Latest news with #ErikFyrwald
Business Wire
4 days ago
- Business
- Business Wire
IFF Unveils Game-Changing Outlook on GLP-1 Consumers
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- IFF (NYSE: IFF), a global leader in food, beverage, and health and wellness, has released a new report highlighting how the rapidly growing GLP-1 consumer market is reshaping the sensory experience and nutritional needs associated with eating and drinking. The report outlines how food and beverage manufacturers can better support this emerging consumer segment with products that align with their evolving preferences. 'IFF is empowering our customers to lead the next wave of food and beverage innovations beyond traditional formulations, including helping GLP-1 consumers have choices they desire,' said Erik Fyrwald, IFF CEO. 'We aim to bring back the joy of eating and drinking by offering more healthy, great-tasting nutrition choices for all consumer segments, including GLP-1 users.' Disconnect on three levels Despite the rapid rise in GLP-1 medication use, most food and beverage products fall short of meeting the needs of these consumers—or aligning with how they now experience food. IFF has identified a disconnect on three key levels: Nutritional: GLP-1 users are eating less but require more from every bite and sip. They need nutrient-dense, smaller portions that efficiently deliver protein, fiber and hydration—without overwhelming flavors. Sensory: Eighty-five percent of GLP-1 consumers report significant changes in their food and beverage preferences. Common aversions include fatty foods, sweets, deli meats, coffee and alcohol. Dry, sticky or dense textures are also frequently rejected. Emotional: Many consumers are navigating a changed relationship with food—one that may involve a sense of loss, social disruption and a search for new meaning in nourishment. Understanding the GLP-1 Consumer Personas IFF is in the early stages of exploring GLP-1 consumer segmentation to help brands move beyond a one-size-fits-all approach toward one grounded in empathy, specificity and long-term relevance. The company's latest outlook introduces key consumer personas, which are expected to evolve over time: Health Hacker Holly: Proactive, data-driven and focused on long-term wellness, she views GLP-1 as part of a broader bio-optimization journey. She seeks functional benefits in formats such as protein bars, smoothies and enriched hydration blends, prioritizing high-quality protein, added fiber and digestive support. Remedy Reacher Ron: Often managing chronic conditions such as diabetes, he uses GLP-1 to reclaim his health and sees food as both medicine and maintenance. He looks for fortified snacks and gut-friendly options aligned with medical guidance, favoring meal kits and low-glycemic shakes. Glow Getter Gail: Transformation-minded and focused on lifestyle and self-image, she wants food that aligns with her goals and identity—aspirational yet approachable, with 'glow-up' appeal. She seeks portion-conscious indulgences, beauty-boosting nutrition and enjoyable flavors in formats such as smoothies, functional waters and shareable treats. The outlook also outlines how the food and beverage needs of each GLP-1 persona evolve over time. In the initial treatment phase, consumers need support managing smaller portion sizes and medication side effects. The transitional phase focuses on preventing regression, requiring flexible serving sizes and flavor intensity options that adapt to changing cravings. In the 'forever' phase, consumers seek to sustain their new routines with habit-forming formats for daily use, nutritional fortification and pre-portioned, high-satiety foods. Driving Empathy-Powered Innovation IFF has introduced a comprehensive framework to support food and beverage manufacturers in addressing the complex sensory and nutritional needs of GLP-1 consumers. The framework is designed to guide both the reformulation of existing products and the development of new offerings, tackling challenges such as muscle mass maintenance, satiety, digestive support and sensory preferences. To demonstrate practical applications, IFF has developed a suite of AI-refined, consumer-tested product concepts that show how manufacturers can optimize their portfolios for this rapidly expanding market. For more information, download the 2025 GLP-1 Consumer Opportunity Outlook here to uncover more insights and consumer-tested concepts. Welcome to IFF At IFF (NYSE: IFF), an industry leader in food, beverage, health, biosciences and scent, science and creativity meet to create essential solutions for a better world – from global icons to unexpected innovations and experiences. With the beauty of art and the precision of science, we are an international collective of thinkers who partners with customers to bring scents, tastes, experiences, ingredients and solutions for products the world craves. Together, we will do more good for people and planet. Learn more at X (Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. ©2025 International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. (IFF). IFF, the IFF Logo, and all trademarks and service marks denoted with ™, SM or ® are owned by IFF or affiliates of IFF unless otherwise noted. All Rights Reserved.
