Once upon a time, there was a nomadic orchard…

All of the best stories begin with "once upon a time", and this one is no exception to the rule. Once upon a time, there was a nomadic orchard that brought precious roses into bloom. 

"Nomadic orchard" is, in fact, the translation of the Iranian name of Melvita's supplier of rose floral water. This story is also a love story. It tells of the love of a man for his country and its treasures and, stemming from this love, a desire to forge links between Iran and European countries. 

When Siamak Mozafari encountered pickers from a village in the high plateaus of the Kâshân Valley, he decided to help them form a cooperative together and export their rose floral water. A few years later, he helped this cooperative to acquire six distillation stills. This equipment would cut out the need for the producers to make frequent trips, on foot, to have their roses distilled. 

Today, almost 40 of the 150 hectares that this picking area covers have been certified organic and fair trade (respect for the earth, prepayment on orders, fair prices, investment support, etc.).

Every year, in May, the growers get the picking season off to a start to the sound of traditional music and prayers. Almost 300 tons of roses are gathered by the 150 producers.