A. Fakhry & Co. was founded in 1955. Its founder, Ahmed M. Fakhry, born in 1921 in Cairo (Egypt), had lived in France over 30 years where he studied Chemical Engineering at the École Polytechnique in Paris prior to reverting to Egypt to found his company. Born into a family of high civil and military servants originating from Circassia by his father, and into Egypt’s last ruling royal family by his mother, his curriculum endowed him with the best possible education to take up the challenges of reviving an industry which had been greatly diminished by the general economic entropy Egypt went into in the aftermath of the 1952 coup d’état.

A. Fakhry & Co.'s most popular conventional and organic list of concretes followed by our most popular essential oils.

A conventional concrete is produced by solvent extraction using Hexane; the absolute is displaced from the concrete using ethanol, and the by-product of concrete is wax.

A. Fakhry & Co. has developed a certified organic extraction technique, involving neither petroleum nor synthetics of any kind. For more information please visit our “All About Organic” page.

 

Working against the flow until 1973, when the country started implementing more liberal tones, he managed to illustrate and convey an image of steadfastness – witnessing twice the loss of his factory to fire – allowing newcomers to the industry, a decade after his own establishment, to regain hope in the field. He encouraged and supported fellahin (Egyptian farmers) in the Nile delta to diversify their crops and consider aromatics as alternative crops providing them with a new substantial economic resource. This was not always an easy task as more often than not farmers in Egypt tend to be rather defiant to change. Steady on course he brought, for example, Jasmine fields from being just about inexistent in the Nile delta in the mid-1950’s to be planted over some 450 hectares by the mid-1970’s, in the heydays of Egypt’s Jasmine Concrete production topping with some 11 tons/year, thus helping to provide work and income for some 50’000 farmers for half of the year.

Ahmed Fakhry retired in 1982 putting on lease his farm and industrial facilities, yet keeping proprietorship over them. He passed away in 1998. During the 27 years at the helm of A. Fakhry & Co. he positioned the company at a crossing point for the world F&F industry wishing to source 100% pure and natural Egyptian aromatic raw materials. The likes of Edmond Roudnitska, Jean-Paul Guerlain, etc. had their habits at A. Fakhry & Co. during the days of Ahmed Fakhry.

His only son, Hussein A. Fakhry, born in 1966 in Stockholm (Sweden), took over the reins of the family enterprise in 1997. Educated in Switzerland, France, and the USA where he graduated in Physical Geography and Marine Science from Clark University, Hussein went, first, about his passion for oceans and lakes working at the Fondation pour l’Étude et la Protection de la Mer et des Lacs (Switzerland) under the direction of famed Oceanographer Jacques Piccard, its founder. By 1996, his father Ahmed hinted at the idea of terminating A. Fakhry & Co.’s farm and factory lease to retrieve his facilities. Having lived most of his life away from Egypt, Hussein was well exposed to the new shifts and demands that were taking place in the F&F industry and decided to take up the challenge and return to Egypt.

In 1998 Hussein met his wife to be, Chérifa H. Rachad, a Master of Science graduate in Aromatic Botanical Agronomy from Cairo University (Egypt). Chérifa endowed the destinies of A. Fakhry & Co. with her experience and qualities as an agronomist, an organic farmer, a human resources and a financial manager. Since 2000, A. Fakhry & Co.’s achievements have been the result of their joint leadership. Today A. Fakhry & Co. represents approximately 25% of Egypt’s total turnover with aromatic raw materials, and 75% of Egypt’s certified organic aromatic raw material turnover. Hussein and Chérifa have two daughters, Sofia and Soraya, who seem to develop definite signs of interest and enjoyment de la chose olfactive…

 A. Fakhry & Co. is proud to be a member of the following organizations:

 Egyptian Organizations

Chamber of Food Industries, CFI

Established originally in 1910, it is the official representative of the Egyptian food sector. (www.egycfi.org.eg)

Horticulture Export Improvement Association, HEIA

Established in 1998, the organization promotes the expansion of sustainable exports of horticultural crops in   Egypt.