The National
23-05-2025
- Business
- The National
Perfume alchemists: inside IFF's new Scent Dubai Creative Centre
A newly launched creative centre in Dubai hopes to significantly boost the future of fragrance design in the Middle East. Within Dubai Science Park, the Scent Dubai Creative Centre is the latest expansion of International Flavours and Fragrances Inc's fragrance facility. More than just a space for perfume creation, it will serve as a hub for innovation, offering educational programmes and inviting visitors to co-create bespoke scents alongside world-class experts and master perfumers. Spanning 2,000 square metres, the centre fuses advanced innovation with the centuries-old tradition of Middle Eastern perfumery. In a region where scent is deeply tied to identity, memory and rituals, IFF's investment sends a message about how the future of fragrance lies in this region. 'The Middle East is a key market for our global growth,' says Erik Fyrwald, chief executive of IFF, a French-founded perfume creation studio that has produced some of the world's most popular scents. 'We have been operating in Dubai for 15 years, so expanding our facilities in this very high-growth market where we already have expertise and experience was a natural decision.' With the Middle Eastern fragrance market projected to reach $7.6 billion by 2034, this expansion is timely. But IFF's move is about more than numbers; it's about proximity to artistry and a deep cultural alignment. This new creative epicentre offers clients direct access to world-class perfumers, semi-industrial production capabilities and a fully immersive perfumery art studio that fosters co-creation. 'It is an attractive location to collaborate even more closely with our customers to deliver leading innovations in fine and consumer fragrance even faster,' Fyrwald adds. The centre features several evaluation booths dedicated to a variety of scent categories – from fine fragrance to home, fabric and beauty care – each outfitted with the latest technologies for olfactory testing and development. A dedicated perfumery academy also supports the next generation of scent designers. The centre also integrates traditional Arab architecture, including a majlis, which will become a space for stories to be told through scent. Few understand this storytelling process better than Jean-Christophe Herault, one of IFF's leading perfumers. Known for his bold, expressive creations, Herault sees fragrance in the Middle East as a way of life. 'The Middle East has a rich and storied tradition of fragrance that dates back centuries,' he says. 'Fragrances here are not just about personal scent, they are also used in rituals and celebrations.' Herault explains how visiting Dubai allows IFF perfumers to engage more deeply with local culture, resulting in scents that are culturally resonant. 'Fragrances that resonate more deeply with the local audience and innovate in ways that are culturally relevant' are now within reach. But he admits that creativity does not come without challenges. 'One of the biggest challenges is balancing creativity with sustainability. Ensuring that our creations are innovative and sustainable requires ongoing research into alternative, eco-friendly ingredients.' IFF's Dubai space also connects seamlessly with its global creative network. The new art studio is a local expression of the brand's Atelier du Parfumeur in Grasse, as well as its Shanghai studio, bringing together East and West in a single collaborative space. The centres act as creative hubs where perfumery artists from around the world can demonstrate their skills alongside regional talent. Many of the company's master perfumers were in Dubai for the opening of the centre and are expected to visit the space regularly moving forward. Veteran IFF master perfumer Pascal Gaurin, who has created perfumes including Giorgio Armani's My Way and Tom Ford's Amber Intrigue, likens scent creation to songwriting. 'I design fragrance pretty much the same way you build a song,' he shares. 'A story, a memorable riff to get your attention in the first few seconds and a catchy chorus to remember.' For Gaurin, this new space is a blank canvas of sensory potential. 'The fragrances I design are not about me… my name is not on the bottle. Brands come to me to access skills and a signature I acquired over 30 years and ask me to translate their story olfactively.' Where does he find inspiration? 'Daydreaming,' he says, 'and new captive molecules developed at IFF'. He also highlights IFF's natural division based in Grasse: 'We have a new collection of incredible citruses … bringing a lot of added value to our existing palette.' Yet for all the innovation, Gaurin reminds us that true fragrance icons are not made overnight. 'What makes a fragrance icon? Time is the ultimate judge.' IFF's Scent Dubai Creative Centre offers a vision of fragrance as a collaborative art form. 'Perfumery is in our DNA,' says Fyrwald. 'We've played a significant role in many industry-leading innovations since our company was founded more than 135 years ago. That is what enables IFF to continue creating alongside our customers to bring products to market that meet consumers' rapidly evolving needs, but also in a way that's good for people and the planet.'
The National
22-05-2025
- Business
- The National
The perfume alchemists: A look inside IFF's new Scent Dubai Creative Centre
A newly launched creative centre in Dubai hopes to significantly boost the future of fragrance design in the Middle East. Located within Dubai Science Park, the Scent Dubai Creative Centre is the latest expansion of International Flavours & Fragrances Inc's fragrance facility. More than just a space for perfume creation, it will serve as a hub for innovation, offering educational programmes and inviting visitors to co-create bespoke scents alongside world-class experts and master perfumers. Spanning 2,000 square meters, the state-of-the-art centre fuses advanced innovation with the centuries-old tradition of Middle Eastern perfumery. In a region where scent is deeply tied to identity, memory and rituals, IFF's investment sends a message about how the future of fragrance lies in this region. 'The Middle East is a key market for our global growth,' says Erik Fyrwald, chief executive of IFF, a French-founded perfume creation studio that has produced some of the world's most popular scents. 