The Story of Reynald Grattagliano
From Lavender Fields to Global Innovation
Reynald Grattagliano was born on October 28, 1955, in the charming town of Les Baux-de-Provence, France. As a young boy, he would tend to lambs in pastures blanketed with lavender and Lily de Provence. The blend of fresh, natural aromas left an indelible mark on his soul and ignited a lifelong passion for fragrance.
At the tender age of 13, Reynald began working in his father’s perfumery, where he learned the intricacies of scent creation and cosmetic formulation. His father, a perfumer himself, became Reynald’s first mentor, guiding him through the subtle art and science of crafting products that evoke emotion and memory.
Global Experience and Business Mastery
At 18, Reynald left France for the United Kingdom, opening a nail polish manufacturing plant in Newquay, Cornwall.
In 1975, he moved to Italy to launch a lipstick manufacturing plant. Over the next decade, he worked across the Middle East, becoming Head Cosmetic Buyer for Orosdi Department Stores in Baghdad (1980) and later holding the same role in Lebanon (1984). Reynald didn’t just do business—he immersed himself in the language, customs, and culture of every country he lived in.
By 1986, he had opened a budget perfume plant in Miami, USA. Ten years later, in 1996, Reynald sold his fragrance company to a major U.S. brand.
That same year, he was appointed Senior Cosmetic Advisor to the Chinese Government, where he led efforts to build the country’s first nationwide cosmetic purchasing and distribution system.
From Perfume to Alcohol-Free Spirits
In 2007, Reynald’s life changed again—this time because of his 22-year-old son, Kevin.
Inspired by his son’s words and fueled by curiosity, Reynald spent over five million dollars and five years researching a solution. His goal? To create an alcohol-free drink that tasted, smelled, and felt like liquor—but without the after-effects.
He collaborated with a team of scientists in Switzerland, and together they achieved a breakthrough: the creation of a new molecule that mimicked the alcohol experience—without containing any alcohol at all.
This innovation became the W.A.R.M. molecule, the cornerstone of Arkay Beverages, the world’s first alcohol-free spirit brand.
The Birth of Arkay
The name “Arkay” stems from Reynald’s time in China, where locals affectionately mispronounced his name as “Arr-K.” Embracing the name, Reynald saw it as a perfect fit for his brand—distinctive, global, and memorable.
Arkay’s alcohol-free spirits offer the same richness, complexity, and experience of traditional liquors without the after-effects. Safe for all ages and cultures, Arkay products are crafted with care and marketed globally, with a strong online presence and innovative packaging—including an industry-first tamper-proof cap and unique bottle design.
Legacy in Motion
Today, Reynald Grattagliano stands as a pioneer in both cosmetics and alcohol-free beverages. His journey—from the aromatic hills of Provence to the labs of Switzerland—has always been guided by one vision: to innovate, to connect, and to share beauty with the world.