Egyptian Junior Businessmen/Women Association, EJB 

The association seeks to assist in the development of sound policies that support the enhancement of the business climate in Egypt. (www.ejb.org.eg)

Egyptian Society for the Producers, Manufacturers, and Exporters of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, ESMAP 

Egyptian Essential Oils, Flavors, Cosmetics, and Fragrances Association

Industrial Chamber of Pharmaceuticals, Cosmetics, and Medical Appliances

EBDA, Egyptian Biodynamic Association

It is an NGO that provides biodynamic research and extension service to farmers all over Egypt. (For more about EBDA visit www.sekem.com)

 

Food Export Council, FEC 

 Foreign Organizations

The British Essential Oils Association, BEOA 

Founded in 1978, it is also a member of EFWO, the European Federation of Essential Oils. BEOA's aim has been to maintain and improve general standards, and protect the commercial and economic interests of, persons who are involved in the Essential Oils Industry. (www.beoa.co.uk)

The International Federation of Essential Oils and Aroma Trades, IFEAT 

Established in 1976, with the purpose of forming an international organization which could represent all sections of the essential oils industry. (www.ifeat.org)

Cosmebio

Established in 2000, a collaboration program between Ecocert and 10 cosmetics laboratories for the development of a schedule of conditions of ethical cosmetics approved by the State and equipped with a rigorous control plan. (www.cosmebio.org)

ISO/TC-54: Egyptian representative of the International Standards Organization/ Technical Committee-54, world standardization of essential oils

ISO is a non-governmental organization, and a network of the national standards institutes of 157 countries.Established in 1946 to facilitate the international coordination and unification of industrial standards.  (www.iso.org)

Organic Trade Association, OTA

Founded in 1985, its mission is to promote and protect the growth of organic trade to benefit the environment, farmers, the public and the economy. (www.ota.com)

 Concretes & Absolutes

Jasmine concrete/absolute

Egypt produces: 3500 – 4000 kg/yr.

Production Method: A concrete is produced by solvent extraction using Hexane; the absolute is obtained by separation using alcohol.

Uses: Used in soaps, toiletries, cosmetics and perfumes. Also food products, alcoholic and soft drinks, and the dried flowers are used in Jasmine tea.

Botanical Origin: Native to and produced in the southern foothills of the Himalayas in Asia, as well as being produced in some parts of Europe, mainly France. It was industrially introduced in Egypt in 19121, but has been identified in Pharos’s tombs.

Violet leaf concrete/absolute

Egypt produces: 1000 kg/yr.

Production Method: A concrete is obtained by solvent extraction using Hexane; the absolute is obtained by separation using alcohol.

Uses: Used in perfumery, flavoring, and confectionary.

Botanical Origin: Native to Europe and parts of Asia.

 

Cassie concrete/absolute

Egypt produces: 400 - 600 kg/yr.

Production Method: A concrete is obtained by solvent extraction using Hexane; the absolute is obtained by separation using alcohol.

Uses: The absolute is used mainly in perfumes and to fragrance cosmetics.

Botanical Origin: Native to the South of France, Egypt, Algeria and Syria. Cultivated mainly in Egypt, and France.

 

Bitter Orange Blossom concrete/absolute

Egypt produces: 100 - 150 kg/yr.

Production Method: A concrete is obtained by solvent extraction using Hexane; the absolute is obtained by separation using alcohol.

Uses: The concrete is rarely used in perfumes, but produces an absolute that is. The concrete has tonic, deodorant and anti-septic qualities.

Botanical Origin: main produces were France and Italy, also produced in Morocco and Tunisia.

Oeillet - Carnation flower concrete/absolute

Production Method: A concrete is obtained by solvent extraction using Hexane; the absolute is obtained by separation using alcohol.

Uses: Used frequently in the perfume and cosmetics industry. Both for its olfactive quality, and as an excellent fixative.

Botanical Origin: Cultivated in most European countries, and the U.S.A, but production of the concrete or the absolute is mainly Egyptian.

 Essential oils

Geranium essential oil

Egypt produces: 80,000 – 120,000 kg/yr

Production Method: By steam distillation of the whole aerial part of the blossoming plant.

Uses: Possesses a very agreeable and pronounced rose like odor, and so is one of the most important ingredients in perfumery, and because it is stable and lasting it is also used well in soaps.
 
Botanical Origin: Native to South Africa, and cultivated in Egypt, Algeria, Morocco, France, and Spain.

Neroli essential oil

Egypt produces: 150 - 200 kg/yr.

Production Method: An essential oil is produced by hydrodistillation of the freshly picked flowers. Orange floral water is produced as a by-product of distillation.

Uses: Used to flavor pharmaceuticals, and in perfumery work such as in eau de cologne and “eau de toilette”. Also used in food, and drink flavoring.

Botanical Origin: Native to the Far East, but also well adapted to the Mediterranean climate. Major producers are Morocco and Tunisia.

Petitgrain Mandarin essential oil

Egypt produces: 15,000 - 25,000 kg/yr.

