Firmenich
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Firmenich SA is a family run business. It deals in fragrances and flavors and is a major worldwide chemical manufacturer. Their fragrances and flavors are generally used in perfumes, cosmetics, beverages, food, and other household products. Worldwide, Firmenich currently employs approximately 4,500 people at 46 locations.
The company was founded as "Chuit & Naef" in 1895 in Geneva, Switzerland, by chemist Philippe Chuit and businessman Martin Naef. Fred Firmenich joined in 1900 and later the majority partner. The company was eventually renamed Firmenich SA. Its current CEO is Patrick Firmenich.
Originally a fragrance company, Firmenich first branched into the flavor business by creating a raspberry substitute in 1938, followed by creations of citrus and strawberry flavors. Multiple other flavors followed in the booming field of flavor synthesis, spurred by the developing trend of companies worldwide selling processed foods and preserved foods. Since then, Firmenich has become a world leader in the creation and sales of natural and artificial food flavors.
In 1939, Firmenich director of research and development Leopold Ruzicka was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry.
External links
- Official site (http://www.firmenich.com)
- Food Business Review online (http://www.food-business-review.com/companyprofile.asp?guid=8F8B34A6-41DE-41C7-97BB-FA0AA11BD6DF&alpha=f) review of Firmenich SA.