“Game-changing”: Layn and Firmenich enter partnership to leverage sweetener formulation and distribution

17 Sep 2018 --- Layn Natural Ingredients has entered into a strategic agreement with Firmenich, the world’s largest privately owned company in the flavor and fragrance business. Capitalizing on its leadership in the plant-based, high-potency sweetener industry, this agreement significantly increases Layn’s distribution reach and provides access to some of the best formulation expertise globally to further develop Layn’s extensive sweetener portfolio, according to the company.

Founded in 1895 and based in Geneva, Switzerland, Firmenich has created many of the world’s best-known flavors and fragrances and continues to lead the market with substantial investments in world-class research and R&D, of which Layn’s products stand to benefit from.

“We are delighted to partner with Firmenich and to build on their expertise and scale to amplify our market coverage worldwide,” says Ben Jun Qin, Chairman of Layn Natural Ingredients Corporation. “This agreement will allow Layn to serve our existing customers better and reach many new ones, allowing us to invest more in agronomy and the extraction of high-performance natural ingredients.”  

“With this game-changing partnership, Firmenich will have access to the broadest range of natural sweeteners in the industry,” notes Gilbert Ghostine, CEO of Firmenich. “It is consistent with our vision to constantly strengthen our leadership and capabilities in taste to best support our customers in shaping natural and healthier products for consumers to enjoy.” 

Under the terms of the agreement, Layn will continue to service its existing clients for the duration of those commitments while Firmenich becomes the exclusive distributor of Layn’s natural sweetener ingredients for all international markets outside of China and for its key customers in China. This agreement combines high quality, traceable and responsibly-sourced raw materials with industry-leading innovation for Layn’s sweetener solution products. 

Firmenich will combine Layn’s natural sweetener ingredients with its taste modulation technologies and flavors to create integrated taste solutions that achieve a sugar-like sweetness profile and mouthfeel. The two companies will work together to ensure the most comprehensive market coverage and best service in the growing market for natural, healthy products.

Layn’s portfolio includes monk fruit, a fascinating ingredient that has got the industry talking. Layn has been working on the dossier for almost a year and according to the company, things are moving well. Speaking to FoodIngredientsFirst, Luca Pennestri, Layn, says that monk fruit is moving closer to its European debut. “We are hoping to give good news to the industry within the year. The feedback we've had so far is positive, in the US and China, it has already been certified. We do see potential in different industries, such as beverages, it has a good taste profile and sweetening power. We can also apply in ice cream and bakery.” You can view a video interview with Pennestri here. 

Earlier this year, Firmenich launched its Natural and Clean Label platform to create “great tasting, natural and traceable food and beverage experiences.” Combining its mastery of taste and naturals, with its world-class science and consumer understanding, Firmenich is focused on creating the most authentic flavors. Committed to full traceability, Firmenich is going far beyond today’s labeling requirements to provide its customers and their consumers with information they can understand and trust. You can read more on this here. 

FoodIngredientsFirst has reached out to both Layn and Firmenich for further details.