Family History
A glimpse into our rich history and family legacy…
Innovation
Founded by Jacqueline and Marcel Acat and their partner Hugo Oller in Montreuil, Paris, PROVA developed a one-of-a-kind technology for extracting vanilla specifically tailored to flavor chocolate.
Boldness
Jacqueline and Marcel Acat’s son, Daniel, joined the PROVA team. For 50 years Daniel devoted himself to innovation, investment, and expanding the company’s reach both within France and abroad.
Expansion
Muriel Acat, Daniel’s daughter, joins the PROVA. She modernizes, builds structure, strengthens governance, and implements corporate culture while helping PROVA grow in its specialties. In 2008 Muriel begins leading the company and in 2022 gained Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) certification.
Embark further into our company’s captivating history…
MARCEL ACAT FOUNDS PROVA
Our founding father, Marcel Acat, develops an original, unique technology of vanilla extraction suited for flavoring chocolate. Its success is immediate.
DANIEL ACAT TAKES OVER
With determination, a modern vision, and an unfailing commitment to developing his father’s business, Daniel Acat obtained financing for PROVA’s most innovative projects. Gradually, PROVA is positioned as an expert on the vanilla market.
A NEW MANUFACTURING PLANT IN AUTRUY, FRANCE
Daniel Acat continues to invest step-by-step in what will become an important production center for processing various raw materials. The 86,000 square foot facility focused primarily on vanilla, cocoa, and coffee extraction — the basis of PROVA’s range, available in many aromatic variations adapted to all types of applications.
PRODUCT DIVERSIFICATION
PROVA enhances our product line to include indulgent caramel and dessert flavors. The search for new flavors is now a cornerstone of our company’s development.
MURIEL ACAT-VERGNET JOINS PROVA
Muriel, Daniel’s daughter, with solid business training and an MBA from the United States, infuses new energy to the company.
AMERICAN AND GERMAN SUBSIDIARIES ADDED
PROVA opens offices and distribution centers in Germany and the US.
LAUNCH OF CERTIFIED ORGANIC PRODUCTS
Responding to the growing market for organic and “clean label” products, PROVA introduces a range of products.
FOOD SERVICE DEPARTMENT CREATED
PROVA launches our food service division that will become PROVA GOURMET, serving chefs, restaurants and hospitality businesses worldwide.
MURIEL ACAT-VERGNET IS ELECTED CEO
After serving as Managing Director for five years, Muriel Acat assumes the position of PROVA General Director.
NEW LABORATORIES AROUND THE WORLD
PROVA continues to expand to five continents, present in over 60 countries.
A NEW COCOA EXTRACTION UNIT
British Retail Consortium (BRC) and the launch of a sustainable development project in Madagascar are big events in 2012.
FOOD SERVICE BECOMES PROVA GOURMET
Same great quality our customers have come to expect, PROVA rebrands our Food Service division to PROVA Gourmet.
CREATION OF VDB (VANILLE DURABLE BEMANEVIKA) ASSOCIATION
PROVA establishes a sustainability program in Bemanevika, the primary vanilla-growing region of Madagascar.
CREATION OF VDB (VANILLE DURABLE BEMANEVIKA) NGO IN MADAGASCAR
Continued development of PROVA’s VDB NGO program, addressing the root causes of Madagascar’s precarious living conditions, improving growing techniques.
PROVANIL INDIA LAUNCH
Answering the industry’s demand for high quality, heat stable vanillin, PROVA opens a new facility in India for Provanil production.
WE CELEBRATE OUR 75TH BIRTHDAY
PROVA US LAB ADDS UHT PROCESSING CAPABILITIES
CERTIFIED WOMEN OWNED BUSINESS
CEO and majority owner, Muriel Acat, announces PROVA’s global recognition as a Certified Women Owned Business.