Today we have the pleasure of interviewing Silvia Ravetllat, CEO and third-generation family member to manage Ravetllat Aromatics.
Silvia has been immersed in the world of fragrances and flavours from a very young age, learning the trade directly from her father, well-known industrialist Ernest Ravetllat.
Here, she shares insights about her family legacy, how the industry has evolved over the years, and the ambitious goals that lie ahead for the company.

Discover her story and what makes Ravetllat Aromatics truly unique!

What has the world of fragrances and flavours meant to the Ravetllat family?

Since I was a little girl, I remember my father had this special obsession with how things smelled. I recall him trying to capture and describe the smell of everyday items such as books, plants and even meals. Over time, I came to understand that this was not just his work, it was his passion.
I also remember my sister and I could tell when my father was home from the scent, he diffused the moment he walked through the door.

I was also deeply fascinated every time he took me to visit the factory and laboratories. It felt like stepping into an alchemist’s lab. There were handwritten formulas jotted all over little notebooks, and long shelves packed with an endless amount of tiny bottles containing all sorts of essential oils.
At the time, I was eager to discover each and every smell that was trapped inside those bottles. I found the world of scents incredibly captivating and sometimes overwhelming in its complexity and wealth.

How has the company evolved over the generations?

The evolution of our company is truly fascinating. It all began in 1932 when my grandfather -Josep Ravetllat- started working in Barcelona as an agent for Givaudan.
Years later, my father (Ernesto Ravetllat) teamed up with his brother, Jorge, and achieved the titanic task of transforming distribution business into a fully-fleshed development and manufacturing company under their control.

They faced immense challenges as they had limited resources and at the time, they also had limited access to formulation knowledge. However, their remarkable intuition, determination, and hard work carried them through. They managed to build a stable company with sustained growth that provided much needed jobs. They also fostered long-term partnerships with clients and suppliers that became lifelong friends.

When I joined the business in 1994, I had a single goal in mind: to take the company to the next level by upgrading its systems and infrastructure. One of my first priorities was to computerize our processes, everything from formulation and production to order-generation. This not only increased our production capacity but also made us much more efficient.
Recently, my daughter Andrea -the fourth generation- has joined the business and is continuing this journey of digital transformation, pushing the company to the next level.

Today, Ravetllat Aromatics has world-class production facilities and highly efficient processes. We are known for our adaptability and flexibility, which allows us to continue expanding into new markets and products worldwide.

How has the industry changed over the years?

The fragrances and flavours industry has evolved tremendously in recent decades.
What used to be a highly creative work, centred exclusively around the perfumer´s inspiration and sensory experimentation, has become a deeply technical and heavily regulated field. Technology has completely revolutionized the process of formulation, enabling a level of precision, innovation and speed that was unthinkable in the past.
Today, staying up to date with the latest technology as well as with the ever-evolving regulatory requirements is crucial to staying relevant.

What growth projects are you most excited about for Ravetllat Aromatics?

I am thrilled to see how our company is increasingly successful at gaining share in highly demanding and fast-moving markets globally. We have made great strides in recent years, tackling challenges that once seemed insurmountable, driven by continuous investments in production capacity, research and development technology and highly skilled personnel.

I am proud to see that we are able to grow and evolve while staying true to our essence. Despite fast levels of growth and change over the past years, we have preserved what has made us unique for more than nine decades: flexibility, adaptability, and our unwavering commitment to excellence.

What sets Ravetllat Aromatics apart in the industry?

One of our proudest achievements is creating a distinct style—a brand and a way of working that our clients not only recognize but also deeply value and trust. It’s not just about what we do, it’s about how we do it.

In recent years, we have experienced significant growth, but we have been very intentional about preserving the essential qualities that define our corporate DNA. For us, quality, design, and service are non-negotiable in everything we develop, and that commitment is something our clients truly appreciate.

If Ravetllat Aromatics was a perfume, how would you describe it?

It would be a classic fragrance that tells a story of heritage and evolution—a perfect balance between tradition and modernity. If would have woody and earthy bottom notes, reflecting the depth of our legacy, experience and know-how in the sector.

At the same time, it would have vibrant and fresh top notes, embodying the youthful and dynamic spirit that defines who we are today and that underpins our change trajectory.
As a perfume, Ravetllat Aromatics would be one that unfolds surprising and complex notes over time, always keeping its much-desired long-lasting power.

2024 comes to a close as an extraordinary period of growth and transformation for our business. This year represents a significant milestone in Ravetllat Aromatics’ journey, highlighted by remarkable international expansion and consolidation.

Our success has been fueled by years of sustained investments in R&D and manufacturing facilities, along with strategic expansions in key markets such as the Middle East, Africa and Latin America.

As we look ahead to 2025, we are thrilled to have a number of exciting new projects lined up to propel us even further. Stay tuned!

We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our team for their unwavering commitment, as well as to all those who continue to place their trust in us. Here’s to an even more successful 2025—let’s keep growing together!

