SCENT HUNTER
Les Cayes
On the Hunt for
Vetiver in Haiti
ADVENTURES
OF A SCENT
HUNTER
KAREN MANHEIMER
Vice President, Kerry and
Treasurer, Fragrance Creators’
Board of Directors
16 | FRAGRANCENOTES.ORG | Issue 2, 2019
This is a standing column that celebrates the
beauty and wonder of scents and the creative
individuals who promote and preserve these
unique ingredients aroung the world.
This month, we’re following the travels of
Karen Manheimer, Vice President, Kerry, and
Treasurer, Fragrance Creators’ Board, to the
Les Cayes region of Haiti, the world’s largest
supplier of vetiver. With a population of more
than 71,000, Les Cayes is the wealthiest region
because of the vetiver industry, which involves
27,000 farming families. Carrying a warm, dry,
earthy, and woody scent, vetiver is a persistent,
fast-growing grass with a complex root system
from which essential oils of the plant are
derived. Seen growing across hillsides in this
beautiful coastal region, vetiver is an organic
and fair trade essential oil often used in men’s
and women’s fragrances.
“I’m proud that our industry supports the
wonderful people and culture of Haiti in the
growth of this important ingredient,” says
Karen. “Vetiver farming supplies countless jobs
and opportunities for the region.” FN
» The Les Cayes region of Haiti is the world‘s
largest supplier of vetiver, exporting 250
tons annually.
» Vetiver is fast-growing perennial grass that
can survive more than 50 years.
» Vetiver is known for its grounding,
sensuous, and deeply calming scent.
» 27,000 farming families are involved in
growing vetiver in Haiti