From 2 to 6 November 2026, La Réunion hosted an exceptional Business Tour organised by La Réunion Développement with the support of the Region and the European Union (FEDER/FSE+ programme): La Réunion Excellence. The goal: to showcase the potential of Réunion's plant-based sectors in cosmetics, perfumery and nutraceuticals to European decision-makers, buyers and experts.
Réunion's PPAM plants in Europe's sights
The island of Réunion holds a rare natural asset: its aromatic, medicinal and perfumery plants (PPAM), cultivated in a high-standard protected tropical environment (National Park, UNESCO), offer unique properties sought after by major cosmetics groups. Bourbon geranium, vetiver, ylang-ylang: raw materials that have built the island's international reputation.
The Business Tour, structured around three thematic sessions on 5 November, brought together six high-level experts: Jean-Baptiste Guyon (D-LAB Industry), Thomas Lhuillery (Elixens France), Christelle Nikitas (Naos), Ségolène Leloutre (Cosmetic Valley) and Richard Daniellou (AgroParisTech). Each session combined field visits, expertise exchanges and B2B meetings.
An international ambition driven by the Region and the EU
This initiative is part of the Regional Economic Development, Innovation and Internationalisation Plan (SRDEII «La Nouvelle Économie») adopted in December 2022, with Qualitropic — the tropical bioeconomy cluster — as a strategic partner. Prospecting efforts began as early as 2023, and Réunion Region was present at the international Cosmetic 360 trade show in 2024.
The objective is clear: to position Réunion's plant-based raw materials as premium ingredients in European cosmetics and nutraceutical supply chains — two of the world's fastest-growing markets.
Why it matters
Réunion cannot rely solely on tourism. Economic diversification requires leveraging its unique biodiversity. By connecting local producers to major European buyers, the island is betting on its future as a high-value plant territory, capable of exporting its natural excellence well beyond its island boundaries.