Symrise AG Company: A Comprehensive Profile

Quick Facts / Company Snapshot

• Company Name: Symrise AG
• Headquarters: Holzminden, Germany
• Founded: 2003 (Merger of Haarmann & Reimer and Dragoco)
• Historical Roots: Dates back to 1874
• 2024 Group Sales: €4,999 million
• 2024 EBITDA: €1,033 million
• 2024 EBITDA Margin: 20.7%
• 2024 Net Income: €478 million
• Earnings Per Share (2024): €3.42
• Dividend Per Share (Proposal 2024): €1.20
• Total Assets (2024): €8,325 million
• Equity Ratio: 48.3%
• Employees: 12,718 (excluding trainees)
• Number of Apprentices/Trainees: 238
• Global Sites: More than 100 locations
• Countries of Operation: Over 40 countries
• Customers: More than 6,000
• Product Portfolio: Approximately 35,000 products
• Raw Materials: Approximately 10,000 natural and synthetic materials

Company Overview

Symrise AG stands as a preeminent global provider in the fragrance, flavor, and nutrition industries. The company develops, produces, and sells fragrances, flavorings, cosmetic active ingredients, raw materials, and functional ingredients. Its clients include perfume, cosmetics, food and beverage manufacturers, the pharmaceutical industry, and producers of nutritional supplements and pet food.

Headquartered in Holzminden, Germany, Symrise operates with a clear mission to innovate in health, well-being, and beauty for the entire family’s everyday life. The Group has established itself as a critical partner to the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) industry, leveraging a portfolio of approximately 35,000 products derived from around 10,000 raw materials. The company’s value chain extends across research and development, purchasing, production, and sales, ensuring a holistic approach to product creation.

The company’s strategic framework is defined by the “ONE Symrise” strategy, which was redefined in the 2024 fiscal year. This strategy rests on three central pillars: Growth, Efficiency, and Portfolio. These pillars are underpinned by transformational drivers including sustainability, digitalization, and people and values. The corporate culture is anchored in four core values: Care to Lead, Collaborate with Intent, Embrace Sustainable Growth, and Unlock the Opportunities.

Symrise is characterized by its integrated business model, which combines specific research and development capabilities with a comprehensive understanding of consumer trends. The Group emphasizes sustainability as a core component of its business model, aiming to minimize its environmental footprint while maximizing positive social impacts. The company has committed to ambitious climate targets, including achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions (Scope 1, 2, and 3) by 2045.

Business Segments

Symrise operates its business through two primary segments: Taste, Nutrition & Health and Scent & Care. These segments represent the operational backbone of the Group, each contributing significantly to the overall revenue and profitability through specialized divisions and business units.

Taste, Nutrition & Health

Revenue (2024): €3,091 million

Percentage of Total Revenue: 61.8%

The Taste, Nutrition & Health segment is the larger of the two segments, focusing on creating sustainable taste and nutrition solutions based on natural ingredients. This segment uses combined know-how and scientific research to serve the food and beverage industry as well as pet and fish food producers.

Operational Scope:

This segment offers a wide array of ingredients and solutions that improve taste, nutrition, and health benefits in end products. It includes solutions for reducing sugar, salt, and fat in food products, as well as providing functional ingredients that promote health. The segment is divided into core areas including Food & Beverage and Pet Food, alongside smaller units such as Probi and Aqua Feed. The segment operates over 100 sites globally and markets nearly 18,000 products in 148 countries.

Divisions within Taste, Nutrition & Health:

• Food & Beverage: This division develops taste solutions and differentiated ingredients. It includes business units for Beverages (soft drinks, tea, coffee, spirits), Sweet (confectionery, chocolates, baked goods, ice cream), Savory (culinary, snacks, sauces, soups), and Naturals (standardized clean label ingredients from fruit, vegetables, and vanilla).
• Pet Food: This division provides high-quality solutions for pet food manufacturers, focusing on palatability and pet nutrition. It operates under the “the closer, the better” philosophy with over 30 locations worldwide. It includes the Pet Food Palatability and Pet Nutrition business units.
• Aqua Feed: This unit provides sustainable ingredients and services for fish and shrimp farms. Note: Symrise has announced intentions to divest this business unit in the context of portfolio optimization.
• Probi: A majority-owned Swedish company specializing in probiotics for food supplements and functional foods.

