SME

By FedEx | First published: November 8, 2022    Updated: May 3, 2024

Indonesian essential oil and scent company Van Aroma expanded a homegrown family business into a global exporter supplying over 50 countries. Discover the ingredients to their success.

Van Aroma started small. In 2006, Sandeep Tekriwal started a family business collecting and distilling nutmeg and patchouli oils in West Sumatra. Having previously worked in a granite manufacturing plant and a company that exported Indonesian spices, Sandeep applied his expertise in product marketing and raw material supply chains to set up a business of his own.

With demand rising for high-quality essential oil products, Van Aroma began to diversify into clove, citronella, vetiver and other natural extracts from Java and Sulawesi.

From local business to global player

By opening a second refinery in Jakarta in 2009, Van Aroma expanded capacity and equipment to sell to more and more customers worldwide. Today, they export fragrance ingredients to more than 50 countries around the world. Key markets are the US, Europe, China and Southeast Asia.

In 2022, they opened their first overseas facility in New Jersey to service their biggest market, the US. They’re now a leading supplier of Indonesian essential oils, aroma molecules, and botanical extracts.

Van Aroma’s products saw a significant increase in popularity during the pandemic. Most ingredients they supply are found in daily-use products like soaps, shampoos, and sanitizers. Demand spiked as the world began to prioritize hygiene.

Van Aroma’s sustainability strategy and net zero goals

“Sustainability is our core value”, affirms Aayush Tekriwal, managing director of Van Aroma. He’s proud of the company’s investment in sustainable distillation technology, which is part of a conscious effort to be as environmentally responsible as possible.

Since implementing green processing technologies such as Supercritical Fluid Extraction, Van Aroma has optimized their carbon footprint significantly. The company is confident about becoming completely carbon neutral by 2030, thanks to continued investments in renewable energy sources, energy-efficient facilities and programs.

Auyush works closely with local farmers, delivering education on good agricultural practices and organic farming. “We work hand in hand with farmers and distillers. We built the company around the core principles of traceability, transparency, and ethical sourcing.”

To bring their sustainably cultivated, authentic Indonesian products to as many customers as possible, Van Aroma needed a logistics service provider they could trust. According to Aayush, working with FedEx demonstrates their commitment to their products. They want their customers to receive them in the very best condition. Real-time tracking also offers peace of mind and visibility throughout the delivery.

All across Asia, innovative small businesses are bringing local products to discerning global customers. Many are family businesses, helping spark interest in local or indigenous culture and crafts in overseas consumers.

At FedEx, we’re committed to helping start-ups and entrepreneurs share their ideas with the world. To discover more SME success stories from Asia Pacific and beyond, head here.