The Australian Sandalwood Oil Co. Pty Ltd

In the 19th century Sandalwood was Western Australia’s second largest export, and was one of the main sources of revenue in the early twentieth century for opening the wheat / sheep belt farms of the State. In 1919, a company was founded that established a large oil processing works in West Perth for the extraction of sandalwood oil for the European perfume, luxury soap and pharmaceutical industry.

It’s capacity peaked in the 1930’s but gradually faded away with the death of the founder of the company until by the 1960’s it was no longer viable, and became part of our State’s history.

In 1997, the Australian Sandalwood Oil Co Pty Ltd (a subsidiary of Mt Romance Australia Pty Ltd) boldly proposed to re-introduce Australian Sandalwood oil to the world market. This was enabled through the negotiation of a long-term supply contract with the Western Australian Government. The State Government was exporting raw Sandalwood logs into Asia for burning in incense sticks but had found with the Asian crisis impact, prices, and demand were depressed.

Exports of Australian sandalwood are being made to most continents of the globe including Asia, Europe, India, and USA. Exports to Europe have ‘skirted’ the edges of the renowned French perfume industry until 2002.

Australian Sandalwood Oil is forging its own unique identity with-in existing perfumes and as a priority new compound for new perfume projects. The rich sensual odour is functional at levels around 0.1% -1% in a complex spicy, woody perfume.

In 2002, contracts and joint development projects were initiated, and will drive the first ‘mainstream’ volumes of Australian Sandalwood Oil into the French perfume industry, with the commencement of the first large shipments. Volumes will continue to build, making a significant contribution to the Australian Sandalwood Oil Company’s total export of its quality Pure Australian Sandalwood Oil.