Scent & Care

Revenue (2024): €1,908 million

Percentage of Total Revenue: 38.2%

The Scent & Care segment is dedicated to fragrances, cosmetic ingredients, and aroma molecules. It combines the best of nature and science to create products that enhance personal care, beauty, and home care products.

Operational Scope:

Scent & Care maintains sites in over 30 countries and markets more than 17,000 products in 133 countries. The segment focuses on creating unique fragrance experiences and developing active ingredients for cosmetics. It utilizes a network of 15 creative centers worldwide where perfumers and technical experts collaborate.

Divisions within Scent & Care:

• Fragrance: This division comprises three global business units:
  • Fine Fragrances: Creates modern, high-quality perfumes using a broad range of captive ingredients.
  • Consumer Fragrances: improved fragrance experiences for personal care and household products, combining functionality with scent.
  • Oral Care: Offers classic mint flavors and modern cooling agents for toothpaste and mouthwashes.
• Cosmetic Ingredients: Focuses on active ingredients, modern product preservation, sun protection, and hair care ingredients. This division is a recognized innovation leader with a strong scientific basis in skin and hair biology.
• Aroma Molecules: Includes the Menthols business unit (nature-identical menthol) and Fragrance Ingredients (aroma chemicals). This division also offers terpene-based products from renewable raw materials.

History and Evolution

The Symrise Group was formally established in 2003 through the merger of two long-standing German companies: Haarmann & Reimer and Dragoco. Both predecessor companies had their roots in Holzminden, Germany, and brought with them a rich heritage of innovation.

Foundational Milestones:

• 1874: The roots of the company date back to this year with the founding of Haarmann & Reimer. A pivotal moment in the company’s history—and the industry at large—was the synthesis of vanillin from coniferin by Wilhelm Haarmann and Ferdinand Tiemann. This invention laid the foundation for the industrial production of fragrances and flavors.
• 1919: Dragoco was founded, further establishing Holzminden as a key center for the flavor and fragrance industry.
• 2003: The merger of Haarmann & Reimer and Dragoco formed Symrise, consolidating centuries of expertise and market presence.
• 2006: Symrise AG launched its initial public offering (IPO), listing its shares on the Prime Standard of the German Stock Exchange in Frankfurt.
• 2021: Symrise shares were admitted to the DAX® index, marking its status as one of Germany’s leading listed companies.

Recent Evolution:

Over the years, Symrise has evolved from a traditional flavor and fragrance house into a provider of integrated solutions for taste, nutrition, and health. The company has engaged in active portfolio management, acquiring strategic assets to broaden its capabilities. This includes the expansion into pet food ingredients and probiotics. In 2024, the company celebrated its 150th anniversary, linking back to the initial patent for synthetic vanilla. The company has consistently grown faster than the relevant market, achieving an average organic sales growth of 5% to 7% (CAGR).

Products and Services

Symrise’s product offering is vast, catering to diverse industries through specialized solutions. The revenue breakdown is aligned with its reporting segments.

Taste, Nutrition & Health Solutions

Segment Revenue: €3,091 million

% of Total Revenue: 61.8%

This category encompasses products that determine the taste, nutritional value, and health benefits of food and pet food.

• Beverage Flavorings: Solutions for non-alcoholic soft drinks, juice beverages, tea and coffee products, as well as spirits and fermented beverages.
• Sweet Flavorings: Innovative taste solutions for sweets, chocolates, chewing gum, baked goods, cereals, ice cream, and dairy products.
• Savory Flavorings: Tastes for soups, sauces, ready meals, instant noodles, and meat products, with a focus on meat and vegetable flavors.
• Natural Ingredients: Standardized, clean-label ingredients derived from fruit, vegetables, meat, seafood, vanilla, and botanicals for baby food and dietary supplements.
• Pet Food Palatability: Products that improve the taste and acceptance of pet food by dogs and cats.
• Pet Nutrition: Functional ingredients that support animal health and nutrition.
• Probiotics: Live bacterial cultures for food supplements and functional foods that offer health-promoting effects.

