Outstanding Excellence Symrise Wins Fi Europe Excellence Awards

21 Nov 2013 --- Symrise received the prize in the category of Sustainability Initiative of the Year of Europe’s biggest industry trade show. The sustainable vanilla commitment in Madagascar was recognized.

“We are very happy that our sustainable vanilla project was selected as winner of the Fi Europe Excellence Awards in the category of Sustainable Initiative of the Year,” says Heinrich Schaper, President F&N EAME at Symrise. “We feel especially honored to receive this distinction in a year that marks the ten-year anniversary of Symrise.”

Symrise had already won a sustainability award in 2012 for its vanilla activities in Madagascar. Since then, the company’s initiative there has been developed significantly. Symrise is now working with more than 5,000 farmers and the diversification of the local agriculture is being promoted (by planting vetiver, for example). These and other measures serve to improve the overall living conditions of the farmers in a sustainable and lasting manner.

The prize shows that sustainable commitment pays off – for all those involved. Consumers want authentic and sustainable products, whose origin they know and can trust. This has become so important for business success that Symrise has integrated sustainability firmly into its business strategy.

“I would like to extend a special thanks to our employees who are a part of this project,” continues Heinrich Schaper. “They have given their heart, soul and dedication over the last ten years to accomplish such an achievement.”

Symrise creates added value for all with the sustainable vanilla project.

For the farmers: Symrise is now working directly with over 5,000 farmers in Madagascar. With the cultivation of sustainable vanilla, they obtain a stable livelihood and better living conditions. Symrise also supports school projects in the communities and health insurance coverage. For many, it is the first time in their lives that they can afford to see a doctor.

For Symrise: The company obtains secure access to the most important sweet flavor in the world. The employees live and work locally and help the farmers to cultivate the highest quality of vanilla. Symrise keeps the important processing stages like fermentation and extraction in the country, and thereby contributes to the local creation of value.

For customers and consumers: Symrise creates authentic qualities of vanilla with this approach. These qualities give the popular flavor for consumers and the brands of customers each their own unique signature.

“With our vanilla project, we have created something special and are happy that the industry agrees,” sums up Heinrich Schaper. “We promise to continue developing this approach for authentic flavor in many other areas.”