What does IFF do, and what are your main operations and sectors?
IFF is an innovation-driven company serving diverse industries, including home and personal care, food, and health sciences. We operate through four core business units, with a fifth, our pharmaceutical excipients business, set to be divested next year. Our first focus is on taste and scent innovation, providing fine fragrances for perfumes, personal care products like shampoos and soaps, as well as household items like laundry detergents, air fresheners, and candles. Our aim is to evoke positive emotions and support mental well-being through scents that enhance the consumer experience.
In health and biosciences, we lead in probiotics for gut health and overall wellness, conducting clinical trials to ensure efficacy and reliability. This unit also supports animal health by reducing the need for antibiotics and provides cultures used in a third of the world's yogurts. Additionally, our enzymes contribute to biofuel production, animal nutrition, and eco-friendly cleaning products that reduce chemical pollution and energy use. Lastly, our food ingredients business complements our flavor offerings, focusing on clean labels, natural products, and plant-based proteins that deliver superior taste and mouthfeel.
How does the wellness trend intersect with IFF’s operations, and how is it shaping your growth strategy?
The wellness trend aligns perfectly with IFF's mission and presents immense growth opportunities. We collaborate with global customers and startups to develop "better-for-you" products that prioritize taste and functionality. Consumers demand healthier options, but they won’t compromise on flavor or texture. For example, we’ve developed solutions that reduce salt content in snacks by up to 25% without affecting taste and natural sweeteners that lower sugar content while maintaining sweetness.
A standout innovation is our enzyme-based solution for milk. It converts lactose into fiber, making the milk suitable for lactose-intolerant consumers while enhancing its health benefits. Similarly, we support the plant-based protein movement, enabling products to match the taste and texture of meat or dairy while offering environmental benefits. Whether in beverages or protein bars, our technology ensures these products meet the growing demand for functional, health-conscious foods without sacrificing enjoyment.
How is IFF incorporating sustainability into its wellness-focused innovations?
Sustainability is integral to IFF’s operations, particularly in creating eco-friendly alternatives to traditional processes. For instance, we’ve revolutionized laundry detergents by replacing petrochemical-based surfactants with enzymes. These enzymes not only clean effectively but also reduce water usage and energy consumption by enabling cold-water washes. The same technology applies to dishwashing, where our enzymes eliminate the need for pre-rinsing, saving water and energy while maintaining performance.
In agriculture, our enzymes improve animal nutrition, allowing livestock to digest food more efficiently. This reduces the need for grain, minimizes greenhouse gas emissions, and decreases the environmental footprint of farming. Additionally, our innovations in plant-based proteins address consumer demand for sustainable alternatives to meat while reducing the carbon impact of food production. By integrating sustainability into every facet of our product development, we contribute to both environmental preservation and consumer wellness.
What is IFF’s vision for its role in wellness and sustainability over the next 15 to 20 years?
Our vision centers on enhancing human health—both physical and mental—while promoting environmental sustainability. In the mental wellness space, we focus on the transformative power of scent. Collaborating with partners like Charlotte Tilbury, we’ve developed fragrances that evoke specific emotions, such as energy or romance, demonstrating how scent can positively influence well-being. Similarly, our natural-based food ingredients improve physical health by offering clean-label, nutrient-rich options that taste great.
We’re also leveraging biotechnology to upcycle waste materials into valuable food ingredients. For example, by repurposing carrot production byproducts, we create natural umami flavors that are healthy and sustainable.
Our goal is to lead in producing great-tasting, functional products that improve lives while protecting the planet.
This holistic approach ensures that IFF remains at the forefront of innovation in wellness and sustainability for decades to come.
How does IFF educate consumers about wellness and its role in their lives?
Wellness is a multifaceted concept encompassing physical health, mental well-being, and feeling good about oneself. At IFF, we strive to educate consumers by showcasing how our products contribute to these aspects holistically. For instance, the role of scent in mental wellness is often underestimated. The emotional impact of fragrances in products like shampoos, body washes, and laundry detergents is significant, even if consumers aren’t consciously aware of it.
We also emphasize transparency and education in food products. By working with customers to develop clean-label options that reduce sugar, salt, and fat without compromising flavor, we help consumers make informed, healthier choices. Additionally, our commitment to sustainability reinforces the broader wellness narrative, showing consumers how their choices positively impact the environment. Through partnerships, innovation, and clear communication, we aim to deepen consumer understanding of wellness and inspire healthier, more sustainable lifestyles.