IFF Agrees to Divest Soy and Lecithin Operations to Bunge

International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. (IFF), headquartered in New York City, has officially announced the planned sale of its soy crush, soy concentrates, and lecithin business to Bunge Global S.A., a Geneva-based global agribusiness and food company. The move was disclosed as part of IFF’s second quarter financial results and reflects a broader initiative by the company to streamline operations and optimize its business portfolio.

According to IFF, a definitive agreement has already been signed with Bunge, with the transaction expected to be finalized by the end of 2025, pending customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals. The business unit in question—which includes soy processing and lecithin manufacturing operations—recorded approximately $240 million in revenue in 2024 and currently employs around 250 professionals across its global facilities. These assets will now be integrated into Bunge’s existing operations, further reinforcing Bunge’s strategic presence in the plant-based ingredients and oilseeds sector.

This divestiture marks a significant step in IFF’s ongoing transformation and strategic reorganization. The company emphasized that this transaction aligns with its broader goal of refining its business portfolio by focusing on high-value, core segments while divesting non-core or lower-margin operations. Specifically, the sale supports IFF’s evaluation of strategic alternatives for its Food Ingredients division, signaling a potential reshaping of its future business model with the intention to unlock value for shareholders.

IFF did not disclose the financial details of the deal. However, the sale is expected to contribute positively to IFF’s efforts to enhance capital allocation, reduce complexity in its operating structure, and drive long-term growth through a more focused approach. By offloading assets that no longer align with its strategic objectives, IFF aims to concentrate on innovation-led businesses in the flavors, fragrances, and health-related markets.

This latest divestment follows an earlier move by IFF in 2025, when the company sold its Nitrocellulose business. That transaction, similar to the current one, reflected IFF’s commitment to realigning its portfolio and sharpening its focus on core capabilities. The series of asset sales indicates a continued momentum in IFF’s restructuring efforts as it seeks to enhance profitability and market responsiveness in a rapidly evolving global food and consumer products industry.

For Bunge, acquiring IFF’s soy and lecithin business will expand its footprint in the plant-based ingredients segment and strengthen its vertical integration in the food value chain. This acquisition is expected to support Bunge’s strategy to meet rising demand for natural emulsifiers and protein-rich products globally.