International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. (IFF), headquartered in New York City, has inaugurated its expanded LMR Naturals facility in Grasse following a €10 million investment. The project increases the site’s size by 75 percent to 4,687 square meters and includes a modern pilot hall aimed at accelerating the creation of new natural ingredients. In addition, a newly completed experimental field near the site will provide direct access to plant materials, supporting deeper research into botanical potential and enabling faster innovation. More than 30 research and development experts are now working together under one roof, strengthening IFF’s ability to respond to rising global demand for sustainable, traceable, and high-quality naturals.

IFF CEO Erik Fyrwald said: “LMR Naturals is a strategic asset in IFF’s portfolio, and this expansion underscores our commitment to shaping the future of natural ingredients. By deepening our roots in Grasse — the global center of excellence for natural ingredients — we’re scaling innovation that empowers perfumers and flavorists worldwide to deliver high-performing, exceptional and sustainable signatures consumers trust.”

LMR Naturals, established in 1983 by Monique Remy and acquired by IFF in 2000, specializes in sustainably sourced and produced natural ingredients. Its offerings support perfumers across fine perfumery, cosmetics, fabric care, home care, beauty, and taste applications. The site has become a benchmark in combining innovation with tradition, allowing perfumers and scientists to create unique, environmentally responsible formulations.

Sabrya Meflah, president of IFF’s fine fragrance segment, highlighted: “LMR’s ability to fuse tradition with cutting-edge innovation is unmatched. This expansion is more than bricks and mortar—it’s a launchpad for the next generation of naturals that will shape the future of fine perfumery, with applications across all IFF businesses. Our footprint in Grasse now enables a seamless transition from seed to bottle, with our Atelier du Parfumeur just steps away.”

The site’s general manager, Bertrand de Preville, also underlined the company’s sustainability objectives: “With a newly expanded site now fully operational, we intend to launch four to six new products each year, with sustainability at the heart of our approach — reflected in our dual certifications, For Life and Zero Waste to Landfill, and a waste valorization rate of at least 98 percent.”

Since 2020, LMR Naturals has launched 23 new ingredients, earning recognition with seven CosmetiqueMag awards and acknowledgment from the Organic Monitor Sustainable Beauty Awards. Currently, the facility processes around 85,000 tons of biomass annually, producing 2,000 tons of extracts and offering more than 850 ingredients across 130 botanical families.

With this expansion, IFF reinforces its strategic investment in the Grasse region. The site now employs more than 230 people and further establishes Grasse as a global hub for natural ingredient innovation and excellence, aligning tradition, sustainability, and cutting-edge technology in one location.