1. Parfumerie Tiki is an iconic brand in French Polynesia. Could you tell us about its history and how it has evolved over the decades?
Parfumerie TIKI is a family-owned company founded by a Polynesian entrepreneur, Gustave LANGY, who created Monoï TIKI, traditionally handcrafted in Tahiti. The product is packaged in a glass bottle containing a Tahitian Tiaré flower, highlighting its authentic “Made in Tahiti” origin. Monoï TIKI is entirely bottled and packaged in Tahiti before being exported worldwide.
Our facilities are located in Faa’a, near the city center and the airport. We distribute our products throughout French Polynesia and have been exporting since the 1970s.
2. Monoï de Tahiti is an iconic product. What is its cultural and economic significance for French Polynesia?
Monoï is a traditional Polynesian beauty and skincare oil made from coconut oil sourced from the islands and fresh Tiaré flowers that are handpicked. There are many ancestral family recipes that have been passed down through generations.
Monoï de Tahiti also benefits from a protected designation of origin, which guarantees its quality, local expertise, and the use of Polynesian botanical resources.
It is part of a broader supply chain involving copra producers across the islands of Polynesia, shipping companies that transport coconuts to the oil extraction and refining facilities, Tiaré flower growers, and, of course, the Polynesian employees who work in the processing and manufacturing plants.
3. How have you successfully transformed an ancestral tradition into internationally recognized cosmetic products?
We have implemented production and packaging methods that ensure product quality and compliance with local regulations. Exporting remains a constant challenge. We are also ISO 9001 certified.
4. In a rapidly evolving market, how do you innovate while preserving the authenticity and natural qualities of your products?
The product remains faithful to the original formula that was first created, but we continuously monitor developments in cosmetics, regulations, and marketing to adapt when necessary.
5. Which products or product lines best represent the identity of Parfumerie Tiki today?
Monoï TIKI with Tiaré remains our flagship product. We have also expanded our Monoï range to include bath products and soaps, while continuing to formulate and package everything in Tahiti.
6. Producing in an island environment presents unique challenges. How do you manage raw material sourcing, logistics, and quality standards?
Yes, manufacturing and marketing remain major challenges, even though our primary raw materials are harvested and processed in French Polynesia. Many packaging components and manufacturing equipment must be imported.
Export logistics, both by sea and air, are particularly challenging due to our geographic location. Careful planning and anticipation are essential for managing inventory and maintaining supply.
7. The international market is key to your growth. What role do the United States play in your development strategy?
Yes, we have always focused on exports to introduce our products to international consumers. We have been exporting since the 1970s. For many years, we have worked closely with a distributor in California: GINCO International (Phone: 800-423-5176).
8. How do you view the growing interest among American consumers in natural and exotic cosmetics from the Pacific?
Our products are authentic, natural products that are regularly used by people throughout the Pacific. They are manufactured according to international economic and environmental standards to ensure high quality while preserving our island environment.
9. What initiatives are you implementing to support local agriculture and ensure environmentally responsible, sustainable production?
We follow the principles of UEBT (Union for Ethical BioTrade) certification to ensure respectful support for our local suppliers and to help preserve biodiversity.
10. Finally, what is your vision for the future of Parfumerie Tiki, and what message would you like to share with readers of the Los Angeles Times about Polynesian authenticity and craftsmanship?
Parfumerie TIKI produces Monoï TIKI, the authentic Monoï made in Tahiti. Our employees and our company are proud to see our locally manufactured products available in the United States.
Through our products, we also share the image of Tahiti and its islands, showcasing our breathtaking landscapes and the rich cultural heritage that are inseparably linked to Monoï TIKI.
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