DSM-Firmenich’s grand unification infused with the future of fragrances

09 May 2023 --- The highly anticipated merger between DSM and fragrance giant Firmenich has been realized, ushering in a new era of innovation. One of its four highest-performing segments, perfumery and beauty, holds the potential for exciting developments in the personal care segment.

The new Swiss-Dutch company DSM-Firmenich has been organized into four distinct high-performing businesses; Perfumery & Beauty; Taste, Texture & Health; Health, Nutrition & Care and Animal Nutrition & Health.

It is listed on Euronext Amsterdam, with operations in roughly 60 countries and revenues of more than €12 billion (US$13.2 billion). The new brand reflects the company’s purpose and values and expresses a shared identity.  

In its latest financial overview, Firmenich reported continued momentum, with a revenue generation of CHF 1.23 billion (US$1.4 billion).

The legacies of both companies will be honored through the merger.Mid-2022, Royal DSM began cosmetics customer sampling for its fully bio-based vitamin A, an initial step before the commercial-scale production and full launch in 2023. 

From natural to biotech fragrance
Perfumery & Beauty creates fragrances using the most extensive palette of natural, synthetic and biotech ingredients. Chinese-born Steve Guo is one of the company’s top perfumers and uses tradition based on ancient remedies as inspiration for the fragrances he creates.  

“We honor the legacy of DSM and Firmenich by taking the best of both companies in creating a fresh, new identity. It’s lively. It’s vibrant. It’s led by our purpose,” says Geraldine Matchett, co-CEO at DSM-Firmenich. 

One of the largest data-driven innovation communities in beauty, nutrition and health has been created through the merger incorporating several decades of research and science. DSM-Firmenich positions itself as the one to watch in the reinvention, manufacturing and infusion of fragrances, nutrients and flavors.

In other industry developments, DSM’s skin care peptide Syn-Up has been approved as a New Cosmetic Ingredient in China under the country’s new cosmetic legislation. It can be used freely in skin care formulations. The ingredient is designed to combat skin dryness and redness by interacting with the microbiome.

The objective is to become future-proof and keep innovating and growing,” Emma Peyrachon, EMEA marketing manager at DSM Nutritional Products, tells us live from the Vitafoods Europe trade show.

“We are looking forward to working together to offer innovative solutions to our customers and valorize the products that will make us a unique company.

Edited by Inga de Jong