Symrise AG has signed a purchase agreement with Sensient Technologies Corporation (Milwaukee, USA) to acquire their fragrance and aroma chemicals activities. These comprise a wide range of aroma molecules and fragrances from natural and renewable sources. In fiscal year 2019, the business unit generated revenues of approx. 77 million Euros. With the acquisition, Symrise will strengthen its backward integration and broaden its leadership position as a supplier of fragrance ingredients which are increasingly demanded for use, especially in personal and home care products. Symrise will furthermore gain access to additional customers and strengthen its presence particularly in EAME and Latin America. Going forward, Symrise plans to also strengthen its manufacturing footprint in Spain with targeted investments in the manufacturing site in Granada that will be acquired.
The Sensient fragrances and aroma chemicals business unit has been part of Sensient’s Flavors & Extracts group. The unit holds longstanding business relationships with local, regional and global customers from the consumer goods industry. It supplies out of manufacturing sites in Spain and Mexico. The Sensient aroma molecules and fragrance solutions are mainly derived from renewable raw materials such as pine oil and citrus by-products amongst others. The portfolio will strengthen the Symrise products line with unique fragrance ingredients used in application such as perfumes, shampoos, soaps, detergents and antiperspirants. Through the acquisition, Symrise will not only be able to significantly expand its renewable ingredients portfolio, but to also increase its green chemistry value chain which includes various downstream products coming from sustainable cultivated sources.
Symrise plans to combine the R&D competencies and manufacturing capacities of Sensient’s fragrance and aroma chemicals activities with parts of its own at the site in Granada. Over a period of three years, targeted investments will be made to grow the Granada site and make it the second largest compounding facility in EAME for fragrance ingredients and compounds.
Both parties agreed to keep the purchase price confidential. The transaction is subject to satisfaction of antitrust and regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.
Sensient Flavors presents its 2019-2020 ‘Trends to Taste’ report
Sensient Flavours presents a new collection of ‘Trends to Taste’ flavours. The range of six state-of-the-art flavours is based on the company’s latest insights into consumer interpretations of the past, present and future. The flavours not only give final applications a new aromatic kick; but also inspire insight and achievable innovations that can help narrow the gap between a brand and its consumers.
Where does the story of your product belong – the past, present or future? By addressing this question, Sensient Flavors is offering food and drink manufacturers the latest insights into consumer attitudes. Published annually, the ‘Trends to Taste’ forecast encompasses the company’s syndicated research and horizon-scanning capabilities in pursuit of one clear goal ̶ capturing the latest consumer trends and transferring them into a flavoursome, aromatic language.
Its team of flavourists has examined current consumer perception of past, present and future times. For each dimension, they identified both positive and negative feelings, which are strong drivers of consumer behaviour. By turning these insights into a flavour collection, the company has created six avant-garde offerings that mirror specific consumer attitudes to each time dimension, and help drive stronger product performance in the marketplace.
Engaging the past
While some of us associate the past with positive feelings of nostalgia, stability and comfort, others use yesteryear to make changes to their future. To reflect the emotions of the former, Sensient Flavors has developed a new variation of Poudre Douce – a warm and comforting medieval spice blend for use in various foods from roasted meats to bakery items. By contrast, Romeu e Julieta ̶ a flavour combination of traditional tropical fruity guava paste and subtly sweet cheese ̶ was designed to create both a new sensory experience, as well as acknowledge the feelings of the latter group of consumers.
Controlling the present
More and more people consider the modern world to be immersive – an interactive experience to be explored. For these shoppers, the flavour expert presents the aroma of Timut Peppercorn – a plant highly appreciated by Himalayan natives for its versatile properties. Characterized by peppery notes in combination with zesty fruit aromas, it helps create tailored products that tap into interactive indulgence.
However, there are also an increasing number of people who are rather overwhelmed by today’s multi-sensorial stimulation. For this group, Chocolate Toadstool with deep earthy umami and decadent chocolate notes helps create authentic products to satisfy a taste for diversion and escapism.
Imagining the future
Today, future visions of a near-perfect society sit alongside dystopian predictions that necessitate a return to a simpler existence, and regionally focused eating. In addressing the utopian idea, Sensient Flavours embraces the ancient description of utopia as a land of “milk and honey”, where honey means the sweetness of dates. Against this backdrop, the manufacturer presents Silan – a harmonic combination of brown dates with a slight bitter edge tempered with creaminess.
Acknowledging the dystopian vision, the flavour company presents Fermented Yaupon, reminiscent of roasted tea enhanced with floral notes. As North America’s only caffeine-containing plant, Yaupon promises a natural caffeine buzz and, thanks to fermentation – an age-old process used in the preservation of food and beverages – this offering also has a slightly sour edge.
