How Compagnie de Provence modernized the Marseille soap
MANILA, Philippines - Beautiful Provence is a land of contrasts. The mistral winds blow, washing the skies and rendering the atmosphere clean, carrying fragrances from its fields.
This is the home of Compagnie de Provence, where its story begins. In 1990, after five years working in the fashion industry, two friends from Marseille — Philippe Boigeol and Pascal Bourelly — founded Compagnie de Provence in France.
They established their trading company in Panier, Marseille’s oldest district. Aware that the legendary cube of Marseille soap holds an important position in the cultural and industrial heritage of their region, they decided to revive it.
In spite of the fame and pride it brought to the city since the 17th century, Marseille soap was deemed outmoded, supplanted by industrial detergents and scented soaps.
Guided by their desire to promote this emblematic soap and to market it all over the world and across every culture, they gave it a modern twist: beautifully wrapped in brown paper, tied up with a hemp string and stamped with a wax seal.
In 1999, Compagnie de Provence became the first brand to reinterpret the traditional cube of Marseille soap and launch its liquid version. Made from vegetable oils as its solid ancestor and crafted in a cauldron following authentic tradition, it comes in a glass dispenser adorned with a sleek design.
In line with the new consumption habits, this product instantly became very popular and brought continuous success to Compagnie de Provence. The brand is now cited as the reference for liquid Marseille soap.
Since then, based on this iconic bottle and the company’s expertise and creativity, Compagnie de Provence has constantly been developing products dedicated to your well-being.
Scented soaps, body care, fine and home fragrance and linen care are offered within four different lines corresponding to different states of mind or desires: Extra Pur, Version Originale, Bio Organic and Home.
Compagnie de Provence remains invested in the activities of this French region. It partners with the fragrance and perfume professionals of Grasse and also employes people with disabilities. It believes in the philosophy that respects the individual and the environment, and participates in Provence’s development.
Focusing on French traditional know-how and craftsmanship, Compagnie de Provence creates products that stand alone as unique and combine authenticity and modernity in a decorative and contemporary style.
In France, Compagnie de Provence is sold through its seven fully owned boutiques and 300 retailers. It is in decoration shops such as Botanic and Truffaut, and in department stores such as Bon Marché, Galeries Lafayette, BHV, La Grande Epicerie or Conran Shop.
It is also in 40 countries worldwide and is distributed in the Philippines by Rustan’s Department Store.
