BAIC opens Bahamas to perfume production

THE BAHAMAS Agricultural and Industrial Corporation (BAIC) says it has moved to expand the industrial sector and drive innovation by giving Bahamians another avenue for entrepreneurship via perfume-making.

A one-day workshop was held at BAIC’s headquarters on Old Trail Road to bring together artisans and craftspersons from the world of essential oil production, candle-making aromatherapy and other crafts. Bringing his expertise to The Bahamas, perfume maker and skincare specialist, Edwin Bruce, facilitated the event.

Leroy Major, BAIC’s executive chairman, described the workshop as a ‘groundbreaking’ event for The Bahamas. “The perfume industry is a $38.2bn one that The Bahamas has not tapped into, and so after doing some research and finding out that castor oil, which is produced locally, is a component of perfume, we decided to try our hand at perfume making,” he said.

“We invited Mr Bruce, out of Jamaica, to assist us as he is well-versed in this area. We plan to also facilitate workshops in some of the other islands shortly.” Mr Bruce said he was elated to share his knowledge with the Bahamian people given his affection for the country.

During the three-hour event, participants learned about the various layers of scent, the use of raw materials for scents, how to blend scents, the philosophy and olfactory psychology, and also the language behind scents. At the end of the workshop, participants were able to compose and bottle their own personalised fragrances.