Scent & Care Solutions

Segment Revenue: €1,908 million

% of Total Revenue: 38.2%

This category includes olfactory and cosmetic solutions.

• Fine Fragrances: High-quality perfume oils and compositions for the fine fragrance market.
• Consumer Fragrances: Fragrance compounds for personal care products (shampoos, shower gels) and household products (detergents, cleaners).
• Oral Care Flavors: Mint flavors and cooling agents for toothpaste and mouthwash.
• Cosmetic Active Ingredients: Substances for skin protection, anti-aging, moisturizing, and skin soothing.
• Sun Protection: UV filters and ingredients for sun care products.
• Micro Protection: Modern solutions for product preservation.
• Aroma Molecules: Synthetic aroma chemicals and nature-identical substances like L-menthol used in various industrial applications.

Brand Portfolio

Symrise operates primarily under the Symrise corporate brand but manages specific product lines and acquired entities that function as specialized brands within the portfolio.

Key Brands and Entities within Segments

• Symrise: The primary brand for flavors, fragrances, and cosmetic ingredients.
• Diana Food: A key brand within the Taste, Nutrition & Health segment, specializing in natural ingredients.
• Diana Pet Food: Represents the pet food activities, focusing on palatability and nutrition.
• ADF/IDF: Brands associated with the acquisition of American Dehydrated Foods and International Dehydrated Foods, specializing in meat and egg-based nutrition.
• Probi: A majority-owned subsidiary brand focusing on probiotics.
• Lautier: A brand within the Scent & Care segment dedicated to high-quality natural ingredients for fine fragrances.
• SymProBiome: A brand consolidating activities related to the understanding of the human microbiome in the Cosmetic Ingredients division.
• Symcap: A brand for encapsulation technologies, including biodegradable capsules.
• Neofresh: A platform for malodor control technologies.

(Note: Specific revenue figures for individual sub-brands like Lautier or Neofresh are not separately disclosed in the consolidated financial statements; their revenues are aggregated within the respective segment revenues.)

Geographical Presence

Symrise maintains a truly global footprint, operating in over 40 countries with more than 100 locations. The company organizes its business into four key geographical regions.

EAME (Europe, Africa, Middle East)

Revenue (2024): €1,992 million

Percentage of Total Revenue: 39.9%

Operational Profile:

This is the largest region by revenue. It includes the company’s headquarters in Holzminden, Germany, and major operations in France. Key sites include production facilities and development centers in Germany, France, Spain, and Egypt. The region experienced organic growth of 10.9% in 2024.

North America

Revenue (2024): €1,277 million

Percentage of Total Revenue: 25.5%

Operational Profile:

The regional headquarters is located in Teterboro, New Jersey, USA. Significant production sites include facilities in South Carolina, Georgia, and other US states. This region is a major market for both Scent & Care and Taste, Nutrition & Health. After setbacks in the previous year, the region returned to growth with an organic increase of 1.5% in 2024.

Asia/Pacific

Revenue (2024): €1,035 million

Percentage of Total Revenue: 20.7%

Operational Profile:

Headquartered in Singapore, this region includes major growth markets like China, India, and Japan. Symrise operates a Digital Immersion Co-Creation Center in Singapore and has expanded production capacities in China and India. The region achieved organic sales growth of 9.3% in 2024.

Latin America

Revenue (2024): €695 million

Percentage of Total Revenue: 13.9%

Operational Profile:

The regional headquarters is in São Paulo, Brazil. This region includes operations in Brazil, Mexico, Chile, Colombia, and Argentina. It showed the highest dynamic in 2024 with organic growth of 15.2%.

Financial Performance Analysis

Symrise demonstrated strong financial resilience and growth in the 2024 fiscal year, achieving record sales and profitability despite a challenging global economic environment marked by geopolitical conflicts and inflation.

Profit and Loss Analysis

Sales Performance:

Group sales reached €4,999 million in 2024, an increase of 5.7% in reporting currency compared to €4,730 million in 2023. Organic sales growth, excluding portfolio and currency effects, stood at 8.7%, exceeding the company’s initial target range of 5-7%.

