Gradually, together with my husband Ivan Ginev I realized that the time was ripe for the decision to start doing what we were best at – making Bulgarian essential oils and flower waters. We created ARMINA. With it, we invested all our knowledge, expertise and experience in a business which was to contribute to preserving Bulgarian herbs and plants without harming nature and people. We began by exporting essential oils and floral waters in bulk to wholesalers and to manufacturers of cosmetics. Than we created our own brand Armina – organic, authentic, with cause. Our company is from the land of roses and our most precious gem is our rose oil, 100% genuine without synthetic substitutes, made from the Bulgarian Rosa Damascena we grow ourselves. All our products are organic certified; most are from Bulgaria.
Ginev family 1938
Ivan’s family expertise in rose cultivation dates back three generations. Here in this picture from 1938 from left to right: his uncle (a sailor); his grandfather (a farmer); his father (a musician); his aunt; his grandmother (a housewife).
And we love what we do. Retrieving long lost traditional knowledge while applying evidence-based science opens new horizons allowing us to develop sustainable farming practices and sustainable production methods. Working together with farmers we are helping them secure their livelihoods. Making high quality organic products we continue educating consumers while offering them genuine, sustainable products. And deep in our hearts, we have remained scientists. The curiosity, which was such a vital part of our work as scientists engaged in fundamental research, is still driving us towards exploring unchartered lands. Our new adventure is already in the pipe. Stay tuned for news updates.
Eng. Svetla Nikolova, PhD – ARMINA founder and CEO
We place a particular emphasis on the practical implementation of the latest scientific, tried and tested know-how as well as on continuous monitoring of our sources of raw materials in all phases of the processing. We further use advanced tools to track and guarantee the quality of our final products.
The process of steam distillation has a very long tradition in Bulgaria. We profit not only from this know-how but also from the collaboration with Bulgarian scientists who are among the leading experts worldwide in developing cutting-edge distillation technology.
We make no compromises in the production of the carrier oils. Without exception, they are not only cold pressed but also extracted exclusively from the first pressing. Thus, they are not only highly suitable for the use in cosmetics but also food-grade and can be used prepare to salads, dishes and desserts.
Apart from complying with minimum organic standards according to the EU Council Regulation (EC) No. 834/2007 for organic farming we are constantly seeking to improve our farming methods as to minimize their negative impact on the environment. We know the soil we work and its needs. By developing and implementing farming practices such as mulching and composting we improve soil fertility. We have also found a method how to use the plant residue which remains after distillation as a natural fertiliser for our crops.
By searching for ways to avoid artificial fertilizers and pest control chemicals, reducing tillage to a minimum, and planting genetically diverse crops we are putting a major effort in preserving biodiversity on and around all our fields. We also put in place ecosystem services through bees pollination and provision of habitats for birds and beneficial insects.
