The expansion of the LMR Naturals facility in Grasse, France, enhances innovation, capacity, and sustainability, a strategic move to meet the rising global demand for traceable and eco-friendly natural ingredients.
In a significant move to strengthen its position at the forefront of the natural ingredients market, International Flavors & Fragrances (IFF) has officially inaugurated its expanded LMR Naturals site in Grasse, France. The €10 million investment marks a major commitment to innovation and sustainability in the heart of the world's perfume capital.
The expansion, which increases the facility's footprint by 75% to 4,687 square meters, is designed to be a launchpad for the next generation of natural ingredients. A key feature of the upgraded site is a new state-of-the-art pilot hall, which will significantly accelerate the development and prototyping of new botanical extracts. The facility also now includes a dedicated experimental field nearby, providing IFF's researchers with direct access to plant materials and enabling a seamless transition from "seed to bottle." This vertical integration and streamlined process are critical for meeting the growing consumer demand for transparency and traceability in products.
"LMR Naturals is a strategic asset in IFF’s portfolio, and this expansion underscores our commitment to shaping the future of natural ingredients," said IFF CEO Erik Fyrwald. "By deepening our roots in Grasse, we’re scaling innovation that empowers perfumers and flavorists worldwide to deliver high-performing, exceptional and sustainable signatures consumers trust."
The upgraded site now houses more than 30 research and development experts under one roof, fostering collaboration and enhancing IFF's ability to innovate at a faster pace. The LMR Naturals team, which has already introduced 23 new ingredients since 2020, plans to launch an additional four to six new products each year. This aggressive pipeline is fueled by a strong focus on sustainability, with the facility boasting certifications such as "For Life" and "Zero Waste to Landfill," and a waste valorization rate of at least 98%.
LMR Naturals, founded by Monique Remy in 1983 and acquired by IFF in 2000, has a long-standing reputation for revealing the purity of natural ingredients while respecting the environment and sourcing partners. The team currently processes 85,000 tons of biomass annually, producing 2,000 tons of extracts and offering a portfolio of more than 850 ingredients from 130 botanical families.
IFF’s portfolio includes a diverse portfolio of specialty ingredients for the food and beverage, health, and beauty industries. They produce texturants and hydrocolloids like GRINDSTED® Gellan and GRINDSTED® Xanthan Gum, which are used as gelling and thickening agents.
