"The origins of the Nérolium Cooperative date back to the late 19th century. At that time, the perfume industry was booming, and the distilleries of Grasse required increasing quantities of raw materials. This led to the establishment of the first true flower plantations around the city and the cultivation of bitter orange trees (bigaradiers) in Vallauris and Bar-sur-Loup, where the climate was particularly favorable.
 
 
However, the perfume industry’s powerful influence imposed strict conditions. In response, bitter orange tree owners formed an agricultural union in 1895 to regain control, marking the birth of Nérolium within the early social economy movement.
 
 
The Nérolium Cooperative has since diversified its activities, producing artisanal citrus jams, opening a shop in Vallauris, and establishing an ecomuseum in Golfe-Juan.
 
 
Following a traditional recipe, the extra bitter orange jam is made with white sugar (cane or beet) in a two-step process: the pulp and the peel are cooked separately before being combined for a second cooking."