FIRMENICH EXPANDS FOOTPRINT IN MEXICO WITH NEW FACILITY

Geneva, Switzerland – December 1, 2016 – Confirming its unwavering commitment to customers, Firmenich is proud to announce the opening of its new facility today in Mexico City, Mexico in the presence of CEO Gilbert Ghostine, strategic partners and senior Firmenich executives. Designed to successfully expand the company’s footprint in Mexico, this facility features hi-tech laboratories for Perfumery and Flavors, as well as redesigned offices, to successfully bring all key business and support functions under one roof. Through this strengthened presence in Mexico, Firmenich aims to accelerate its innovation to meet the needs of more than 150 customers.

“This significant investment reflects the strategic importance of Mexico to Firmenich, with its population of close to 130 million and strong growth potential,” says Gilbert Ghostine, CEO, Firmenich. “We have been in Mexico since 1948 and our significant investment in this new and expanded facility, underpins Firmenich’s long-term commitment to our customers in the region to deliver the most innovative, consumer-focused fragrance and flavor solutions in the market,” said Gilbert Ghostine, CEO Firmenich.

“We are a leading player in Mexico’s perfumery and flavors market thanks to the trust and close business partnerships with the region’s most renowned local, regional and global companies’ customers," said Rubens Germano, General Manager Mexico. "Our investment in this new facility, with cutting-edge labs and sensory technology, will enable us to work even closer with our customers to co-create fragrances and flavors that appeal to the rich and diverse culture of Mexico.”

During the official ceremony, Louis-José Touron, Swiss Ambassador for Mexico applauded the strong ties between Switzerland and Mexico who celebrated their 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations last year. He referred to Firmenich as an industry-leader, recognized for its world-class research and operations. “I congratulate Firmenich on all that they have achieved in Mexico and wish them much continued business success in this exciting region.”

Firmenich, a world leader in Fragrances and Flavors

At the end of its fiscal year, June 2016, Firmenich recorded solid growth of more than 8% thanks to positive performances across all its Business Units. The group stood out in particular for its critical achievements in Research and Sustainability. To learn more, see the Performance and Sustainability Report 2016 for more information.

 

About Firmenich

Firmenich is the world’s largest privately-owned company in the fragrance and flavor business. Founded in Geneva, Switzerland, in 1895, it has created many of the world’s best-known perfumes and flavors that billions of consumers enjoy each day. Its passion for smell and taste is at the heart of its success. It is renowned for its world-class research and creativity, as well as its thought leadership in sustainability and exceptional understanding of consumer trends. Each year, it invests 10% of its turnover in R&D, reflecting its continuous desire to understand, share and sublimate the best that nature has to offer. Firmenich had an annual turnover of 3.2 billion Swiss Francs at end June 2016.