e-Flash