Village in Egypt’s Nile Delta perfumes the world with Jasmine scent

ew people realize that Shubra Beloula, a small village nestled in the heart of Egypt’s Nile Delta, plays a crucial role in the global fragrance industry by producing more than half of the world’s jasmine, a key ingredient used in many of the most iconic perfumes worldwide.

Egypt, along with India, dominates jasmine absolute production, with both countries accounting for around 95% of the global supply, based on 2015 figures from the International Federation of Essential Oils and Aroma Trades (IFEAT).

This fragrant flower, cultivated by generations of Egyptian farmers, is the hidden foundation of some of the world’s most luxurious perfumes.

Located in the Nile Delta, around 97 kilometers from Cairo, the village spans roughly 257 acres—most of which are dedicated to jasmine cultivation, scientifically called Jasminum grandiflorum.

As a result, the majority of Shubra Beloula’s 15,000 residents rely on jasmine farming as their primary source of income.

The jasmine harvest season in Egypt spans a long period, typically beginning in mid-April or June and continuing until November or December each year.