Symrise receives organic certification in the U.S.

Symrise has been awarded USDA Organic Certification from the National Organic Program (NOP), in accordance with U.S. Department of Agriculture standards. Certification allows Symrise to expand its sustainable fragrances business on the growing American market.

Production of the first three organic fragrances will begin as early as March 2009 at the two certified production sites in Teterboro and Branchburg (both in New Jersey). The green-and-white “USDA Organic” label is well-known on the American market and certifies raw materials, both in terms of the farming method used and the way in which the ingredients are processed. Requirements include, among others, fertilizer and pesticide-free farming methods, conservative use of water and sustainable soil management.

As the world’s fourth largest producer of fragrances and flavorings, Symrise has been expanding its presence on the American market for organic cosmetic and fragrance ingredients. Last year, the company acquired U.S.-based Manheimer Fragrances, a manufacturer whose specialties included certified natural, organic and fair-trade fragrances. The company was the first fragrance supplier worldwide to receive organic and fair-trade certification. Symrise also works with the Bayliss Ranch company of California, and in 2008 became the exclusive distributor for AllPlant Essence®, a series of water-soluble,100% organic plant extracts.

“Organic fragrances and cosmetics constitute a relatively young market in the U.S.,” says Roberto Ascoli, Senior Vice President Scent & Care Division Creation & Innovation at Symrise, describing the significance of U.S. certification. “We see tremendous opportunities for growth here. Our clients and their consumers have become much more selective in their choices. Care for the environment is a growing priority. This certification is an important milestone for Symrise and those of its clients that aim to manufacture certified organic perfumes and other cosmetics for the American market.”

According to Achim Daub, Global President Scent & Care at Symrise, the demand for natural and organic ingredients will continue to grow in the future:  “Today’s consumers make conscious, responsible purchases and are buying more and more products made from natural, sustainable raw materials. As a global company, though, the issue of environmental sustainability plays an important role for us, regardless of how the market develops. U.S. certification lets us do more than just guarantee high quality for our customers – it also allows us to take responsibility for the resources that go into our products.”

About Symrise
Symrise is a global supplier of fragrances and flavorings while also manufacturing raw materials and active ingredients for the perfume, cosmetics and food industries.
Its sales of €1.32 billion in 2008 place the company among the top four in the international flavors and fragrances market. Headquartered in Holzminden, Germany, Symrise is represented in over 35 countries in Europe, Asia, the United States and South America.
Used by manufacturers of perfumes, cosmetics and foods, our innovative products are an inseparable part of daily life. At Symrise we combine an awareness of consumer trends with cutting-edge technologies, focusing on innovative fashion and lifestyle products that have additional practical value for the consumer. Symrise – always inspiring more…
www.symrise.com

For further information please contact:
Ansgar Vaut, red roses communications, Tel. ++49 (0) 40-4696770-40, e-mail: a.vaut@redroses-pr.com

---