IFF has unveiled a significant expansion of its LMR Naturals site in Grasse, France, reinforcing its leadership in natural fragrance ingredients. The EUR 10 million (USD 11.6 million) investment increases the site’s footprint by 75% and introduces a state-of-the-art pilot hall, alongside an experimental field dedicated to plant research. The upgraded facilities bring together 30 research and development experts, enhancing IFF’s ability to meet growing global demand for traceable, sustainable, and high-quality naturals.
Founded in 1983 by Monique Rémy, LMR Naturals played a pivotal role in reviving Grasse’s fragrance heritage by prioritizing authentic, high-quality naturals over diluted or imported alternatives. Rémy’s direct partnerships with perfumers — including Dominique Ropion and Anne Flipo, both of whom later joined IFF — cemented the company’s reputation as a pioneer. IFF acquired LMR in the early 2000s, recognizing its unique value to the perfumery world.
The latest expansion, inaugurated recently in the presence of IFF executives and Grasse officials, equips LMR with cutting-edge extraction technologies. The pilot plant integrates multiple techniques, from classic and vacuum distillation to supercritical CO₂, microwave, ultrasound, and solvent extraction, allowing small-scale experimentation to be seamlessly adapted to industrial scale.
“The tools provided by IFF allow LMR to see bigger,” said Judith Gross, VP Scent Communication & Branding at IFF. This new capability not only accelerates innovation but also supports the creation of sustainable, differentiated ingredients for IFF perfumers — securing Grasse’s place at the forefront of modern fragrance development.