Ravetllat Aromatics has reinforced its presence in the Middle East following its successful participation in the Beautyworld Middle East exhibition.

Recognized as one of the most important events in the global beauty and perfumery industry, this year’s fair proved to be highly fruitful for the company, solidifying its position and opening new commercial opportunities.

As in previous editions, Ravetllat Aromatics showcased a wide range of fragrances and creations designed for various applications, from timeless classics to the latest trends. 

Ravetllat Aromatics’ yearly attendance at Beautyworld Middle East not only strengthens its commercial footprint in the region but also allows it to establish key strategic connections. This year, once again, the company expanded the size of its booth, enabling better engagement with visitors. 

This growth reflects the company´s consistent investment in the Middle East market, which it sees as a pivotal part of its global strategy.

Once again, this edition of Beautyworld Middle East was a great success for Ravetllat Aromatics. The “Endless Landscapes” collection was enjoyed by numerous visitors at their stand, who had the chance to appreciate firsthand how adaptability, quality, and dedication to each project continue to drive one of Europe’s oldest independent fragrance manufacturers.

Last week our team enjoyed a hands-on flavours workshop experimenting with different chocolate flavours and creating delicious treats.

A big thank you to master chocolatier David Pallàs and Carol Vegas for this fantastic experience, and to the Ravetllat Aromatics team for bringing a positive attitude and sharing good moments! 🍫✨

Silvia Ravetllat, CEO of Ravetllat Aromatics, is once again collaborating with the prestigious Elisava School of Design to teach a Fragrance Masterclass as part of the school’s Master in Branding program.

Our collaboration with Elisava spans over 10 years, exemplifying our commitment to education and professional development. We are always delighted to engage with students and new generations, as we firmly believe in the importance of sharing knowledge.
At Ravetllat Aromatics, we highly value the creativity and innovation that young talent brings to the world of design.

Thank you to all attendants. Inspiring and being inspired is our daily mission!

Ravetllat Aromatics proudly announces its recent recognition at In-Cosmetics Global 2024, where it was honored with the Gold Award in the Sustainable Stand category. This esteemed accolade highlights Ravetllat Aromatics’ commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainability within all their operations.

The newly introduced Sustainable Stand Award recognizes exhibitors who actively integrate eco-conscious measures into their stand designs and construction processes. Judged by a distinguished panel of sustainability experts, this award sets a standard for environmental responsibility and innovation.

The Gold award honours the stand´s strong sustainability credentials and performance across various measures, including waste reduction, recycling initiatives, materials re-use, carbon footprint mitigation, and other key factors.

“We are thrilled to receive this Award in the Sustainable Stand category at In-Cosmetics Global” said Silvia Ravetllat, CEO at Ravetllat Aromatics. “This recognition underscores our efforts to integrate sustainability into every aspect of our operations.”

Ravetllat Aromatics extends its gratitude to the organizers of In-Cosmetics Global for recognizing its dedication to sustainability and to Ecoform for joining forces on this project.

About Ravetllat

Based in Barcelona, Ravetllat Aromatics has been designing and manufacturing fragrances and flavours since 1932. As one of the oldest independent fragrance manufacturers in Europe, we combine the best of heritage and technological know-how to deliver customized solutions for a wide range of end markets.

Discover her fascinating journey into the world of perfumery. From her early childhood memories imbued with Mediterranean scents, to becoming an experienced perfumer at one of the oldest independent fragrance houses in Europe, we’ll uncover the secrets behind the trade and how she has played an instrumental role in the company´s success.

How did your passion for perfumery begin?

My love for perfumery started at a very young age. As a little girl growing up in Barcelona, I remember harvesting Mediterranean aromatic plants from the fields and using them to prepare special concoctions that my family would try out. I was particularly enthused by the smell of flowers in my mother´s garden, the sweet scent of roses and geraniums, the fragrance of thyme, lavender, and rosemary. I was always discovering new scents and exploring how they would combine.

What scents remind you of your childhood?

At home, I fondly remember the aromas that came out of our kitchen, where my mother would prepare local roasted dishes garnished with fried almonds, bay leaves, garlic, and onions.
On holidays, we went to a mountain village in the Pyrenees where we spent a lot of time in nature. Those memories evoke the humid smell of musk, fresh pine, the earthy mushrooms we harvested to prepare meals and the smoky charcoal we used to lighten our fireplace.
I also remember the citric fragrance of Royale Ambree, which was the traditional Eau de Cologne that my entire family used on special occasions. At the time, it was common for all members of a family to use the same fragrance, and I think that helped create a special bond and foster a feeling of belonging.

At what point did your interest in perfumery turn into a profession?