Earnings (EBITDA):

Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) surpassed the €1 billion mark for the first time, reaching €1,033 million. This represents an increase of 14.4% compared to the adjusted figure of €903 million in 2023.

Margins:

The EBITDA margin improved significantly to 20.7%, up from an adjusted 19.1% in the previous year. This margin expansion was driven by profitable sales growth and the strict implementation of an efficiency program.

Net Income:

Consolidated net income attributable to shareholders of Symrise AG increased to €478 million, a rise of €138 million compared to the previous year (€340 million).

Expenses:

• Cost of Goods Sold: €3,035 million (2023: €3,038 million).
• Selling and Marketing Expenses: €699 million (2023: €676 million).
• Research and Development Expenses: €276 million (2023: €266 million).
• Administration Expenses: €299 million (2023: €276 million).

Consolidated Income Statement (Summary):

Item	2023 (€ million)	2024 (€ million)	Change (%)
Sales	4,730	4,999	5.7%
Cost of Goods Sold	-3,038	-3,035	-0.1%
Gross Profit	1,693	1,963	15.9%
Selling & Marketing Expenses	-676	-699	3.4%
R&D Expenses	-266	-276	3.7%
Administration Expenses	-276	-299	8.4%
Other Operating Income/Expenses (Net)	75	22	-70.7%
Result from Equity Method Companies	9	6	-33.3%
EBIT	559	718	28.4%
Financial Result	-94	-72	-23.4%
Earnings Before Tax	465	646	38.9%
Income Taxes	-120	-164	36.7%
Consolidated Net Income	345	482	39.7%
Attributable to Shareholders	340	478	40.6%

Balance Sheet Analysis

Assets:

Total assets increased to €8,325 million as of December 31, 2024, from €7,846 million in 2023.

• Current Assets: Increased to €3,106 million, driven largely by a rise in cash and cash equivalents to €709 million. Trade receivables rose to €938 million.
• Non-Current Assets: Amounted to €5,218 million, including intangible assets of €2,731 million and property, plant, and equipment of €1,750 million.

Liabilities:

Total liabilities stood at €4,305 million.

• Current Liabilities: Increased to €1,925 million, mainly due to the reclassification of borrowings maturing in 2025.
• Non-Current Liabilities: Decreased to €2,380 million as borrowings shifted to current liabilities.
• Net Debt: Decreased by €329 million to €1,836 million. The ratio of net debt (including provisions for pensions and lease liabilities) to EBITDA improved to 2.3.

Equity:

Equity attributable to shareholders of Symrise AG rose to €3,981 million. The equity ratio improved to 48.3% (2023: 47.0%), reflecting a solid capital structure.

Consolidated Statement of Financial Position (Summary):

Item	Dec 31, 2023 (€ million)	Dec 31, 2024 (€ million)
Assets
Current Assets	2,702	3,106
Non-Current Assets	5,143	5,218
Total Assets	7,846	8,325
Equity & Liabilities
Current Liabilities	937	1,925
Non-Current Liabilities	3,223	2,380
Total Equity	3,686	4,020
Total Equity & Liabilities	7,846	8,325

Cash Flow Analysis

The company demonstrated strong cash generation capabilities in 2024.

• Operating Cash Flow: Increased significantly by 24.4% to €895 million (2023: €720 million). This was driven by higher earnings.
• Investing Cash Flow: Outflow of €292 million (2023: €353 million), reflecting continued investment in capacity expansion and acquisitions (e.g., Swedencare shares).
• Financing Cash Flow: Outflow of €282 million, primarily for dividend payments and interest on financial liabilities.
• Business Free Cash Flow: Reached €680 million, representing 13.6% of sales, exceeding the target of 12%.

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (Summary):

Item	2023 (€ million)	2024 (€ million)
Cash Flow from Operating Activities	720	895
Cash Flow from Investing Activities	-353	-292
Cash Flow from Financing Activities	-270	-282
Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents	97	322
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period	393	710

Board of Directors and Leadership Team

Symrise operates with a dual board system comprising an Executive Board and a Supervisory Board.

Executive Board

The Executive Board is responsible for the strategic direction and daily management of the company. As of December 31, 2024, it consisted of four members.

