The following excerpt was extracted from the study of the“Deutsche Gesellschaft fuer Internationale Zusammen-

arbeit” (GIZ) analyzing the economic and ecological impact of tradi-tional hand-pressed argan oil in rural communities versus mechani-cal / industrial cold-pressed argan oil through privately-owned com-panies.

“Only the production of hand-pressed argan oil by women coo-peratives in Morocco provide peasant women with the highestportion of the profit and make a significant contribution topoverty reduction in the Arganeraie, while simultaneously pre-serving the argan tree population.”

The four existing cooperatives of the UCFA (Union des Coopérativesdes Femmes de l’Arganeraie) were unsuccessful in marketing theirwidely unknown hand-pressed argan oil back in 2004. Only throughthe engagement and support of Argand’Or the four cooperativeswere able to survive. In 2005, Argand’Or began marketing the hand-pressed argan oil and has ensured, through a fair and sustainablepartnership, the retention of social structures ever since. For the firsttime, the women started to receive a regular income, and had accessto a free education, learning to read and write as a result ofArgand’Or’s general education courses.

The steady income source proved to increase the workers' self-esteem while improving the social situation of the women and foste-ring equality. Approximately 1,300 women are self-supporting as aresult of the fair Argand'Or project. Every year this number continuesto grow. The Argand’Or project also comprises reforestation pro-grams to preserve the endangered argan tree. Today, 23 cooperativesare organized under the roof of the UCFA.

T H E F A I R A R G A N D ’ O R - P R O J E C T

The extra gentle hand-pressed Argand’Or Argan Oil meets the hig-hest quality standards. All essential ingredients and vitamins remainin the product, as no heat can affect its composition and minimalpressure is applied.

It takes approximately two days to produce one liter of hand-pressedargan oil. The output is significantly smaller compared to the mecha-nical / industrial cold-pressing method, but is well worth the effort.Every production has its own batch number. This number accompa-nies the oil from the harvest of the argan nut to the packaging andis included on the label.

Before the oil is packaged, it is analyzed sensorially, analytically andmicrobiologically by a certified independent laboratory.

Argand’Or also installed a quality assurance system (HACCP) throug-hout the production process in cooperation with the German GIZ. In this manner, Argand’Or can ensure exceptional quality.

Production is controlled by independent inspectors at Bio-controlpoints (ECOCERT) for the purpose of the Bio Certification and theNOP Certification.

All Argand’Or Argan Oils are neither deodorized nor refined.

Q U A L I T Y T H R O U G H O V E R S I G H T ,T R A C K I N G A N D T R A N S P A R E N C Y

H A N D - P R E S S E D A R G A N O I L F O R C U L I N A R Y U S E S

Argand’Or ClassicHand-pressed from roasted arganalmonds. The appreciation of thisunique natural product is steadilyrising as it combines a health-cons-cious diet with new culinary tastingexperiences. The typical fine-nuttyflavor harmonizes perfectly with allkinds of salads, as well as pasta. It isused to refine meat dishes, fish, andshellfish. Argand’Or Tip: We recom-mend using the oil mainly to refineready meals in order to preserve itsunique composition.

UnscentedArgand'Or offers argan oil fromunroasted almonds for those whoprefer neutral, virgin oil.

Argan Oil Compositions for Gourmets

These ready-to-serve vital oils are heavy in Omega 3 + 6 + 9 and natu-ral antioxidants. One tablespoon a day provides the body with anabundance of vital Poly-unsaturated fatty acid.These oils are primarily used in the cold kitchen for marinades andvinaigrettes to refine or season salads, meat, fish, pasta or grilledvegetables.

Argan Oil & Olive OilThis fruity, aromatic mixture com-bines full-body, aromatic olive oilwith the fine-nutty taste of arganoil. (DLG-SILVER Award 2011)

Argan Oil & Canola OilCanola oil activates the metabo-lism and creates together with theVitamin E of the argan oil a uniquecomposition. (DLG-BRONZE Award2011)

Argan Oil & Sunflower OilSunflower oil contains Vitamin Eand Beta-Carotene. In combinationwith argan oil it creates a deliciousand nutritionally valuable gourmetoil. (DLG-GOLD Award 2011)

T H E B E A U T I F Y I N G A R G A N O I L I N T H EN AT U R C O S M E T I C

Due to its precious and truly exceptional composition, argan oil isnowadays among the most valued ingredients in premium hair, bodyand facial care products. Argan oil's naturally high concentration inVitamin E and essential fatty acids work to alleviate dry skin andrough patches.

Argand'Or Cosmetic Argan Oil is USDA certified organic and contains100% hand-pressed argan oil. The accompanying Argand'Or cosmeticproducts are uniquely rich in argan oil. All Argand'Or products arecertified according to the strict ICADA-Guidelines for authentic Bioand Natural cosmetics.

Argand’Or cosmetic products were dermatological-allergolo-gical tested and achieved the highest rating “sehr gut” (“verygood”) (Dermatest/Germany)

Argan Oil CapsulesArgan oil capsules contain 100%natural argan oil and are an idealsupplement to support a healthyimmune system and a cholesterolconscious diet: glutenfree, lacto-se-free and suitable for vegans.

Support Argand’Or in creating valuable jobs and equal opportunity in Morocco