I grew up in San Andreu, on the outskirts of Barcelona, where the original Ravetllat Aromatics headquarters were located. It was a well-known family business that had been around for generations -since the early 30s- and we all knew the Ravetllat family. From my house I could smell the myriad of fragrances that came out of the factory’s premises and that always attracted me.
Soon after getting my chemistry degree, I started working at Ravetllat Aromatics, alongside Ernesto Ravetllat, the father of our current CEO Silvia Ravetllat. It was him who taught me the ins and outs of the trade, which at the time required a lot of self-learning, creativity, and perseverance.
I remember how far Mr Ernesto went to obtain special editions of technical perfumery books that came from France and were very hard to get back then. That was perhaps the greatest teaching I got from him: that it is only through passion and perseverance that one can build something meaningful.

How has the job of a perfumer changed over the years?

When I started working at Ravetllat Aromatics 45 years ago, both the company and the industry were at early stages of development.
Inside the company, the role of the perfumer was much broader and required a larger variety of skills ranging from basic laboratory functions to complex formulation, to providing technical support to clients in the manufacturing process.
The technical equipment available back then was much less sophisticated and precise than it is today. We compensated by developing a sharper olfactive memory and being more creative and flexible in the areas of formulation.
Certainly, technological advances have given perfumers today a whole new range of tools and analytical power that was unthinkable in the day. Now we have access to much more data, far better tools, and a much wider range of raw materials. However, we should not forget the good old ways, as the intuition and creativity we were forced to develop back then are essential assets for a perfumer. 

Do you consider perfumery more of an art or a science?

I believe it is a unique blend of both. The artistic side is crucial as a perfumer’s greatest skill is creativity: the ability to combine ingredients harmoniously and bring unique olfactory experiences to life.
On the flipside, science plays a critical role in the creative process as it gives us the practical and analytical tools to innovate and find new solutions to the same old problems. It is thanks to scientific advances that we have discovered a whole array of new molecules that open a world of possibilities in formulation and application.
In present times, ever-evolving regulation is driving a new sort of creativity in the world of perfumery. Perfumers now have the dual challenge of continuing to innovate while meeting increasingly rigorous technical and regulatory standards. This dilemma brings about once again the idea that perfumery is both an art and a science.
Now more than ever, perfumers need to be extremely technically able while at the same time remaining artists at heart.

Ravetllat Aromatics consolidates its position in the Middle East after an outstanding participation in Beautyworld Middle East 2023.

Ravetllat Aromatics reinforces its presence in the Middle East after a successful participation in this year’s Beautyworld Middle East fair.
The company’s presence at this key event in the sector has further strengthened its commercial relations in the region.

Beautyworld Middle East, held in Dubai at the end of October, brought together major players in the fragrance and personal care industry. Every edition, Ravetllat Aromatics took advantage of this platform to establish key strategic connections in the area, this year also supported by the recent opening of its new offices and laboratory in Dubai.

The event served to reinforce Ravetllat Aromatics position in the Middle East as a solid supplier. With the ability to develop solutions for all types of fine fragrance, personal care, home care and air care products, from classics to the latest trends.

“This edition of Beautyworld Middle East has been significant for us. We are pleased to see how our strategic plan is consolidated in the area and the commitment to the demands of a market that is always in constant evolution,” said Omar Zainab, Regional Manager at Ravetllat Aromatics.

In short, this edition of Beautyworld Middle East has been especially intense for Ravetllat Aromatics. Where the increasingly reinforced presence in the area has been demonstrated with a multitude of new projects on the horizon.

Presenting “Scent of Cinema”.

For the occasion Ravetllat perfumers team exclusively created the “Scent of Cinema” collection. Fragrances inspired by the cinematographic universe with the public enjoys this sensory journey, from the most intense romanticism, launching into an adventure, taming the western or reliving the epic of historical cinema.

A few days ago our team enjoyed an amazing day outdoors in Costa Brava, learning about steam distillation of indigenous aromatic plants such as lavender, thyme and rosemary.

Thanks to the BRAVANARIZ SL team for a fantastic experience, and thanks everyone for bringing in a positive attitude and sharing some good laughs!

Ravetllat Aromatics is thrilled to announce the opening of its brand new office and laboratory in Dubai. The new facilities will provide an enhanced space to deliver personalized solutions to our clients.

“Our new facilities will serve as a hub for the company’s growing operations in the Middle East & Africa, providing support to both local and global customers of our fragrance solutions,” says Silvia Ravetllat, CEO at Ravetllat Aromatics.

Our deeply-rooted European heritage combined with our experience serving international markets has endowed us with a vast product portfolio and technical expertise to solve our clients´ needs.

The fragrance solutions offered by Ravetllat Dubai are as diverse as the city itself. From all-time classics to the latest creations, ranging from Oriental to French perfumes, every scent is carefully curated to evoke emotions, create long-lasting connections and establish unique brand identities.

With over 90 years´ experience in the fragrance & flavours industry, Ravetllat Aromatics has established itself as a trusted partner for many reputable brands across fine fragrances, personal care, home care and air care markets.

About Ravetllat

Ravetllat Aromatics is one of the oldest independent Fragrances & Flavours manufacturers in Europe. Based in Barcelona (Spain), we have been designing and manufacturing Fragrances & Flavours since 1932.

Discover more at: ravetllat.com/about-us