• Dr. Jean-Yves Parisot:
  • Role: Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Acting President Scent & Care.
  • Profile: Appointed CEO effective March 31, 2024. He joined Symrise in 2014 and has been a member of the Executive Board since 2016. He previously headed the Taste, Nutrition & Health segment. He holds leadership roles in external boards including Probi AB.
• Olaf Klinger:
  • Role: Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and President IT.
  • Profile: Responsible for Finance, Investor Relations, Corporate Internal Audit, and Information Technology.
• Dr. Stephanie Coßmann:
  • Role: President Human Resources, Legal & Sustainability.
  • Profile: Responsible for HR, Legal Affairs, Compliance, and the company’s sustainability agenda.
• Walter Ribeiro:
  • Role: President Taste, Nutrition & Health.
  • Profile: Appointed to the Executive Board effective September 15, 2024. He previously led the global Food & Beverage division.

Supervisory Board

The Supervisory Board oversees the Executive Board and consists of twelve members, with equal representation from shareholders and employees.

• Michael König: Chairman of the Supervisory Board. CEO of Nobian Industrial Chemicals B.V.
• Harald Feist: Vice Chairman. Chairman of the Works Council of Symrise AG.
• Ursula Buck: Managing Director of BC BuckConsult.
• Jeannette Chiarlitti: IG BCE Regional Manager.
• Bernd Hirsch: Professional Supervisory Board member; Chairman of the Audit Committee.
• André Kirchhoff: Member of the Works Council.
• Dr. Jakob Ley: Director Research Biobased Ingredients.
• Malte Lückert: IG BCE Secretary.
• Prof. Dr. Andrea Pfeifer: CEO of AC Immune S.A.
• Andrea Püttcher: Vice Chairwoman of the Works Council.
• Peter Vanacker: CEO of LyondellBasell Industries N.V.
• Jan Zijderveld: Professional Supervisory Board member.

Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures

Symrise consolidates 111 companies worldwide. The following are key entities based on their strategic importance and inclusion in the financial report.

Major Fully Consolidated Subsidiaries (Selection):

• Symrise Inc. (USA): A key operational entity for the North American market.
• Symrise SAS (France): A major hub for the Scent & Care segment.
• Diana Food SAS (France): Central entity for the naturals and food ingredients business.
• Symrise Ltd. (China): Key entity for operations in the Asia/Pacific region.
• SPF Do Brasil Indústria e Comércio Ltda (Brazil): Central to the pet food business in Latin America.
• Tesium GmbH (Germany): Provides technology, safety, and environmental services.
• Symotion GmbH (Germany): Responsible for logistics.

Key Joint Ventures and Associates:

• Swedencare AB (Sweden):
  • Status: Associate (accounted for using the equity method).
  • Ownership: 41.1% (as of Dec 31, 2024).
  • Profile: A supplier of premium care and health products for pets. Symrise is the largest shareholder and views this as a strategic investment to strengthen its position in pet care.
• Food Ingredients Technology Company, L.L.C. (USA):
  • Status: Joint Venture.
  • Ownership: 50%.
  • Profile: Supplier of poultry-based ingredients.
• Probi AB (Sweden):
  • Status: Majority-owned subsidiary (fully consolidated).
  • Ownership: ~72.5% (as of Dec 31, 2024).
  • Profile: Specializes in probiotics for food supplements and functional foods. Note: Symrise made a public cash offer to acquire remaining shares in Dec 2024.

Physical Properties

Symrise operates a global network of production sites, development centers, and sales offices.

Headquarters:

• Holzminden, Germany: The central hub housing research, development, production, marketing, sales, and corporate center functions.

Regional Headquarters:

• Teterboro, New Jersey, USA: North America.
• São Paulo, Brazil: Latin America.
• Singapore: Asia/Pacific.

Key Production Sites & Development Centers:

• Germany: Holzminden (multiple plants).
• France: Saint-Cézaire-sur-Siagne, Antrain, Saint Nolff, Elven, Rennes, Clichy.
• USA: Teterboro, Branchburg, Silverton, Springfield, Hodges, Jacksonville (Colonel Island).
• China: Shanghai, Nantong, Chuzhou.
• India: Chennai, Virudhunagar (Vizag Care Ingredients).
• Brazil: São Paulo, Sorocaba.
• Mexico: Monterrey, El Marqués.
• Spain: Granada, Barcelona (new Scent & Care office).

