FIRMENICH CHAMPIONS HALLMARK OF EXCELLENCE: GRASSE EXPERTISE™

Geneva, June 13, 2017 – Building on its unique global Naturals sourcing strategy, Firmenich is proud to announce it has co-founded GRASSE EXPERTISE™, a new hallmark of excellence. This mark of distinction aims to preserve the unique expertise of the Grasse region at every stage of perfumery and flavor production, from flower cultivation and ingredient extraction, to scientific research and supply.

“Since the 18th century, Grasse has been the cradle of perfumery and the global guardian of its unique heritage. With our Naturals Center of Excellence in Grasse, the historical heart of our Naturals strategy, we are proud to be part of this exceptional tradition,” said Julien Firmenich, VP, Product Strategy & Promotion, Ingredients. “Through GRASSE EXPERTISE™, we want to ensure our collective savoir-faire and commitment to natural ingredients will continue to thrive for generations to come.”

“By joining this circle we are proud to be supporting Grasse’s remarkable craftsmanship in perfumery and flavors,” said Olivier Picard, President of Firmenich Grasse. “When we inaugurated our Naturals Center of Excellence in Grasse in 2011, our vision was to firmly ground Firmenich’s world-class research and development in the birthplace of our industry. Today, our finest Naturals produced in Grasse inspire our creators and delight our customers, whether they are cultivated locally, or sourced worldwide.”

GRASSE EXPERTISE™ brings together perfumery and flavor professionals and local authorities to promote sustainable economic activity in the Grasse region. It was created at the initiative of the Club des Entrepreneurs du Pays de Grasse, a non-profit business association, with the support of the Communauté d’Agglomération du Pays de Grasse, the regional authority.

Members collectively agree to meet three criteria:

• Have a strong presence in the Grasse area;


• Pledge to make a meaningful contribution to the continuous improvement of Grasse’s reputation and savoir-faire;


• Actively support local perfume-plant production and producers.

Firmenich’s Naturals Center of Excellence in Grasse processes around 500 tons of raw materials each year, sourced from all over the world, including Rose Centifolia, Jasmine, Mimosa, Lavender and Violet leaves from the Grasse area. Utilizing state-of-the-art technologies such as CO₂ extraction and mastering traditional processes, the Naturals Center leverages Firmenich’s leadership in research and development, innovation, and sustainable sourcing.

GRASSE EXPERTISE™ is an integral part of Firmenich’s ambitious and growing Naturals strategy. Today Firmenich sources over 170 Naturals worldwide in a sustainable and ethical way from a network of Joint Ventures at source and strategic partnerships with 17 Naturals Together producers, as well as proprietary production sites.

More detailed information on GRASSE EXPERTISE™ and its 13 members is available on the brand’s website: www.grasse-expertise.com

 

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.