A bit about Denzil

Key Career moments

1975  Joined the Tropical Products Institute (part of UK Ministry of Overseas Development ) as a Marketing and Research Officer

1979 Completed his Master's degree in Tropical Agricultural Development at the University of Reading

1982 Completed a 3-year research project into Village Foods Systems in West Africa under the auspices of the International African Institute

1985 Co foundered High Value Horticulture plc a specialist consultancy and management company devoted to high value crop development

1996 Appointed Business Development Director of Plant Sciences International company devoted to plant science research and natural products marketing

1998  Formation of Denzil Phillips International Ltd a company devoted to the promotion of botanicals worldwide  

2003 Appointed Associate Expert in Natural Products at the EC Centre for Development of Enterprise, Brussels 

2008 Co-founded the Association for African Medicinal Plant Standards

2010 Appointed Advisor to the Board of the Spa and Wellness Association of Africa

2017 Set up Denzil Phillips International's Caribbean Office in Barbados

2019 Co-founded the Global Frankincense Alliance a not for profit devoted to the conservation and sustainable development of frankincense and myrrh

A few things people have said about me …

“"I met Denzil over 25 years ago and we have been friends ,partners, and colleagues ever since. When it comes to natural products, there are those peoples out there who know a little about a lot and then there is Denzil Phillips, who knows a lot about a lot and on top of that, Denzil has travelled wide and far and accumulated local knowledge and established relationships that are second to none.”

— Billy, Shenven, Baltimore, USA

“Denzil’s knowledge and passion for phytopharmaceuticals across the globe is exceptional. Over his extensive career he has teamed up with other talented professionals who share his passion for this sector. He has such a great ‘can do’ attitude no matter how challenging something might be. He often reminds me of Sherlock Holmes in that he will investigate every avenue, every possibility and every detail to make sure that he obtains the best outcome for his clients and his colleagues. It is always a pleasure to work with Denzil, his enthusiasm is truly infectious and I look forward to working with him for many more years to come.”

— Greer, GRS, Cambridge, UK

“Denzil is the kind of man who lights up a room. He brings together an extraordinary array of field experience and projects with his ability to light a fire in others to believe in themselves. This combination makes him an effective trend setter and someone to follow.”

— Anjanette , APRC, Vermont, USA

“I’ve known Denzil for more than 25 years and go to him for two things - to find a source for rare and crazy botanicals which could be anywhere from the date line of the globe all the way round and back - Vanuatu ... Indonesia ... Somalia ... Ghana ... Chile ... Vietnam. The other important reason I meet Denzil is to share a glass of fine wine !!! I think I prefer the second reason. He is a jolly good fellow.”

— Philip, Indfrag Biosciences, Bangalore , India

“I have known Denzil for the better part of a quarter century . From together founding  the Association for African Medicinal Plant Standards (AAMPS) back in 2003, publishing the African Herbal Pharmacopoeia  to organising the exhibition and workshops on Access and Benefit Sharing at WOCMAP in 2009  and many more.  Denzil has always inspired me by his out of the box thinking, seeing opportunities and new angles wherever he looks, his vast global network in the natural products field (who does he not know…?) and seemingly endless energy. His ability to activate resources and realise bold ideas are just amazing!”

— Ulrich, Parceval Pharmaceuticals, Wellington, South Africa

“When you plant seeds in the garden, you do not dig them every day to see if they have sprouted yet. You simply water them, clear away the weeds and you know the seeds will grow in time. Seeds of my association with Denzil were planted over 30 years ago. The association has turned in to close friendship over our years of working together on many projects. Our friendship is like a two-way support. You support the other, the other supports you. And then there is need for knowledge; who better to learn from than Denzil?”

— Naeem, SterlingPharma, Manchester, UK

“Over the decades, I’ve collaborated with Denzil on several medicinal plant and herbal product projects, for nature conservation NGOs and UN agencies, as well as for selected innovative private companies. Denzil always assembles a competent team of experts, fit the purpose of the project.”

— Josef, Traditional Medicinals, California, USA

“I met Denzel some 14 years ago when he walked into my spa and commented that he had heard that I was the only one in Barbados who was operating a Caribbean spa. This was the beginning of our relationship. Over the period of time that I have known Denzel, I have found him to be someone who always gives of his best, ever willing to go the extra mile to lend assistance in his area of expertise.

His passion for the wellness sector has allowed us to work together in helping to develop the Caribbean spa and wellness sector. Denzel was the force behind the Caribbean Spa and Wellness Association (C-SWA) and when I became the chairman of C-SWA it was natural for me to seek his guidance. Though we sometimes disagree, Denzel has never failed to offer advice and support.”

— Steve Andrews, Soothing Touch Da Spa, Master Therapist/CEO

“I had the privilege to partner with Denzil on a few assignments over the past years.  He is a high energy business adviser with a proven leadership track record in the specialty food, creative and wellness industries.  Serving in several business development roles in different regions of the world, he is a strategic thinker with an ability to craft an inspiring vision and build partnerships, coupled with delivering results through collaboration, team-building and innovation.  I am looking forward to collaborating closely with him over the next years to help Haitian businesses develop creative strategies to recover from the Covid-19 health crisis and thrive in the tourism and craft industries.”

— Danielle, Caribbean Consulting Services, Haiti