Yesterday, Symrise AG, a leading global supplier of fragrances, flavors, and functional ingredients, has reported a resilient performance in the first half of 2025, underpinned by the continued execution of its ONE SYM Transformation strategy. Despite a persistently challenging global environment, the company achieved above-market organic sales growth and delivered a notable improvement in profitability through a sharpened focus on high-margin offerings and disciplined cost management.
For the first six months of 2025, Symrise posted organic sales growth of 3.1%. Including portfolio and exchange rate effects totaling €91 million, reported revenue reached €2,554 million. This growth was supported by a robust pipeline of projects with key customers across strategic markets, offsetting tough prior-year comparables.
Commenting on the results, Jean-Yves Parisot, CEO of Symrise AG, stated: “Over the past year, we have successfully laid the groundwork of our multi-year ONE SYM Transformation and are now firmly entering the next phase of our journey. Building on the Design & Implementation phase, our focus is now on Activation to drive operational excellence, profitable growth, and shareholder value. While our Transformation is starting to gain momentum, as evidenced by our strong profitability performance, we are observing a shift in global market demand, with heightened consumer caution across certain sectors.”
In light of evolving market dynamics, Symrise has moderated its full-year organic sales growth guidance to 3–5%, down from the previous range of 5–7%. Simultaneously, the company has raised its EBITDA margin target to approximately 21.5% (from around 21%) and introduced a recurring cost savings target of €40 million for 2025, of which €20 million was already achieved in H1.
The Scent & Care segment recorded organic growth of 2.9%, though reported revenue declined slightly to €989 million due to portfolio and currency effects (H1 2024: €993 million). The Fragrance division showed robust organic growth across all application areas, with double-digit gains in Fine Fragrances and solid single-digit growth in Consumer Fragrances and Oral Care. Aroma Molecules posted single-digit growth led by strong demand in the USA, India, and Mexico. Cosmetic Ingredients saw lower sales, impacted by high prior-year comparables in sun protection.
Segment EBITDA rose to €190 million, up €8 million year-on-year, with the EBITDA margin improving to 19.2%, an increase of 90 basis points.
Regionally, EAME remained the largest contributor with revenue of €1,048 million (41% of group sales). North America followed with €629 million (24.6%). Asia/Pacific contributed €536 million (21%). Latin America accounted for €341 million (13.3%).
