Swiss flavours and fragrances specialist, Firmenich has announced an 8.7% rise in sales for the fiscal year ended June 2006, taking the firm’s annual turnover to CHF 2,308m. The results have pushed the company into the number one slot for perfume and ingredients, and has strengthened its overall position among the top three fragrance and flavour companies in the industry.
Performance has been particularly strong in North America, Asia Pacific and Eastern Europe according to the company and R&D investment has remained a strong part of investment in these regions. Just over 10% of sales were ploughed into R&D, which has enabled Firmenich to file over 30 new patents.
Other strong performances were registered in the company’s home and body care divisions, which notched up double digit growth. Shampoos, body lotions and soaps saw particularly strong growth.
In other news, Firmenich has announced the election of Yves Boisdron and Vernon Sankey to its board of directors. Boisdron, previously of Rhodia and ex-Reckitt Benckiser ceo Sankey were elected after the departure of Heinz Impof and Pierre-Yves Firmenich. Firmenich retired after 36 years with the company.