Recent Expansions:

• Singapore: Opening of the Digital Immersion Co-Creation Center.
• China: Expansion of the Beijing location with state-of-the-art labs.
• India: New production facility for cosmetic ingredients in Chennai; joint venture with Virchow Group (Vizag Care Ingredients).
• USA: Reconstruction of production at Colonel Island.

Segment-wise Performance

Taste, Nutrition & Health

2024 Performance:

• Sales Growth: 7.8% organic growth.
• EBITDA: €686 million (up 9.5%).
• EBITDA Margin: 22.2%.
• Drivers: Strong demand in Pet Food and Food & Beverage divisions. The Pet Food business recorded double-digit growth in Latin America and Asia/Pacific. Food & Beverage saw double-digit organic growth in savory products and beverage products.

Scent & Care

2024 Performance:

• Sales Growth: 10.2% organic growth.
• EBITDA: €347 million (up 25.4%).
• EBITDA Margin: 18.2%.
• Drivers: High volume increases and an improved product mix. Fine Fragrances and Consumer Fragrances delivered double-digit growth. Aroma Molecules recovered significantly following the resumption of production at the Colonel Island site.

Founders

The historical foundation of Symrise rests on the legacy of Wilhelm Haarmann. In 1874, Haarmann, along with Ferdinand Tiemann, first synthesized vanillin from coniferin in Holzminden. This scientific breakthrough led to the founding of Haarmann & Reimer, the first company to produce synthetic flavors and fragrances industrially. This pioneering spirit is considered the bedrock of the modern Symrise Group. Dragoco, the other predecessor company, was founded in 1919, also in Holzminden, contributing to the region’s reputation as a center for scent and flavor.

Shareholding Pattern

Symrise AG shares are listed in the Prime Standard of the German Stock Exchange and included in the DAX index.

• Free Float: Approximately 90% of shares are in free float.
• Number of Shares: 139,772,054 no-par value shares.
• Market Capitalization (Year-end 2024): €14,350 million.
• Shareholder Structure: The company has a diversified shareholder base including institutional investors from Europe, North America, and Asia.

Parent Company

Symrise AG is the ultimate parent company of the Group. It acts as a management holding company and does not have a parent company itself. It controls all subsidiaries directly or indirectly.

Investments and Capital Expenditure Plans

Symrise continues to invest heavily to secure future growth, focusing on capacity expansion, sustainability, and digitalization.

2024 Capital Expenditure:

• Total Investment: €231 million in property, plant, and equipment and intangible assets.
• Investments relative to Sales: 4.6% (excluding M&A).

Key Investment Projects:

• Capacity Expansion: Investments in production facilities for Pet Food in Mexico, Brazil, and China.
• Cosmetic Ingredients: Expansion of capacities at the Granada, Spain site.
• R&D Infrastructure: Modernization of labs in Beijing and Nigeria; new innovation center in Singapore.
• Sustainability: Investments in green chemistry and renewable energy infrastructure to support the Net Zero 2045 target.
• Digitalization: Implementation of SAP S/4HANA and other digital tools to enhance efficiency.

R&D Spending:

• 2024 R&D Expenses: €276 million.
• R&D Ratio: 5.5% of sales.
• Focus: Sustainability, green chemistry, taste balancing, and digital flavor creation tools.

Future Strategy

The company’s strategy was redefined in 2024 under the banner “ONE Symrise”. This strategy aims to harness the full potential of the organization through three pillars:

1. Growth: Focusing on organic growth of 5% to 7% (CAGR) until 2028. This involves expanding into high-growth areas like health & wellness under the “ONE CARE” initiative and reinforcing the innovation ecosystem.
2. Efficiency: Implementing best practices and optimizing processes across the value chain to increase profitability. The target is to achieve an EBITDA margin in the range of 21% to 23% in the medium term.
3. Portfolio: Active portfolio management to divest non-core assets (e.g., the planned divestment of Aqua Feed) and acquire businesses that offer unique technologies or market access (e.g., the full acquisition of Probi).