Production Method: By steam distillation of the leaves and twigs.

Uses: Fragrance component in soaps, detergents, cosmetics, and perfumes. Also as a flavoring agent in food, alcoholic and soft drinks.

Botanical Origin: Native to southern China and north-east India. Good quality oils produced in North Africa, and France. Egypt today has become the main producer.

 

Cumin essential oil

Egypt produces: 10,000 -15,000 kg/yr.

Production Method: The oil is distilled from the dried, ripe fruit (seed) of the cumin.

Uses: As a flavoring agent, and in perfumes.

Botanical origin: Middle East, and is now also cultivated in Russia, China and the U.S.A.

Marjoram, sweet essential oil

Egypt produces: 3000 - 6000 kg/yr.

Production Method: By steam distillation from the leaves and flowering tops of the plant.

Uses: Mainly used as a culinary herb, and occasionally in perfumery to introduce a fresh, slightly medicinal aromatic touch.

Botanical origin: Originated in Mediterranean countries, and now is cultivated in central and southern European countries, as well as North Africa.

Basil Linalool essential oil

Egypt produces: 2500 kg/yr.

Production Method: The oil is produced by steam distillation, and a concrete and absolute are produced by solvent extraction.

Uses: In flavoring of confectionary, baked goods and other foods, as well as dental and oral products. Also used in scenting of soaps and certain perfume compounds.

Botanical Origin: Native to France, and is cultivated in Egypt, Germany, France and Italy.

Petitgrain Bigarade essential oil

Egypt produces: 1,500 - 2000 kg/yr.

Production Method: By steam distillation of the leaves and twigs.

Uses: In flavoring and perfumery.

Botanical Origin: China, and cultivated in almost all the mild-temperate, semi-tropical and tropical zones of the world.

Onion essential oil

Egypt produces: 1000 – 1300 kg/yr.

Production Method: Essential oil produced by steam distillation from the bulb.

Uses: Pharmaceutical preparations and food products.

Botanical Origin: Native to western Asia and the Middle East. Essential oil produced mainly in Egypt, France, and Germany.

Blue Chamomile essential oil

Egypt produces: 1000 -1300 kg/yr.

Production Method: The florets are dried and steam distilled.

Uses: Used as a flavoring agent, and in perfumes. Externally used as an anti-inflammatory.

Botanical Origin: Native to Germany, cultivated in Hungary and Bhutan.

Coriander Leaf essential oil

Egypt produces: 1000 kg/yr.

Production Method: The oil is produced by steam distillation, and a concrete and absolute are produced by solvent extraction.

Uses: Flavoring of food stuffs.

Botanical Origin: Native to southern Europe, Asia, and Caucasus. Cultivated in eastern Europe, the United States, Morocco, and Egypt.

  ISO 9001:2008 for Quality Management

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 ISO 14001:2004 for Environmental Management

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 ISO 18001:2007 For Occupational Health & Safety Management System

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 KLBD, Kosher London Beth Din

“Kosher certification by the London Beth Din”

(www.kosherregister.com)

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 IFANCA, Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America (Halal)

“The Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America (IFANCA) is a non-profit Islamic organization dedicated to promote halal food and the institution of halal.”

 

 (www.ifanca.org)

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 Demeter “BioDynamic”

“ The “ Biodynamic ” agriculture method founded in 1992,  was originated by Rudolf Steiner in his "Agriculture Course" given in Koberwitz in 1924. The Center of Organic Agriculture in Egypt, COAE  is accredited by Demeter International.Practices.”

(www.demeter.net)

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 CERES, CERtification of Environmental Standards, GmbH (Happurg, Germany)

“CERES offers certification according to Organic Standards or standards for Good Agricultural Practices.

CERES is accredited/registered to certify according to the following standards: Regulation (EEC) 834/2007, USDA-NOP (see USDA website), JAS Organic, EurepGAP, Utz Kapeh, Starbucks C.A.F.E. Practices, BRC, and IFS.  ”

“On 17 May 2011, CERES issued certificates N# 5867 & 5869 of compliance with the US National Organic Program to A. Fakhry & Co.

CERES confirms that the products covered by these certificates, are also certified in compliance with the terms of the US-Canada Organic Equivalency Arrangement from 30 June 2009, and can thus be considered to comply with the Canada Organic Regime (COR). Neither sodium nitrate nor hydroponic or aeroponic production methods have been used, nor are the products derived from animal products.”

Certificate of compliance with COR can be furnished upon request.

(www.ceres-cert.com)

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