Heritage & Responsibility
Younis Aroma Ltd. sets the global benchmark for ethical trade in gums and resins. We are not simply participants in the market, but partners with the landowners and communities who nurture the trees producing the world’s most exceptional resins. Our roots run deep in northern Puntland, Somalia, where generations of our community have cared for Boswellia Carterii and Frereana forests. This heritage ensures an unbroken chain of responsibility, authenticity, and respect for our natural legacy.
International Expertise
Leadership
Dr. Mohamed Hagi
CEO
A native of Puntland and a member of the Royal family, Dr. Hagi was raised and educated in London before returning to Somalia in 2013. He is recognized for pioneering a sustainable, transparent, and equitable gums and resins industry in Puntland.
Abdullahi Said
COO
Born in Bonn, Germany, Abdullahi is a native of Somaliland a region within Somalia that declared independence in 1991 and has since functioned with its own government and democratic elections, despite lacking international recognition. Abdullahi is the son of the former Somali Ambassador to Germany and brings extensive cross-cultural management experience, expanding our sourcing network and ensuring seamless international operations. Notably, Abdullahi’s uncle, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, was elected as the new president of Somaliland on November 19, 2024. This underscores Younis Aroma’s broad connections and influence across both the Puntland and Somaliland regions.
What Sets Us Apart
Our commitment to excellence spans every aspect of the frankincense trade
Community Sourcing
We work directly with the communities and farms from which we originate. While we do not own the land or manage the farms, we collaborate closely with farm owners providing education, harvesting equipment, food supplies, water, and financial support. Our goal is to preserve and protect these lands for future generations.
Full Traceability
Every batch is authenticated by botanists and tracked through a plant voucher, ensuring full traceability.
Premium Certifications
Fully certified and compliant with international standards, including ISO, REACH, Sedex 4-Pillar SMETA, FairWild Certified, Food Grade (EC 1334/2008), Contaminant (EU 2023/915), Pesticide (EC 396/2005), and the IFRA 51st Amendment.
Sustainability Focus
We follow a 50% tree rest policy for supported partner farms, provide community education and harvester training, ensure equitable benefit sharing with 50% of the harvest value paid directly to harvesters, and conduct on-the-ground research in tree health, plantation, and disease management.
Social Impact
10% of profits are donated to Somali social projects, and all sustainability initiatives are implemented directly in Puntland.
Global Recognition
Younis Aroma has been commended by President Said Abdulahi Deni for its vertical integration and sustainability, and holds leadership within the Puntland Frankincense Conservation Committee.
Our Story
Transforming Potential into International Progress
01
2013
Dr. Mohamed Hagi returns to Somalia with a vision to transform the natural resins industry.
02
2015–2018
Direct community engagement begins. Farm partnerships are established.
03
2019
Batch-level GC-MS testing and voucher specimen systems implemented.
04
2024
New traceability programs launched; Younis Aroma invites international partners to join in.
Our Mission
To deliver the world’s purest, most sustainable Frankincense, Myrrh, and Opoponax empowering communities, protecting ecosystems, and setting the benchmark for transparency, traceability, and ethical trade. We are committed to creating a sustainable market for the harvesting community in Puntland, Somalia.
Our Operations
From Land to Laboratory
Raw Material Sourcing
Younis Aroma sources Frankincense Carterii, Frereana, Myrrh, Opoponax, Gum Arabic, and Mineral Pitch exclusively from the communities and regions in northern Puntland to which the company belongs. These relationships are grounded in mutual trust and long-term support. Younis Aroma does not purchase from high-risk countries. In addition, Frankincense Papyrifera, Myrrh, and Opoponax are also sourced ethically from the Somali-Ethiopian community, further strengthening the company’s commitment to transparent sourcing across the Horn of Africa.
Harvesting
The harvesting process is carried out by trained local communities. These harvesters use traditional and sustainable methods passed down through generations, ensuring both cultural preservation and environmental sustainability.
Transportation
Younis Aroma sources Frankincense Carterii, Frereana, Myrrh, Opoponax, Gum Arabic, and Mineral Pitch exclusively from the communities and regions in northern Puntland to which the company belongs. These relationships are grounded in mutual trust and long-term support. Younis Aroma does not purchase from high-risk countries. In addition, Frankincense Papyrifera, Myrrh, and Opoponax are also sourced ethically from the Somali-Ethiopian community, further strengthening the company’s commitment to transparent sourcing across the Horn of Africa.
Processing
Upon arrival at the processing facilities, the resins undergo a rigorous cleaning and packing process. Every batch is carefully documented to ensure quality, traceability, and consistency.
Certified Distillation & Storage
The cleaned and packed resins are shipped to the United Kingdom, where they undergo certified distillation and are stored under strict quality control measures. This guarantees that the final products meet international standards.
Critical Control Points
Each stage of the supply chain—from harvesting to final storage—is monitored, documented, and audited. These critical control points ensure full compliance with organic and ethical standards, reinforcing Younis Aroma’s commitment to integrity and quality at every step.
Conservation & Community
Building a sustainable future together
Education & Training
Ongoing programs for harvesters continue, with the plant pressing voucher system developed in collaboration with Dr. Trish Flaster now fully completed and implemented into our products. This system forms the foundation of our traceability and scientific authentication standards.
Benefit Sharing
50% of the harvest value is paid directly to harvesters, ensuring equitable economic participation. Expenses and operational costs are deducted solely from the remaining 50%.
Research & Innovation
We are actively engaged in research on tree health, plantation, and disease management. However, given the scale and diversity of farms in Puntland, we recognize that partnership and external support are essential. Younis Aroma alone cannot cover all ground; collaboration is key to advancing sustainable resource management across the region.
Our Philosophy
Guardians of Frankincense
We believe the Boswellia tree embodies resilience, renewal, and generosity. Our stewardship is not just commercial—it is a
commitment to ensuring the legacy and value of Puntland’s gums and resins industry for future generations, blending ancestral
wisdom with scientific rigor.
Conservation & Community
Direct Sourcing from Communities
We source directly from communities with generational stewardship not from resellers or brokers.
Full Traceability
We provide comprehensive, transparent documentation for compliance and due diligence, ensuring unmatched quality and traceability in every batch.
Environmental Impact
Our values are embedded in every batch we produce, prioritizing both social welfare and environmental sustainability.
Exclusive Opportunity
We offer companies a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit the farms in Puntland, Somalia, and experience firsthand how frankincense and other resins are harvested and collected.
Meet the harvesters and farm owners, hear their stories, and — if desired — bring a film crew to document your journey for your clients and the world. Security and logistical support are fully provided.
Your Choices Matter
At Younis Aroma, our legacy is built on stewardship, scientific rigor, and a strong commitment to ethical trade. We continue to set new standards for transparency, traceability, and sustainability in the gums and resins industry.
By prioritizing community empowerment, environmental responsibility, and uncompromising quality, we ensure that every product reflects not only the richness of Puntland’s natural heritage but also the values that define our organization.
Join Us in Ethical Excellence
Experience the difference of direct sourcing, scientific integrity, and sustainable impact. Partner with Younis Aroma to shape a transparent, traceable, and responsible future for Frankincense and natural resins.
