Firmenich Enters Joint Venture with Essex Laboratories to Further its Credentials of Natural Mint

With its core operations in the states of Washington and Oregon, US, Essex works with a global network of the best mint growers to offer the finest qualities and broadest range of mint worldwide. Its natural peppermint and spearmint essential oils, extracts, and tailored mint oils are broadly used across the food, confectionery, beverage, health, cosmetic and fragrance industries. 

 

“I am very excited about taking our excellence in mint to the next level with Essex Laboratories”, said Gilbert Ghostine, CEO of Firmenich. “Together we will offer our customers the world’s finest mint from field to shelf, as well as, the ability to create tailored, game-changing solutions with the most traceable and sustainable value chain.” 

 

“By joining the Firmenich Group, with its cutting edge commitment to Research and Naturals, we will take our innovation to the next level,” commented Mark Morlan, Founding Member and CEO of Essex Laboratories. “Our goal is to offer our customers the most outstanding and differentiated products made from the finest quality mint oils with the best flavor profiles.” 

 

“We are seeing increasing demand for natural mint tonalities in oral care, beverages and sweet goods applications,” said Cedric Fischer, Vice President Oral Care and Mint Unit. “Firmenich’s industry-leading expertise, combined with Essex Laboratories’ unique natural breeding program, will enable us to craft tailored flavors and fragrances from these essential oils to meet our customers’ specific needs.” 

 

Fischer explained further to FoodIngredientsFirst: “Natural flavors are definitively a key trend in the market and this JV underpins Firmenich’s ambition to become the leader in this tonality.”

 

“Through this joint venture we will be offering our Flavors and Perfumery customers the broadest mint portfolio of the industry that is both sustainable and cost-effective,” she says, “Furthermore we will be able to design bespoke essential oils, flavors and fragrances building on Essex’s unique natural breeding program.”

 

“Mint exists from ancient times and will continue to please consumers thanks to its specific taste profile and refreshing sensation. Having the ability to tailor-made new mint profiles will allow Firmenich to meet future market requirements,” adds Fischer.

 

It was also noted that mint has a bright future ahead, Fischer contends: “Through this JV we will be able to produce more sustainable mint varieties, a greater diversity of taste profiles to address today’s standard mint limitations and tackle potential future limitations by designing tailored oils with new formulas.”

 

The World’s Finest Mints from Field to Shelf
Through this joint venture Firmenich will offer the richest mint portfolio in the industry with an unparalleled global sourcing capacity, while ensuring a traceable and sustainable value chain. As a leader in the global mint industry, Essex Laboratories is renowned for supplying customers with the highest quality Mint essential oils and extracts supported by superior technical service and innovation. For more than two decades, Essex Laboratories has built strong grower relationships with a diverse producer base around the globe to guarantee the finest quality mint at the farm level, as well as a stable, year round supply.