Strategic Initiatives:

• ONE CARE: Bundling expertise from Scent & Care (cosmetics) and Taste, Nutrition & Health (nutrition) to offer holistic health and well-being solutions.
• Digitalization: using AI (e.g., SymVision AI) for trend forecasting and product development.
• Sustainability: Reducing the carbon footprint and ensuring responsible sourcing.

Key Strengths

• Diversified Portfolio: A broad range of 35,000 products serving resilient end markets like food, pet food, and personal care.
• Innovation Leader: High R&D investment (5.5% of sales) and a legacy of 150 years of innovation.
• Global Footprint: Balanced revenue distribution across EAME, North America, APAC, and LATAM, reducing regional dependency.
• Backward Integration: Strong control over the supply chain for key raw materials like vanilla, ensuring quality and sustainability.
• Financial Resilience: Consistent track record of profitable growth, with an EBITDA margin exceeding 20% even in challenging times.

Key Challenges and Risks

Symrise employs a comprehensive risk management system to monitor and mitigate potential threats.

• Geopolitical Risks: Conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East pose risks to supply chains and energy costs. The company monitors these closely to ensure business continuity.
• Raw Material Volatility: Dependence on natural raw materials makes the company vulnerable to harvest fluctuations and climate change impacts. Symrise mitigates this through backward integration and diversified sourcing.
• Regulatory Environment: Increasing regulation in the chemicals and food sectors (e.g., EU Green Deal, REACH) requires constant adaptation and compliance efforts.
• Operational Risks: Production interruptions due to technical failures or accidents (e.g., the Colonel Island fire in 2023) can impact sales. The company invests in safety and maintenance to minimize these risks.
• Market Competition: The industry is consolidating, leading to fierce competition. Symrise counters this through innovation and close customer partnerships.

Conclusion and Strategic Outlook

Symrise AG has demonstrated remarkable resilience and strategic clarity in the 2024 fiscal year. By achieving record sales of nearly €5 billion and an EBITDA margin of 20.7%, the company has proven the strength of its diversified business model. The transition to the “ONE Symrise” strategy, coupled with the leadership of Dr. Jean-Yves Parisot, positions the Group for sustained profitable growth.

Looking ahead, Symrise is well-equipped to navigate the volatile global environment. The focus on high-growth segments like pet food and health, combined with a commitment to sustainability and efficiency, provides a solid foundation for future value creation. The company reaffirms its long-term growth guidance of 5% to 7% annually, aiming for an EBITDA margin between 21% and 23% by 2028. As it integrates strategic acquisitions and optimizes its portfolio, Symrise is set to remain a shaping force in the global flavor, fragrance, and nutrition landscape.

Official Site: Symrise AG

FAQ Section:

1. What was Symrise AG’s revenue in 2024?Symrise AG generated group sales of €4,999 million in the 2024 fiscal year, representing an organic growth of 8.7%.
2. What are the main business segments of Symrise?The company operates in two main segments: Taste, Nutrition & Health (focusing on food, beverages, and pet food) and Scent & Care (focusing on fragrances, aroma molecules, and cosmetic ingredients).
3. Who is the current CEO of Symrise AG?Dr. Jean-Yves Parisot is the Chief Executive Officer of Symrise AG, having taken office effective March 31, 2024.
4. What is the “ONE Symrise” strategy?“ONE Symrise” is the company’s updated strategy focusing on three pillars: Growth, Efficiency, and Portfolio, supported by values like collaboration and sustainable growth to drive long-term profitability.
5. Where is Symrise headquartered?Symrise AG is headquartered in Holzminden, Germany, where it also maintains major research and production facilities.
6. How many employees does Symrise have?As of December 31, 2024, Symrise employed 12,718 people worldwide, not including trainees and apprentices.
7. What is Symrise’s dividend proposal for 2024?The Executive Board and Supervisory Board have proposed a dividend of €1.20 per share for the 2024 fiscal year.

Source: Content on FirmsWorld.com is based on publicly available corporate filings, regulatory disclosures, annual reports, SEC 10-K filings, investor relations materials, and, where applicable, direct communications with the company.