India reportedly launches probe into Givaudan, Firmenich and IFF over anti-poaching deal claims

By Lynsey Barber | Published: 19-Mar-2026 Featured companies: IFF
Regulatory Fragrance

The country’s competition watchdog is allegedly investigating three giant fragrance houses, related to claims of agreements that could harm workers

India’s competition authority is allegedly investigating fragrance companies Givaudan, Firmenich and International Flavours and Fragrances (IFF) over claims that they struck anti-poaching deals that could harm workers.

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) is said to have launched the investigation in August last year, according to a report by Reuters, citing regulatory documents.

Cosmetics Business has contacted CCI and Givaudan for comment.

IFF said in a statement to Cosmetics Business: “IFF has received requests for information from the Competition Commission of India. 

“The company is fully cooperating with the CCI’s requests and will continue to engage constructively in the legal process.”

DSM-Firmenich (the company formed via the 2023 merger of Firmenich and DSM) declined to provide a comment to Cosmetics Business.

According to Reuters’ report, the watchdog found merit in accusations that the fragrance firms had an understanding not to hire or poach staff from rivals or customers, in India or globally.

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