Firmenich Reports Increased Sales Amid Challenging Market Conditions

08 Oct 2015 --- Swiss flavour house Firmenich has announced solid results for its Fiscal Year 2015 (FY15), in spite of challenging market conditions. The leading Fragrance and Flavor House crossed CHF 3.0 billion (€2.75bn) in net sales, growing +3.0% in local currency and +2.0% in Swiss Francs, with increases across all geographic regions.

Firmenich CEO, Gilbert Ghostine said: “Fiscal year 2015 was a dynamic year for Firmenich in many ways. We crossed CHF 3.0 billion in net sales for the first time and achieved a record-level of technology-driven wins, while further affirming our thought-leadership in sustainability. FY15 was also a year of historic transition for us, as we welcomed four new leaders to our Executive Committee, to drive Firmenich into its next era of excellence.”

Confirming its commitment to world-class Research, Firmenich filed 30 new patents in FY15. To enrich consumer experiences, it broadened its palette with new Flavor and Fragrance ingredients and strengthened its technology platforms. Reaffirming its creative leadership, two Firmenich Perfumers received prestigious industry distinctions in FY15. Master Perfumer, Annie Buzantian, was the very first woman to be honored with the Fragrance Foundation’s “Perfumer of the Year Lifetime Achievement Award”; and Perfumer Nathalie Lorson was named “Perfumer of the Year” in Italy and France. Also, the Group was recognized by a number of Customer Awards for its leadership in business excellence; outstanding product quality and service; supply chain excellence; as well as innovation and creativity.

Firmenich continued to reinforce its thought-leadership in sustainability this year, as it reached an industry-leading ranking of 99A in the CDP Supplier Climate Performance Leadership Index (SCPLI), while achieving its strategic goal to certify all of its manufacturing plants worldwide in full compliance with Occupational Health and Safety (OHSAS 18001) and Environmental Management (ISO 14001) Systems Standards.

The Group received its very first carbon credits this year, generated through innovative sustainability partnerships. Also, Firmenich joined the Sustainable Lifestyles Board of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development to increase the impact of its sustainability efforts. Most recently, Firmenich’s Vice President of Sustainability Partnerships, Dr. Bérangère Magarinos-Ruchat, received the Ethical Corporation’s “Head of Sustainability of the Year” award for 2015.

For the first time this year, Firmenich issued an integrated report, sharing both its Business and Sustainability Performance, as they go hand in hand, at the core of the Group’s vision and strategy.