L'Occitane are a multi-channel retailer offering premium, effective and high-quality skincare, fragrances and bodycare. They're formulated with natural ingredients and traditionally cultivated and harvested in Provence, France. The story began in 1976 in the markets of Provence. With nothing but an alembic, a small truck and a solid knowledge of plants, 23-year-old Olivier Baussan began distilling rosemary essential oil to sell locally. Today, L'Occitane has thousands of staff and shops in more than 90 countries - across the Americas, Europe, Asia, Australia and Africa. In 1994, Austrian businessman Reinold Geiger bought a 33% stake in the group and became majority shareholder two years later. Geiger, as the new chairman, asked Baussan to return as Creative Director and lead product development. L'Occitane's competitor, Clarins, is also a shareholder. L'Occitane Foundation supports visual impairment around the world and economic emancipation for women in Burkina Faso. Other projects include post-tsunami reconstruction in Japan and the natural heritage of Provence.