Strategy

Our business is about creating unique experiences that enhance consumers’ lives—a mission we are proud to undertake. Through penetrating consumer insight, cutting-edge research and development, and creative expertise, we strive for growth that is both profitable and sustainable, by delivering superior flavor and fragrance solutions to our customers. With the passion and commitment of our talented workforce, and a diverse portfolio of products across many geographies, we are well-positioned to create value for our customers, our employees, and our shareholders. To do so, we are focusing on leveraging our geographic reach, strengthening our innovation platform, and maximizing our portfolio.

 

Leverage Our Geographic Reach

As population growth and wealth creation in the emerging markets continue to increase, our geographic portfolio has not only laid the foundation for our success, it is a driving force in our aspirations as a global growth company. In these key markets, strong GDP growth and a significant expansion of the middle-class consumer are expanding demand for better-flavored and fragranced consumer products. As a result, these markets are growing broadly at a high single-digit rate, significantly faster than the developed markets. With over 75 percent of our 2010 sales flowing from outside the United States, and 44 percent from these key emerging markets, we are well-positioned to capture future growth.

 

Strengthen Our Innovation Platform

At IFF, we believe our ability to deliver superior innovation is our greatest opportunity as a company going forward. Innovation is instrumental in driving new business, as it is an integral part of our customers’ brands. For that reason, our innovative products and delivery systems are highly valued by our customers. Our extensive portfolio of health and wellness solutions is just one example of how we are using innovation to increase our penetration in the developed markets to capitalize on the fastest growing categories.

 

Starting from a position of strength, we devote substantial resources to discovering and developing new molecules, natural ingredients, and delivery systems. Going forward, we are committed to deepening our research and development investments to further enliven IFF’s portfolio for our customers and the consumers they serve.

 

Maximize Our Portfolio

We recently worked hard to refine our strategies and business model by conducting an in-depth assessment of our regions, categories, and customers. Like most businesses, we are able to identify opportunities where we can accelerate our performance by further leveraging our advantaged portfolio and improving those areas that are underperforming. Moving forward, as we maximize our portfolio, we will be in a stronger position to help grow our customers’ brands and deliver greater financial returns for our shareholders.