Bergamot: Spain unveils a new origin for the queen of citrus fruits

There are ingredients that define eras. Raw materials that make history. Among them all, few possess the magnetism, radiance and cultural aura of bergamot, that citrus treasure which, for more than three centuries, has been the cornerstone of perfumery.

Its story began in Calabria (Italy), overlooking the mythical strait where Homer set the trials of Odysseus. There, generation after generation, entire families have tended this fruit as if it were a sacred legacy, transforming it into a symbol, a source of pride and an identity. Bergamot has always been much more than just a citrus fruit. Today, that legacy is expanding. And it is doing so towards a natural destination, with a privileged and deeply Mediterranean climate: Spain.

 

A new origin that defines our vision

Bergamot has shaped modern perfumery since the 18th century, when its luminous freshness became the heart of the first Eau de Cologne. Since then, it has acted as an invisible thread that brings coherence to compositions, creating a natural bridge between citrus liveliness and the delicacy of floral notes. 

This historical journey cannot be understood without considering the constant dedication that has defined Lluch Essence’s DNA since 1939. The company was founded on the conviction that only a tireless search for the finest sources could guarantee ingredients capable of meeting the demands of a constantly evolving sector. More than eight decades on, that philosophy remains intact: exploring, selecting and caring for each raw material with rigour, expertise and a long-term vision that places product quality at the heart of the entire process. It is this dedication, forged over generations, that enables us to discover new raw materials which are transformed into solutions capable of delivering greater added value to the Flavour & Fragrance sector.

In this regard, the Spanish Mediterranean has become a key region for Lluch Essence: an environment that combines exceptional agro-climatic conditions, citrus-growing expertise passed down through the generations, and a modern industrial infrastructure designed to guarantee quality, innovation and sustainability. This vibrant ecosystem, which is rapidly expanding internationally, enables us to reimagine the potential of citrus fruits within the Flavour & Fragrance industry.

 

The liquid light of the Spanish Mediterranean

Italian bergamot is recognised for its classic, deep and slightly floral character. In contrast, Spanish bergamot offers a different interpretation as it expresses the tree’s full profile. Its olfactory facets highlight the green nuance of the leaves, the citrus liveliness of the peel and a subtle floral touch that rounds off the whole.

Its profile is fresh, vibrant and full of life: a glimpse of a Mediterranean morning, an elegant vegetal breeze, a modern twist that captivates with its clarity and energy.

 

Spain: Land of citrus, and land of perfumery

Today, Spain is the leading producer of citrus fruits in the European Union and the sixth largest in the world.

Furthermore, it has established itself as a strategic pillar of international trade, accounting for 25 per cent of global exports of fresh citrus fruits.

In the field of essential oils, our country (Spain) ranks second in the world for the production of lemon essential oil and third for mandarin essential oil, with the clementine standing out as our own distinctive variety. This strength in citrus production is complemented by another decisive factor: Spain is the world’s second-largest producer of perfumery ingredients, second only to France, with a robust, export-oriented and rapidly expanding Flavour & Fragrance industry. 

Today, thanks to a visionary project and the strength of the local citrus-growing tradition, Spanish bergamot is now a reality. The queen of citrus fruits, which until now had not been produced in Spain, has finally found its home in this Mediterranean region.

Lluch Essence’s Spanish Bergamot stems from our strategic agreement with the producer Miguel Parra e Hijos, a collaboration that enables us to bring a vibrant, contemporary and technically flawless ingredient to the Flavour & Fragrance sector.

 

An accolade that marks a turning point

In 2025, our bergamot received the award for Best Raw Material at the Barcelona Perfumery Congress, the industry’s most important event in Spain. This has proven that Spanish bergamot is here to lead the way.

It won for its aromatic quality and its elegance; it won because it represents a new olfactory Mediterranean: authentic, sustainable and modern.

 

Two souls, one legacy

Italian quality brings depth, heritage and roots. Spanish quality adds a vibrant freshness that expands creative possibilities. Together, they broaden the vocabulary of perfumers and open up a whole new horizon of nuances – a Mediterranean that is vaster, richer and more luminous than ever before.