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IFF to Realign Fragrance Business Unit Responsibilities

Date:19 January 2012

Type:Business News

Source:Food Ingredients First

Sector:Flavours

Summary:The Company will also continue to reallocate a portion of its Functional Fragrance resources from the developed markets to the emerging markets, increasing emphasis on its Singapore and Mexico creative centers.

Jan 19 2012 --- International Flavors & Fragrances Inc., a leading global creator of flavors and fragrances for consumer products, announced a strategic initiative designed to strengthen the Company’s global go-to-market capabilities and improve profitability. The initiative includes a realignment of responsibilities in the Fragrance Business Unit under its Group President, Nicolas Mirzayantz, and a reduction in workforce in fragrances as well as various parts of the organization.

The Fragrance Business Unit will reorganize its Functional Fragrances group to align with the global category approach used for Fine Fragrance & Beauty Care and Fragrance Ingredients. The Company will also continue to reallocate a portion of its Functional Fragrance resources from the developed markets to the emerging markets, increasing emphasis on its Singapore and Mexico creative centers.

“This realignment completes the roll-out of our full category structure within the Fragrance Business Unit,” said Mr. Mirzayantz. “We believe this will strengthen our expertise and ability to win in key categories and key markets while simultaneously simplifying our decision-making process, improving resource allocation, and enhancing collaboration, as we continue to deliver consumer-preferred fragrances to our customers.”

“Today’s announcement highlights our commitment to the plan that was developed in our strategic review,” said Doug Tough, IFF’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “These changes are expected to provide improved business fundamentals that, when combined with our strategy to leverage our geographic reach, strengthen our innovation platform and maximize our portfolio, should create long-term value for our shareholders.”

In the fourth quarter of 2011, IFF will record a pre-tax charge of approximately $10 million, or $0.08 per diluted share after-tax associated with the elimination of approximately 70 positions globally, which is for severance and other employee-related costs. The Company expects to realize pre-tax savings of approximately $9 million in 2012.