'We have been operating in Dubai for 15 years, so expanding our facilities in this very high-growth market where we already have expertise and experience was a natural decision.' With the Middle Eastern fragrance market projected to reach $7.6 billion by 2034, this expansion is quite timely. But IFF's move is about more than numbers; it's about proximity to artistry and a deep cultural alignment. This new creative epicentre offers clients direct access to world-class perfumers, semi-industrial production capabilities and a fully immersive perfumery art studio that fosters co-creation. 'It is an attractive location to collaborate even more closely with our customers to deliver leading innovations in fine and consumer fragrance even faster,' Fyrwald adds. The centre features several evaluation booths dedicated to a variety of scent categories – from fine fragrance to home, fabric and beauty care – each outfitted with the latest technologies for olfactory testing and development. A dedicated perfumery academy also supports the next generation of scent designers. The centre also integrates traditional Arab architecture, including a majlis, which will become a space for stories to be told through scent. Few understand this storytelling process better than Jean-Christophe Herault, one of IFF's leading perfumers. Known for his bold, expressive creations, Herault sees fragrance in the Middle East as a way of life. 'The Middle East has a rich and storied tradition of fragrance that dates back centuries,' he says. 'Fragrances here are not just about personal scent, they are also used in rituals and celebrations.' Herault explains how visiting Dubai allows IFF perfumers to engage more deeply with local culture, resulting in scents that are culturally resonant. 'Fragrances that resonate more deeply with the local audience and innovate in ways that are culturally relevant' are now within reach. But he admits that creativity does not come without challenges. 'One of the biggest challenges is balancing creativity with sustainability. Ensuring that our creations are both innovative and sustainable requires ongoing research into alternative, eco-friendly ingredients.' IFF's Dubai space also connects seamlessly with its global creative network. The new art studio is a local expression of the brand's Atelier du Parfumeur in Grasse, as well as its Shanghai studio, bringing together East and West in a single collaborative space. The centres act as creative hubs where perfumery artists from around the world can demonstrate their skills alongside regional talent. Many of the company's master perfumers were in Dubai for the opening of the centre and are expected to visit the space regularly moving forward. Veteran IFF master perfumer Pascal Gaurin, who has created perfumes including Giorgio Armani's My Way and Tom Ford's Amber Intrigue, likens scent creation to songwriting. 'I design fragrance pretty much the same way you build a song,' he shares. 'A story, a memorable riff to get your attention in the first few seconds and a catchy chorus to remember.' For Gaurin, this new space is a blank canvas of sensory potential. 'The fragrances I design are not about me… my name is not on the bottle. Brands come to me to access skills and a signature I acquired over 30 years and ask me to translate their story olfactively.' Where does he find inspiration? 'Daydreaming,' he says, 'and new captive molecules developed at IFF'. He also highlights IFF's natural division based in Grasse: 'We have a new collection of incredible citruses…bringing a lot of added value to our existing palette.' Yet for all the innovation, Gaurin reminds us that true fragrance icons are not made overnight. 'What makes a fragrance icon? Time is the ultimate judge.' IFF's Scent Dubai Creative Centre offers a vision of fragrance as a collaborative art form. 'Perfumery is in our DNA,' says Fyrwald. 'We've played a significant role in many industry-leading innovations since our company was founded more than 135 years ago. That is what enables IFF to continue creating alongside our customers to bring products to market that meet consumers' rapidly evolving needs, but also in a way that's good for people and the planet.'
Fibre2Fashion
12-05-2025
- Business
- Fibre2Fashion
IFF sells German nitrocellulose business to Czechoslovak Group
IFF (NYSE: IFF) announced that it has completed the divestiture of its nitrocellulose business, including Walsrode Industrial Park in lower Saxony, Germany, to Czechoslovak Group (CSG). The business manufactures nitrocellulose strictly for industrial purposes, serving customers primarily in coatings and printing inks, and had been part of IFF's Pharma Solutions business unit. International Flavors & Fragrances (IFF) has completed the sale of its nitrocellulose business, including the Walsrode Industrial Park in Germany, to Czechoslovak Group (CSG). The unit, part of IFF's Pharma Solutions, served coatings and printing inks sectors. CEO Erik Fyrwald said the move supports IFF's deleveraging strategy and focus on core operations. 'The divestiture of our nitrocellulose business builds upon our deleveraging journey and enables us to focus on our core businesses,' said Erik Fyrwald, IFF CEO. 'I'd like to thank our nitrocellulose colleagues for their dedication and wish them continued success as part of CSG.' Note: The headline, insights, and image of this press release may have been refined by the Fibre2Fashion staff; the rest of the content remains unchanged. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (HU)
Business Wire
09-05-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
IFF Completes Divestiture of Nitrocellulose Business
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- IFF (NYSE: IFF) today announced that it has completed the divestiture of its nitrocellulose business, including Walsrode Industrial Park in lower Saxony, Germany, to Czechoslovak Group (CSG). The business manufactures nitrocellulose strictly for industrial purposes, serving customers primarily in coatings and printing inks, and had been part of IFF's Pharma Solutions business unit. 'The divestiture of our nitrocellulose business builds upon our deleveraging journey and enables us to focus on our core businesses,' said Erik Fyrwald, IFF CEO. 'I'd like to thank our nitrocellulose colleagues for their dedication and wish them continued success as part of CSG.' Welcome to IFF At IFF (NYSE: IFF), we make joy through science, creativity and heart. As the global leader in flavors, fragrances, food ingredients, health and biosciences, we deliver groundbreaking, sustainable innovations that elevate everyday products—advancing wellness, delighting the senses and enhancing the human experience. Learn more at LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook. © 2025 by International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. IFF is a Registered Trademark. All Rights Reserved.
