Symrise is Expanding its Backward Integration in Vanilla

01/10/07 Company has signed agreement to acquire the remaining shares of Paris/Madagascar-based Aromatics S.A.S. Symrise GmbH & Co. KG, of Holzminden, Germany, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of flavors and fragrances, is continuing to expand its international business activities in the sector of natural raw materials and extracts.

In 2006, Symrise acquired a minority interest in France-based Aromatics S.A.S., a well-established supplier of natural raw materials like vanilla, cocoa, coffee, botanical extracts and seafood with facilities in Paris, Grasse and on Madagascar. After one year of partnership Symrise now will acquire the remaining shares of the company and own 100% of the Aromatics assets. “This backward integration in the field of vanilla has successfully proven that it translates into first-class raw materials and a secure supply chain, as well as reliability and traceability for our customers,” said Heinrich Schaper, President Flavor & Nutrition EAME (Europe, Africa, Middle East) at Symrise.

Aromatics was founded in 1999 by Michel de Franssu. The acquisition is the latest step in the long-standing business relationship between the two companies. Michel de Franssu will take over responsibilities in business development within the Symrise Group and will continue to manage the Madagascar operation.

The acquisition will enable Symrise to fully exploit its expertise in this farm-to-fork approach and will create excellent synergies in R&D, sourcing, product development and global marketing. The company thereby once again follows its strategy to always deliver an added value to customers and consumers. That’s what Symrise calls “the power of ‘and’”.

Today Symrise provides natural, nature-identical and artificial vanilla along with pure vanilla extracts. “This investment creates a powerful platform that will enable us to produce extracts at their site of origin which comply with the U.S. FDA standard of identity. Furthermore, Symrise remains committed to its social responsibility: it is currently applying for organic and fair trade certification, and it actively supports social programs on Madagascar,” noted Heinz-Juergen Bertram, President Global Flavor & Nutrition.